Salem Hospital’s Building B lies within the 100-year flood plain. Two waterways run through the campus; Shelton Ditch on the north and Pringle Creek on the southern end. We are watching their progress and their potential impact on our buildings.

From our latest survey of the campus it appears that the water is not rising.

Please be aware that contrary to rumors, the hospital and ER are open and accpeting patients as usual.

Here is the latest update on activities managed through the Emerency Operations Center.

1)    Building B

• Water continues to seep through the basement concrete slab flooring, in four locations. Water is being contained.
• We are watching the water to see if it rises; at this point it has not.
• Sump pumps are handling water in two different elevator pits.
• Leaders are developing contingency plans for the possibility of moving patients if necessary. This evening Nursing is looking at where patients might be moved to on campus and which patients might go where. If a decision is made to move patients, it will then take several hours to complete. Be aware: We are NOT evacuating or moving patients at this time

2)    Building C

• Underground parking is closed.
• Elevators have been set to not go to the parking-lot level.
• A roof leak at the penthouse level has been contained.
• Staff are watching water levels in the building. If water raises 12 more inches it would potentially take out the pump in the building that serves levels three and above. If water gets close to that level the tenants will be notified

3)    Information Services (720 Building) at 720 Winter Street SE.

• The bridge over Pringle Creek has a number of pipes attached to it through which various communication lines pass. In a flood, it is possible that trees could wash out the pipes. IS staff have been working with our vendors to set up alternative information lines in case they are needed

4)    Sandbagging

• Ten yards of sand were dumped by CEP (Central Energy Plant) for sandbagging purposes early today. Sandbags have been placed in the locations for which they will do the most good.

Hospital directors and managers are developing contingency plans for their respective departments to prepare for a worst-case scenario. Leaders are also preparing for possible transfer requests of patients from other area hospitals.

Hospital staff is monitoring all building roof drains to make sure they stay clear and operational.

The Emergency Operations Center remains open this evening. Staff are patroling the campus to watch for any changes in conditions.

On Friday, several briefings will be held with management staff.

(A video about our emergency operations center is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdjZ8tzFuRM)