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4 Harris County Physician Newsletter %u2022 May 2025 %u2022 www.hcms.orgHCMS Women Physicians Section - Upcoming event The HCMS Women Physicians Section is hosting its next event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at SheSpace in the Lower Heights. Join us for a relaxing and inspiring evening of connection and camaraderie, including an ethics CME panel presentation %u201cDoctoring While Female: Succeeding in Medicine During Life%u2019s Seasons - Selecting a Practice Setting.%u201d Our panelists include Drs. Carla Braxton, Kimberly Monday, and Stacey Norrell. Register at www.hcms.org/AnnualEvents. For more information, contact LaCoya Boone at lacoya_boone@hcms.org or 713-524-4267 ext. 224.Be prepared for the next disasterWith hurricane season fast approaching, the tropical weather and research team at Colorado State University estimates that this year could bring 17 storms, including nine hurricanes %u2014 making preparation more crucial than ever. As we enter this season in Houston, it%u2019s essential for physicians to be ready for whatever may come.To assist you, HCMS has prepared a brochure with valuable information and contacts to help physicians and their patients prepare for a hurricane or other major disasters. It includes guidance on developing a disaster plan for your practice, assembling a disaster supply kit, creating an evacuation plan, and securing your practice.Here are some key points to consider as you develop your plan:Identify Potential Risks: Assess the risks that may affect your office and its surroundings, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, power outages, or civil unrest.Develop a Disaster Plan: Create a comprehensive plan outlining specific actions to take before, during, and after a disaster. This should include procedures for evacuating patients and staff, communicating with emergency services, ensuring backup power sources, and relocating critical medical equipment and supplies.Educate and Train Staff: Ensure all staff understand the disaster plan and their roles and responsibilities. Conduct regular drills and training sessions to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.Secure Critical Data: Back up all important patient data and medical records in a secure location, such as a cloud-based server or an off-site storage facility.Stockpile Emergency Supplies: Gather essential emergency supplies, including food, water, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE), to ensure your office can operate for several days without external support.Secure the Office: Install hurricane shutters or board up windows, secure doors and entrances, and move outdoor equipment and furniture indoors.Stay Informed: Monitor weather and emergency alerts and stay updated on the latest news and information from local authorities.For more details, review the disaster preparedness brochure at www.hcms.org/disasterpreparedness.