Colleague News

VISITORS

Current visitation limits of one visitor per patient at a time will remain in place until Monday, Sept. 30. All visitors must check-in through the Information Desk. End-of-life situations will be addressed as needed. 

Hurricane Helene Update, Friday, Sept. 27, Noon

To ensure we have the resources needed to care for our patients and colleagues while we work to return to normal operations, we will keep the current visitation limit to one visitor per patient until further notice. We thank all our colleagues for your support and commitment during this time and always.

CHILDCARE

Childcare services in the TMH Auditorium will close at 12:30 pm today. 
 

STORM ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEAGUES

Colleagues may apply for hurricane related hardship assistance from the fund using the assistance request application.  Assistance may be granted in the form of cash, gift cards, food gift certificates or payment directly to a vendor/payee (ex: electric company, mortgage company, etc.). Assistance can be requested related to damage/repairs to home or damage/repairs to a vehicle. Assistance requests will be reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. Colleagues wishing to donate PTO/PLT or monetary donations via payroll deduction can complete the forms below. Colleagues can also submit a request for LTS to PLTO/PLT or PTO/PLT Pool Request. These forms can be found on SPARK.
 

VISITORS

Current visitation limits of one visitor per patient at a time will remain in place until further notice. All visitors must check-in through the Information Desk. End-of-life situations will be addressed as needed. 

Hurricane Helene Update, Friday, Sept. 27, 9 AM

THANK YOU

We can’t thank our colleagues enough for their dedication and support during Hurricane Helene. The stories of your engagement with our patients and with each other are already pouring in. Challenging times like these showcase our fortitude and resilience and we are deeply grateful.

CODE GREEN ALERT

Fortunately, Leon County has seen minimal damage from the hurricane, and we feel comfortable transitioning to normal operations. We will be downgrading to a Code Green to a Code Green Alert effectively immediately.

ALPHA/BRAVO HYBRID MODEL

Our number one goal at this time is ensuring we have safe staffing and transitioning back to normal operations. Leaders in each unit will work on individual unit schedules as Bravo team members arrive for their shifts and we operate in a hybrid Alpha/Bravo model as we transition back to normal operations.

We understand many Alpha team members have been here for many hours and thank each of you for working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our patients, often putting your own needs aside.

We will work with those colleagues who worked Alpha NIGHT shift on a case-by-case basis who live in areas that were under mandatory evacuations who need accommodations, however, sleeping time will not be compensated during Code Green Alert.

TMH will continue to provide more updates throughout the day regarding office openings and closures, Code Green Altert status and community recovery efforts.

CHILDCARE

Alpha teams, please check in to let childcare know your continuing childcare needs and plans for exit. We are working to transition those services and anticipate closing them once code green is all cleared.

Hurricane Helene Update, Friday, Sept. 27, 2:30 AM

HURRICANE UPDATE

The significant weather expected from Hurricane Helene has passed through Tallahassee. While first responders and utility crews are heading out to begin assessing damage, Code Green will remain activated until repairs are made, and conditions are declared as safe. We plan to transition to Code Green Alert at 7:00 AM and return to normal schedules at 7:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 27.

TMH will provide more updates throughout the day regarding office openings and closures, Code Green status and community recovery efforts.

ALPHA/BRAVO TEAM SCHEDULE

• Alpha DAY team should report for duty during shift change and work their regular shift. (Example: Alpha Day 7A-7P will work at 7A to 7P on Friday Night)
• Alpha NIGHT and Labor Pool team can leave after their scheduled shift if they have confirmed they have a safe path home. (Example: Alpha Night 7P-7A on Duty Currently: Will go home after shift change at 7AM)
• If you are a colleague who worked Alpha NIGHT shift who lives in a mandatory evacuated area or who is unsure if their home is unsafe to return to, we will work with you to make accommodations on a case-by-case basis, however, sleeping time will not be compensated during Code Green Alert.

INCIDENT COMMAND 

The Incident Command Center is still fully operational and open in Conference Room A.

Thursday, September 26, 5PM Update

As we prepare for the impact of Hurricane Helene, we want to take a moment to recognize the crucial role each of you plays in our ability to provide care during this extreme weather event. While many in our community have sought safety by evacuating, sheltering or hunkering down at home, our hospital will be a beacon of support for those who need us most.

Your work is vital. During times like these, our community relies on us more than ever, and the service you provide truly makes a difference in people’s lives. You are not just colleagues, you are caregivers, protectors and leaders.

Thank you for your dedication and resilience. It is in moments like these that your strength truly shines.

HURRICANE UPDATE

Hurricane Helene has been upgraded to a Category 3 Hurricane and the National Weather Service is expecting sustained winds to arrive in our area around 8 PM and is estimated to last until around 2 PM. 

INCIDENT COMMAND

The Incident Command Center is operational and serves as a centralized communication and decision-making center during Code Green. During this time, if you have an issue or question for someone in the Incident Command Center, please contact EXT. 14668 or EXT. 12491.

The Incident Command Center is composed of the following representatives:

• Incident Commander
• Operations
• Planning and Logistics
• Central Staffing & Bedding
• Physician Services
• Labor Pool
• Public Information Officer/Communications
• IT
• Finance
• Supply Chain
• Risk Management
• Security
• Facilities
• Support Services

Reminder: Hospital Access

Reminder to staff, please use the following entrances when you report to work:

• Main Hospital: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium. 
• M.T. Mustian Center: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium. 
• Brickler Women’s Pavilion: Park in P5 and enter through the Women’s Pavilion

Hurricane Helene Update, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5 PM

TMH is closely monitoring the weather system expected to impact our region Thursday, Sept. 26.

HURRICANE UPDATE

Helene has been upgraded to a Hurricane and the National Weather Service is expecting tropical force storm winds to arrive in our area tomorrow afternoon.

INCIDENT COMMAND

The Incident Command Center will be open tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 26 at 3 PM in Conference Room A as a centralized communication and decision-making center.

ALPHA/BRAVO TEAM ARRIVAL

• Alpha DAY team should report at 7AM Thursday, Sept. 26. 
• Alpha NIGHT and Labor Pool team should arrive between the hours of 1- 3 PM.  
• Alpha Colleagues who live in a mandatory evacuated area or who worked Alpha NIGHT will also receive a bed at 7 AM Thursday, Sept. 26.

Upon arrival, please check in at the following locations:

Clinical Division

• Bixler/EDOU – Report to ED OBS-Maureen LeSerra
• Med/ Surg – Report to Magnolia Lobby-Lakesha Drew
• ICU – Report to Mustian 3rd floor Conference Room-Suzanne Walker-Assad
• Radiology– Report to Radiology Conference Room-Joe Langdon
• Lab-Report to Main Laboratory- Xian Fang
• RT and VAT – Report to Pharmacy Conference Room-Suhey Tuckler
• Transportation- Report to Transportation Department-Angie Davis
• Pharmacy- Pharmacy Conference Room-John Pontarelli
• Dialysis-5B-Patty Brown
• Recovery Room-Sydney Campbell
• Sleep Center- Daniel Malloy

Service Line Operations

• Heart & Vascular – Report to H&V Conf Room-Lisa Mulle
• Neuro – Report to EEG—Heather Crowley
• Surgery (all areas) – Report to OR front desk (please check in with individual leaders first)-Susan Branham
• Women & Childrens – Report to W&C Classroom—Jennifer Armstrong
• TRMC – Report to TRMC Admin Office—Norman Pasley
• EVS-Report to EVS Department-Olga Martinez
• Dietary-Report to Ken’s office- Ken Martin, Joni Toole
• BHC Admin Office - Heather Lincicome

Support Services

• Facilities – Report to your department

All other Alpha Rosters, Labor Pool and Command Center Team will report to Conference Room A (Cafeteria).

The Alpha and Bravo teams as well as Labor Pool should be prepared to remain in the hospital for up to 72 hours until the roads are safe to travel.

Once the Code Green is called, the Alpha/Bravo system is enacted – please note the following:

• Your Hospital ID Badge should be clearly visible at all times whether on duty or off duty. (It may also be needed for access to the hospital and roadways prior to and post-storm.)
• Bring with you the following items:
  • Pillow, pillowcases, sheets, blankets, air mattresses or padding for comfort (bedding will not be supplied)
  • Personal toiletry items
  • Medications
  • Appropriate comfortable clothing and footwear, along with four days of appropriate attire for working. Scrubs will not be supplied for sleepwear.
  • One car per colleague.

VISITORS

To ensure patient and colleague safety, we are making modifications to our regular visiting hours and processes. As of 7 AM Wednesday, Sept. 25, (note this has changed multiple times <sorry>) patients will be limited to one visitor at a time, and all visitors must check-in through the Information Desk. We will limit overnight visitors to one visitor per patient. End-of-life situations will be addressed as needed. 

Hospital access: 

• Main Hospital: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium. 
• M.T. Mustian Center: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium. 
• Brickler Women’s Pavilion: Park in P5 and enter through the Women’s Pavilion

Tropical Storm Helene Update – Wednesday, Sept. 25, Noon

 

TMH is entering a Code Green to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene as of noon Sept. 25. We are not instituting Incident Command at this time.

Tropical Storm Helene is predicted to rapidly gain strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a hurricane today. It is predicted Helene will make landfall as a major category 3 hurricane in our region tomorrow Thursday, Sept. 26. 

We learned several lessons through Hurricane Michael. Here are a few reminders as you prepare for the hurricane.

• As internet, electricity and phones will likely be down for some time, please be prepared with your personal needs for cash, medications, food and water.
• Please remember your family members cannot stay on property during a Code Green. We do not have the capacity or resources to have extra individuals in our building. Please identify a shelter location or evacuation plan now.
• If you need phone numbers, forms, or information from your home computers, please print them now in case you cannot access them.
• You will need to print a curfew letter and your hospital ID to travel to the hospital.
• As healthcare professionals, you play a critical role in providing care during this challenging time for our community. We understand you also have personal concerns during this hurricane, but it is essential to uphold our commitment to patient care. Our Reporting Responsibilities During Disasters & Inclement Weather Absentee Policy remains in force and we ask you to take all necessary precautions now to ensure you can fulfill your shifts.

CODE GREEN ACTIVATION & INCIDENT COMMAND

Effective noon Sept. 25, TMH has activated Code Green. After today’s 4:30 pm update call with the National Weather Services, a decision will be made about when the Incident Command Center will be activated.

• Alpha DAY team should report at 7AM Thursday, Sept. 26.
• Alpha NIGHT team arrival times will be announced following the 4:30 pm call today.

Alpha Rosters and Labor Pool, please report to your assigned location for check-in.

Upon arrival, you should check in at the following location:

Clinical Division:

• Bixler/EDOU – Report to ED OBS-Maureen LeSerra
• Med/ Surg – Report to Magnolia Lobby-Lakesha Drew
• ICU – Report to Mustian 3rd floor Conference Room-Suzanne Walker-Assad
• Radiology– Report to Radiology Conference Room-Joe Langdon
• Lab-Report to Main Laboratory- Xian Fang
• RT and VAT – Report to Pharmacy Conference Room-Suhey Tuckler
• Transportation- Report to Transportation Department-Angie Davis
• Pharmacy- Pharmacy Conference Room-John Pontarelli
• Dialysis-5B-Patty Brown
• Recovery Room-Sydney Campbell
• Sleep Center- Daniel Malloy

Service Line Operations

• Heart & Vascular – Report to H&V Conf Room-Lisa Mulle
• Neuro – Report to EEG—Heather Crowley
• Surgery (all areas) – Report to OR front desk (please check in with individual leaders first)-Susan Branham
• Women & Childrens – Report to W&C Classroom—Jennifer Armstrong
• TRMC – Report to TRMC Admin Office—Norman Pasley
• EVS-Report to EVS Department-Olga Martinez
• Dietary-Report to Ken’s office- Ken Martin, Joni Toole

Support Services

• Facilities – Report to your department

All other Alpha Rosters, Labor Pool and Command Center Team will report to Conference Room A (Cafeteria).

The Alpha and Bravo teams as well as Labor Pool should be prepared to remain in the hospital for up to 72 hours until the roads are safe to travel.

