There will be a Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 9th at 1:30pm. In case of bad weather that day, the alternate date will be March 11^th.  Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world; however, these destructive forces of nature are found most frequently in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains during the spring and summer months. In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. A tornado is defined as a violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.

When the conditions are present that may threaten the safety of patients, visitors and staff who are located at our hospital, clinics, and offices we will implement our plan.

Communication is Key!

Boone Hospital has established means of communication to staff, patients and visitors of an impending storm. The conditions will be identified through the monitoring by National Weather Service, Telecommunications maintains a NOAA weather radio that is monitored and will activate in the event of severe weather conditions.

The National Weather Service will typically issue two types of alerts. One is a Severe Weather WATCH. This indicates that conditions are right for bad weather, high winds, etc., to develop. The other alert is a Severe Weather WARNING. This indicates that severe weather of some kind has been sighted in specific vicinity. The National Weather Service will normally identify the area affected by these alerts, i.e., Boone County, Howard County, Macon County, etc...

Why Participate in Severe Weather Drills?

It is a good idea to conduct a drill of our Severe Weather Plan on an annual basis. Boone Hospital has chosen to participate in the Statewide Annual Severe Weather drill in March as part of Severe Weather Week. This is also an opportunity to coordinate in a community activity. We hope to use the drill as an educational opportunity and make sure all staff are aware their part in a real emergency.

What actions are needed?

Each department may have specific actions to take in the event of Severe Weather. More specific actions may be necessary depending on the setting, so take this opportunity to review department procedures as well in your RED HELP manual.

There will be a blood drive held to support the Community Blood Center.

Tuesday, March 16 from 10am-4pm on the Bridge over Broadway.

Boone Talk is now available through the Daily as a PDF for online viewing or download.

View the February 2010 Boone Talk

Remember to check the Daily each month for a new edition of Boone Talk.

You may have noticed the 22-foot-long, 600-pound steel beam that recently arrived in the main lobby.

The beam is there to celebrate the progress being made on the patient tower construction. We now invite all staff, physicians, patients, visitors and anyone else to make their mark on this steal beam, which is destined to be the top piece of the new building.  You will be able to tell everyone that you are a part of the structure of Boone Hospital Center, in more ways than one!

When you have a moment, please come down and sign your name on the beam and write a note on our theme, “Tell us why you love Boone.” The beam will be available in the lobby for a couple weeks for signing. 

In Mid-March, we will host a “topping off’ media event where the beam will be hoisted and installed at the top of the new tower.

We hope that every valued Boone Hospital staff member will sign your name on this beam and tell everyone why you love Boone,

Michelle Zvanut