HURRICANE IRMA | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Parrish Medical Center (PMC) initiated hurricane preparedness procedures well in advance of Hurricane Irma’s approach to Brevard County, and the hospital’s emergency response plan is now fully in effect with Brevard County’s announcement of mandatory evacuations; school and government office closings; and the planned opening of hurricane shelters. Following are frequently asked questions and answers. This list will be updated regularly and posted on the hospital’s Internet at www.parrishmed.com.

Q. Is the hospital a shelter?
A. No. Families and pets cannot be sheltered at the hospital. The medical center’s resources during an emergency, such as a hurricane, are dedicated to the care and treatment of the very sick or injured.

Q. Is PMC a special needs center?
A. We work closely with the County, who coordinates placement into a special needs center. We will only receive patients who are already on the County’s list. Individuals not currently registered with County, but requiring special needs during a time of emergency should contact the Brevard County Office of Emergency Management at 637-6670 for more information.

Q. Will the hospital evacuate?
A. No. The hospital will stay operational during the storm. The building is constructed to code and is equipped with backup generators and supplies to remain fully operational for up to two weeks after a storm.

Q. Has the hospital canceled surgeries or any diagnostic testing?
A. Elective surgeries are postponed until the Brevard County Emergency Management says that the storm danger has passed. Per our Hurricane preparedness protocols, elective surgeries/procedures are canceled upon the County issuing a Hurricane warning for the area. Patients that can safely be sent home will be discharged. Anyone with an elective surgery/procedure scheduled will be notified of cancellations.

Q. What outpatient services/facilities are closing as a result of the Hurricane?
A. For the safety of patients, their families, and care partners (employees, medical staff, volunteers), the following Parrish outpatient/non-hospital services and sites have closed until it is safe for them to reopen (approximately 8 hours after the storm has passed unless otherwise notified):

• The Children’s Center, Titusville, FL
• Parrish Health & Fitness Center (closing at 5 p.m., today, Friday, Sept. 8)
• Parrish Healthcare Centers (all locations)
• Parrish Medical Group (all offices)
• Parrish Medical Group Diagnostics/MedFast Urgent Care – Target Shopping Plaza
• Parrish Home Health
• Parrish Medical Office Building – Port St. John
• Diabetes Education
• Parrish Senior Consultation Center/Solutions
• Parrish Cancer Center

Brevard County residents served by PMC at the above referenced locations have been notified. Additionally, residents will be kept informed of hurricane-related hospital developments through PMC’s website, posts on PMC’s Facebook page, Twitter, news releases to the media, and signage at office entrances.