 

PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU TO THE HOSPITAL: 

• You will not be provided a bed or bedding. Please bring your own sleeping padding, air mattress, pillow, pillowcases, sheets, towel, and blankets needed for comfort.  No bedding will be supplied by TMH.
• Personal toiletry items 
• Medications 
• Appropriate comfortable clothing and footwear, along with four days of appropriate work attire. Scrubs will not be supplied for sleepwear. Please remember this is a workplace setting, so keep modesty and professionalism in mind. 
• We will have shower accommodations, but you will need to provide your own towels.
• Your hospital ID (needed for access to the hospital and roadways prior to and post-storm)
• Phone chargers 
• No more than one car per colleague 

The Bravo team will be activated after roads are clear and safe to travel. The Bravo team will coordinate efforts of returning to normal operations, restoration, staffing schedules and determining when to end Code Green.    

CHILDCARE

Childcare will be available for colleagues who are required to remain on duty beginning once the Alpha/Bravo teams have been activated. Childcare will be held in the Auditorium for children aged 6 weeks to 10 years old. Colleagues who are on duty and have sleep-time are welcome to stay with their children in the Auditorium, but please note that non-employed family members are not allowed to stay on property. 

Colleagues will need to bring the following items for their children: 

• Formula and/or breast milk, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, change of clothes.
• For older children: Rest mats, blanket, comfort items like pillows or stuffed animals.
• Food will be provided.

 

Alpha colleagues needing childcare should complete the childcare form ASAP.

COMMUNICATION UPDATES

Communication and updates will be available through the following methods.

• SPARK
• Emergency Text Alerts
• www.TMH.ORG/ColleagueNews

Please continue to monitor these resources for continuous updates.

COST CENTER 9050

Cost Center 9050 has been set up for any storm-related supplies that are needed in the event of Code Green. This includes labor costs for resting colleagues. When colleagues are working their usual job duties the unit should be charged.  

ELECTIVE SURGERIES AND PROCEDURES

All elective surgeries and procedures have been postponed.

EVACUATION NOTICES

Leon County has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents of mobile and manufactured homes due to the threat of hurricane-force winds. Manufactured and mobile home residents in Leon County should seek safer shelter by 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Mandatory evacuation notices have been issued for the Franklin and Wakulla counties. Additional evacuation notices are listed online.

Information about shelters, including those who accommodate special needs and pets, are available from FloridaDisaster.org.

• Leon County will open seven shelters on Wednesday, September 25, at 6 p.m.:
• Chiles High School, 7200 Lawton Chiles Lane
• Lincoln High School, 3838 Trojan Trail
• Godby High School, 1717 W. Tharpe Street
• Leon High School, 550 E. Tennessee Street
• SAIL High School, 2006 Jackson Bluff Road
• Fort Braden School, 15100 Blountstown Hwy
• Fairview Middle School, 3415 Zillah Street

All shelters are pet accessible. Please bring a crate or carrier for your pet.

VISITORS

To ensure patient and colleague safety, we are making modifications to our regular visiting hours and processes. As of 7 AM Thursday, Sept. 26, (note difference in yesterday’s communication) patients will be limited to one visitor at a time, and all visitors must check-in through the Information Desk. We will limit overnight visitors to one visitor per patient. End-of-life situations will be addressed as needed.  

Hospital access:  

• Main Hospital: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium.  
• M.T. Mustian Center: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium.  
• Brickler Women’s Pavilion: Park in P5 and enter through the Women’s Pavilion entrance.

 

Tropical Storm Helene Update – 5 pm Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024

Tropical Storm Helene is predicted to rapidly gain strength over the exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a hurricane by Wednesday morning. It is predicted Helene will make landfall as a major hurricane in our region Thursday, Sept. 26.

TMH is currently under a Code Green Alert and Code Green (and Alpha team/Labor Pool) activation time will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 25.

CURFEW LETTER FOR COLLEAGUES

In the event of a curfew or travel restrictions due to the weather, colleagues should visit SPARK or speak to their manager for a letter to travel. 

DIVERSION STATUS

The leadership team has made the decision to go on ambulance diversion for patients outside of our primary service area with the exception of neo-natal, obstetric, and patients experiencing a stroke, STEMI or trauma.

EVACUATION NOTICES

Mandatory evacuation notices have been issued for the Franklin and Wakulla counties. Additional evacuation notices are listed online.

Information about shelters, including special needs and pet friendly, are available from FloridaDisaster.org.

