Weathering the Storm: How Superstorm Sandy Shaped the Response to COVID-19

Abstract

SUMMARY Catastrophic weather, like a pandemic, can wreak havoc on hospital operations. NYU Langone Health in New York City has experienced the extremes of both phenomena. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy severely damaged the system's core facilities, disabled operations, and forced the evacuation of more than 220 patients to other health systems. In 2020, the arrival of the novel coronavirus severely disrupted operations again—but this time, we were better prepared. Our experience in dealing with Superstorm Sandy taught us critical lessons that supported our readiness for COVID-19. Those lessons can be summed up as preparation, organization, and innovation.

COVID-19 Impact on Students in Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Education Programs in New York and New Jersey: Key Issues and Recommended Responses

“…NYU Langone Health in New York City reported that it was more prepared for the pandemic because of the extreme experience that they encountered in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. 17 Colón-Flores et al 18 examined the impact of Hurricane Maria on medical students and provided suggestions on how academic institutions could prepare for potential natural disasters. Some of the challenges faced by their students were disruption of clinical and academic education, increased financial burdens, difficulties in preparing for licensing examinations, and loss of communication with the school.…”