Hurricane Readiness: How Freestanding ERs Stay Open During Storms

When hurricanes or tropical storms threaten the Texas coast, staying prepared can make all the difference. Power outages, flooding, and road closures can make it hard for families to reach medical care when they need it most. That’s why freestanding emergency rooms play such an important role in keeping communities safe.

At Physicians Premier, we stay open and fully equipped before, during, and after major storms to care for Texas families. Here’s how our freestanding ERs stay ready when severe weather hits.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters for Healthcare

According to the National Weather Service, Texas experiences about one to two tropical storms or hurricanes each year. Not all of them make landfall, but coastal communities stay prepared throughout the season. These storms can lead to injuries from debris, accidents during evacuations, and complications for people who depend on medication or medical equipment that requires power.

Hospitals and emergency departments plan months ahead to make sure care continues no matter what. For freestanding ERs like Physicians Premier, hurricane readiness means staying prepared long before the first storm warning.

How Freestanding ERs Stay Open During Storms

Freestanding emergency rooms are built to provide the same high-quality care as hospital-based ERs, but with faster service and easier access. During hurricane season, our team takes extra steps to make sure we can serve our patients without interruption.

Backup Power Systems

Each Physicians Premier location has backup generators that start automatically if power goes out. This keeps our medical equipment, imaging systems, and life-support machines working.

According to Climate Central, about 83% of major power outages in the U.S. are caused by weather-related events, with severe storms, including high winds, heavy rain, and lightning, responsible for most of them. This makes backup power especially important for facilities that serve communities during emergencies.

Stocked Medical Supplies and Medications

Before a storm arrives, our staff checks that we have plenty of essential medications, IV fluids, and wound care supplies on hand. We also make sure we have extra oxygen tanks and emergency kits for storm-related injuries.

Reliable Communication

Staying connected is critical during emergencies. Freestanding ERs maintain backup communication systems to stay in touch with local hospitals, emergency management, and first responders if regular networks go down.

Trained On-Site Medical Teams

Each Physicians Premier location has doctors, nurses, and support staff who remain on-site throughout the storm. Our teams work in shifts to make sure care continues for anyone who walks through our doors.

Storm-Ready Facilities

Our facilities are built to meet strict safety standards and are designed to remain operational during severe weather. They’re constructed with durable materials and include safeguards to help protect patients, staff, and essential medical equipment.

Common Emergencies During Hurricanes

Injuries and health problems often increase when storms hit. This can be due to unsafe conditions, stress, or interrupted medical care. Some of the most common emergencies seen during hurricanes include:

• Cuts and wounds from flying debris or cleanup accidents
• Sprains and fractures from slips and falls
• Respiratory issues from mold, dust, or loss of power to oxygen devices
• Infections from contact with contaminated floodwater
• Dehydration and heat exhaustion due to power loss
• Heart-related concerns triggered by stress or exertion

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries, and certain infections often rise after natural disasters due to power outages, flooding, and unsafe generator use.

Why Freestanding ERs Are Essential During Storms

Freestanding emergency facilities like Physicians Premier play a vital role in keeping communities safe during severe weather. Located throughout Texas neighborhoods, they’re often easier to reach when hospital ERs are crowded or major roads are difficult to access, ensuring families can get timely, reliable care when it matters most.

Easy Access for Families

Freestanding ERs are conveniently located near residential areas, so families don’t have to travel far to get care. That proximity is especially valuable when flooding or traffic makes transportation difficult.

Always Open, 24/7

Even when other clinics or urgent care centers close, Physicians Premier remains open 24/7 to care for patients with serious illnesses or injuries, including chest pain, breathing trouble, broken bones, and infections.

Coordination with Local Hospitals

If a patient needs to be transferred to a hospital for ongoing care, our team arranges the transfer once conditions are safe. We coordinate directly with nearby hospitals to make sure patients receive the care they need without delay.

Questions Patients Often Ask: Are Freestanding ERs Safe During Hurricanes?

Yes. Freestanding ERs like Physicians Premier follow strict safety protocols to ensure patient and staff safety during hurricanes. Our facilities have emergency backup systems and medical teams trained to handle all types of situations.

We also work closely with city officials and emergency response teams to stay informed about local conditions, road closures, and evacuation orders.

How Families Can Prepare for Hurricane Season

Even though freestanding ERs stay open, families should always take steps to protect themselves and their health during hurricane season. Here are some helpful tips:

• Pack a first aid kit with bandages, pain relief, and antiseptic.
• Refill prescriptions early and keep at least a week’s supply of medicine on hand.
• Keep medical documents and insurance cards in a waterproof folder.
• Store emergency contact numbers and your nearest ER’s address in your phone.
• Charge phones, power banks, and any medical devices before the storm.
• Know where your closest Physicians Premier ER is located in case you need emergency help.

Preparedness brings peace of mind. Having a plan ensures you and your family know what to do long before the storm arrives.

Caring for Texas Families, Rain or Shine

When severe weather hits, local communities rely on freestanding ERs that remain open and ready to help. At Physicians Premier, we’re always prepared to provide care when you need it most. Our team stays equipped and available 24/7 to treat emergencies, even during challenging conditions.

If you or a loved one experiences an injury, illness, or sudden emergency, you can count on us for prompt, professional, and compassionate care.

Save your nearest Physicians Premier ER location in your phone today and stay safe this hurricane season.

Sources

“A Historical Study of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes that have affected Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas,” National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/lch/lchhur
“Surging Weather-related Power Outages,” Climate Central,
https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/surging-weather-related-power-outages
“Natural Disasters and Severe Weather,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/
“Hurricanes,” Ready.gov, https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes