FAQs During Severe Weather and Hurricanes

Nemours Children’s cares about the safety of our associates, patients and families, especially during periods of severe weather. Before severe weather hits, Nemours may make changes to daily operations. As severe weather approaches, we encourage our associates, patients and families to keep informed about conditions in your area, shelters and potential curfews. Here are some frequently asked questions about our hospital and clinic operations during severe weather.

1. What happens when a hurricane or severe weather system approaches a Nemours location?

When severe weather, like a hurricane approaches, our Incident Command System will be activated. The Incident Command Team will closely monitor the path of the storm and its intensity in order to make decisions about clinic and hospital operations. If a Nemours hospital or clinic location is under a curfew, the Incident Command Team may make the decision to close outpatient clinics or order a “shelter-in-place” at our hospitals until the storm has passed.

2. What happens if my child has an outpatient clinic appointment and a hurricane is approaching?

If the decision is made by Nemours to close clinics due to inclement weather, you will be notified of your child’s appointment cancellation. Nemours associates will then contact you to reschedule your child’s appointment within three days of reopening, or you may reschedule your appointment via the Nemours app. Decisions on reopening will depend on damage and power outages in the areas surrounding the clinics.

3. What happens during a shelter-in-place order at Nemours Children’s Hospital?

As storm conditions worsen, travel on the roads may not be considered safe. In order to keep our associates, patients and families safe, the Incident Command Team may activate a shelter-in-place order for the hospital. During this time, associates, patients and families are advised not to leave the hospital. Anyone who leaves when this order is in place may not be able to re-enter the hospital. You will be notified before the shelter-in-place order is activated to make any necessary arrangements. If you need assistance with transportations or shelters, please ask your child’s care team to speak with a social worker.

4. Can I stay with my child during a shelter-in-place order?

During a shelter-in-place order, one caregiver is permitted to stay with your child in the hospital for the duration of the storm. In order to keep our associates, patients and families safe inside the hospital, the number of individuals sheltering in place will be limited. Parking will be available on the first through third floors of the parking garage during the storm.

5. Will the shelter-in-place order impact the care of my child?

No, during a shelter-in-place order all necessary patient care will continue as normal. All associates necessary for patient care will be onsite and available to care for your child.

6. Will there be food available during a shelter-in-place order at the hospital?

Yes, each person sheltering in place will be provided three complimentary meals each day for the duration of the shelter-in-place order. Meals for you and your child will be delivered directly to your child’s room during breakfast, lunch and dinner times.

7. What happens after the shelter-in-place order is lifted?

Once weather conditions improve and road conditions are deemed safe, the shelter-in-place order will be lifted. Additional visitors and caregivers will be permitted to come to the hospital at that time.

Ask your child’s care team if you have any questions about severe weather operations.