OFFICE CLOSURES

All Urgent Care Centers, Walk-In Clinics and TMH Physician Partners practices will be closed on Thursday, Sept 26 and Friday, Sept. 27. These practices are actively reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Leon County Schools

• Wednesday, Sept. 25: Early release day for students: High schools will dismiss at 11:20 a.m., elementary at 12:20 p.m. and middle schools at 1:20 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 26 - Friday, Sept. 27 all schools and district offices will be closed.

Wakulla County Schools – Closed Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Friday, Sept. 27

TSC, FAMU, FSU – Closed Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Friday, Sept. 27

Additional school closures are listed online.

Update – Noon Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Leon County and surrounding counties are under a hurricane watch as future Hurricane Helene is predicted to make landfall as a category 3 hurricane Thursday, Sept. 26. The latest predictions estimate we will begin to feel impact from the storm as early as Thursday morning.

To plan and prepare for the impending weather, TMH will go into a Code Green Alert noon Tuesday, Sept. 24.

INCIDENT COMMAND ACTIVATION (CODE GREEN ACTIVATION)

The Code Green (and Alpha team/Labor Pool) activation time will be announced tomorrow. The Alpha team and Labor Pool should be prepared to remain in the hospital for up to 36 hours until the roads are safe to travel.

PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU TO THE HOSPITAL: 

• You will not be provided a bed or bedding. Please bring your own sleeping padding, air mattress, pillow, pillowcases, sheets, blankets needed for comfort. No bedding will be supplied by TMH.
• Personal toiletry items 
• Medications 
• Appropriate comfortable clothing and footwear, along with four days of appropriate attire for working. Scrubs will not be supplied for sleepwear. Please remember this is a workplace setting so keep modesty and professionalism in mind. 
• Your hospital ID (needed for access to the hospital and roadways prior to and post-storm)
• Phone chargers 
• No more than one car per colleague 

The Bravo team will be activated via text after roads are clear and safe to travel. The Bravo team will be responsible for coordination of returning to normal operations and staffing schedules. They will determine when to end the Code Green.   

ALPHA/BRAVO ROSTERS

All Alpha/Bravo rosters should be updated and sent to Trenton.Wallace@TMH.ORG ASAP. Rosters should include any children ages 6 weeks to 10 years who need childcare so we can plan accordingly.  

Colleagues should plan to remain at TMH for at least 36 hours.

CHILDCARE

Childcare will be available for colleagues who are required to remain on duty beginning once the Alpha/Bravo teams have been activated. Childcare will be held in the Auditorium for children aged 6 weeks to 10 years old. Colleagues who are on duty and have sleep-time are welcome to stay with their children in the Auditorium, but please note that non-employed family members are not allowed to stay on property. 

Colleagues will need to bring the following items for their children: 

• Infants and toddlers: Formula and/or breast milk, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, change of clothes 
• For older children: Rest mats, blanket, any comfort items like pillows, stuffed animals they need. 
• Food will be provided.

Alpha colleagues needing childcare should complete the childcare form ASAP.

COMMUNICATION UPDATES

Communication and updates will be available through the following methods. Please continue to monitor these resources for continuous updates.

• SPARK
• Emergency Text Alerts (sign up on SPARK)
• TMH.ORG/ColleagueNews
• Colleague emails

COST CENTER 9050

Cost Center 9050 has been set up for any storm-related supplies that are needed in the event of Code Green. This includes labor costs for resting colleagues. When colleagues are working their usual job duties the unit should be charged.  

LABOR POOL

If your office is closed due to the activation of a Code Green, you have options to participate in the Labor Pool as long as hours worked do not create an overtime obligation. Exempt colleagues may also participate and are paid hourly base rate for any additional hours beyond the normal schedule. Sign up for Labor Pool on SPARK.

OFFICE CLOSURES

All Urgent Care Centers, Walk-In Clinics and TMH Physician Partners practices will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26^. These practices are actively reaching out to patients to reschedule appointments.

PARKING & SHUTTLES

At 11 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the shuttle services will end, and colleagues will be allowed to park in the parking garages.

PERSONAL PREPARATION

We value the safety of our colleagues and your families and want to be sure you are both professionally and personally prepared.

American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Tips to ensure you are prepared to protect your family, home and pets. 

Download the Leon County Citizens Connect App to get updated emergency news and alerts from Leon County.

As TMH is not a designated hurricane shelter, please review the list of available shelters.

Fill any needed prescriptions.

Get sandbags if you need them at the following locations:

• Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road
• Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road
• Northwood parcel, 1940 N. Monroe Street, near El Jalisco

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATIONS

Colleagues should review the Hurricane Response Plan on SPARK. Additionally, please review and print your downtime instructions.

To prepare for the wind gusts, all temporary outdoor signs on our main campus and all outlying locations should be removed. This includes yard signs, banners, posters or any other items that could become a safety hazard in strong winds. Once the storm has passed, items can be returned to their current locations.

VISITORS

To ensure patient and colleague safety, we are making modifications to our regular visiting hours and processes. As of 7 pm Wednesday, Sept. 25, patients will be limited to one visitor at a time, and all visitors must check-in through the Information Desk. We will limit overnight visitors to one visitor per patient. End-of-life situations will be addressed as needed.  

Hospital access:  

• Main Hospital: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium.  
• M.T. Mustian Center: Park in P2/P3 and enter through the Dozier Atrium.  
• Brickler Women’s Pavilion: Park in P5 and enter through the Women’s Pavilion entrance.

HR CODE GREEN FAQS 

Please refer to the Hurricane FAQs below for information about various hurricane related human resource questions.

Hurricane FAQs – Hurricane Season 2024, version Helene, 9-24-24

Attendance

Q – During a Code Green may I leave at the end of my shift?

A – No. During a Code Green you must be relieved by your supervisor prior to leaving your shift. This is important to ensure continuity of care for our patients.  Leaving your shift without approval may result corrective action, up to and including termination of your employment.

Q – I’m scheduled to work during the hurricane, or have volunteered for the Labor Pool, and I am choosing not to report to work. What are the consequences for my actions?

A – Choosing not to report to work or leaving your shift without approval of your supervisor is considered insubordination and subjects you to corrective action up to and including termination. (Refer to TMH Policy 45-304 Reporting Responsibilities during Disasters/Inclement Weather)

Q – I’m a Flex status colleague. Can I be assigned to the Alpha/Bravo roster?

A – If you are a Flex status colleague and scheduled to work during the Code Green, you are required to report. If you are Flex status and not scheduled to work, but are willing to help in this emergency, let your manager know, and you can be added to the roster for your department.

Q – If I work during the hurricane, will sleeping quarters be provided for me?

A – If you are scheduled to work or required to be here due to the Alpha/Bravo plan, sleeping space will be provided. You should bring your own sleeping bag or air mattress, as not all sleeping spaces contain beds. Because linens are limited, please bring your own sheets, towels and pillow. The reporting location to obtain a sleeping assignment will be provided when the Code Green is activated. 

Q – May I come in early to sleep in advance of my scheduled Bravo shift, and will I be paid for this time?

A – Yes, under certain circumstances. If you are requested by your department leader to report early to ensure your availability and the Code Green has not been deactivated, you will be paid for your time. You may not elect to come in early without prior approval from your department leader.

If reporting early includes rest time, you can obtain a sleeping assignment from the check-in desk. The check-in desk location will be provided when the Code Green is activated. 

Office Closures/Labor Pool

Q – If my office is closed due to the activation of a Code Green, do I have options to work in another department to avoid using PTO/PLT or reducing my pay?

A – Yes, you can volunteer for the Labor Pool. Alpha teams are required to stay at the hospital during the hurricane event. Bravo team will be called in to relieve the Alpha team after conditions are deemed safe for travel. Labor Pool staffing may be assigned to monitor lobby and entrance/exit traffic, transport supplies and equipment, assist in childcare or participate in other duties. If you are able to assist, please complete the Labor Pool Volunteer form on SPARK.

You will receive an Alpha/Bravo team assignment when sufficient responses are received to establish the teams.

Family/Childcare/Pets

Q – If I work during the hurricane, will sleeping quarters be provided for my family members?

A – No. TMH does not provide sleeping quarters for family members. However, childcare will be provided in the Auditorium for children age 6 weeks to 10 years.

Q – Is childcare only available to colleagues that currently use the TMH Child Care Center?

A – No, any colleague required to report to work during a Code Green may bring a child or children to the auditorium for childcare, regardless of whether they currently use TMH Child Care.  Children must be no younger than 6 weeks and no older than 10 years of age. Family members who are not employees are not permitted to stay with children. Childcare is not available for Labor Pool volunteers as it is prioritized for colleagues who are required to work. If you are required to work and need to bring your child to work, please email Amy Rentz at Amy.Rentz@tmh.org with the name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren) to register.

Q – Will TMH provide care for my pets if I am required to report on an Alpha/Bravo team when a Code Green has been activated?

A – No. You will need to make your own provisions for pet care as you would if you were going on vacation.

Payroll

Q – How do I track my hours for Code Green?

A – If you are clocking in for your regular shift, please clock in as usual. If you are clocking in to sleep, please clock in to department “9050.” If you are working in the labor pool, report to Conference Room A and your hours will be tracked by the labor pool team.  

Q – I am a non-exempt (hourly) colleague assigned to an Alpha or Bravo team. How will my hours be paid?

A – You will be paid at straight time for both duty hours and sleeping/rest hours. Any hours over 40 at the end of the week (midnight on Saturday) will be paid at the overtime rate.

Q – I am a non-exempt (hourly) colleague, and my office is closed. Do I have to use PTO/PLT?

A – No. Non-exempt (hourly) colleagues may choose not to use PTO/PLT during a forced office closure. This means that you will not be paid for the hours missed. (Refer to TMH Policy 045.600.012 Paid Time Off and TMH Policy 045.600.004 Personal Leave Time, Section E).

Q – Can I work remotely during a forced office closure to make up for missed hours?

A – No.      Exempt, Non-Exempt nor remote colleagues can work remotely during a Code Green.

Q – I am an exempt (salaried) employee. If I am asked to work during the Code Green, will I be paid my normal salary?

A – Yes. In addition to your normal salary, you will be paid your hourly base rate for any additional (over your normal schedule) hours worked during the Code Green including hours over 40 in the pay week. This applies to all exempt colleagues except Vice Presidents, Assistant/Associate Vice Presidents, Service Line Administrators and Executive Directors.

Q – Should employees working on the unit be charged to cost center established for the Hurricane Event? 

A - Only employees that are required to remain on site or called in ahead of their shift that are standing by should be charged to cost center established for the event. The cost center number will be provided when the Code Green is activated.

Future Tropical Storm Helene Update – 2 pm September 23, 2024

Tallahassee Memorial is currently monitoring a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea that will likely develop into a tropical storm and progress into a hurricane by Wednesday. Many forecast models predict the storm to make landfall in our region as a hurricane Thursday, Sept. 26. Though the storm’s path is still developing, leadership has already met, and preparations are underway.

Leadership will continue to monitor the progression of this storm. Please follow along closely to SPARK and TMH.ORG/ColleagueNews for further updates.

Personal Preparation

We value the safety of our colleagues and your families and want to be sure you are both professionally and personally prepared. Here are some Hurricane Preparedness Tips from the American Red Cross to be sure you are prepared to protect your family, home and pets. 

Download the Leon County Citizens Connect App to get updated emergency news and alerts from Leon County.

The City of Tallahassee is offering three self-service sandbag locations:

• Jack McLean Community Center, 700 Paul Russell Road
• Mike Blankenship Skate Park, 2909 Jackson Bluff Road
• Northwood parcel, 1940 N. Monroe Street, near El Jalisco

Sandbags are limited to 25 bags per household. Citizens need to bring their own shovels to fill bags themselves. Locations will be staffed from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Professional Preparation

Preparations at TMH are ongoing. Precautions are being made throughout the campus to minimize possible water intrusion using plastic and sandbags. Extra water, food, supplies and medications have been secured. In the event of power loss, generators will start automatically.

Leaders should also complete their Alpha/Bravo rosters and submit them to Trenton.Wallace@TMH.ORG by noon Tuesday, Sept. 24.

We ask that you review the Hurricane Response Plan and FAQs on SPARK. Additionally, please review and print your downtime instructions.

Colleagues in departments that would close in the event of a disaster or are not assigned to Alpha/Bravo schedules by their department can sign up for the Labor Pool.

Communication Updates

Communication and updates will be available through the following methods. Please continue to monitor these resources for continuous updates.

• SPARK
• Emergency Text Alerts
• Colleague emails