Overlook Could Protect City Vaccines If Power Goes

In many ways hospitals are considered one of the safest places to be during a major storm. They are high priorities for power company response in case power gets knocked out, and they have long been ready for extreme emergencies.

Overlook Medical Center has offered the city health department to act as its backup refrigeration center in the event that power is lost. Summit Health Department vaccines could be saved in Overlook facilities if the need arises. The hospital is involved in every aspect of local emergency planning.

"We work closely with the Union County Office of Emergency Management, Summit Office of Emergency Management, Summit Police and Fire departments and EMS, and take an all-hazards approach in preparing for a variety of emergency situations, " said an Atlantic Health System spokesperson.

The hospital says it's prepared with food, water, oxygen and backup power. "We also coordinate with our staff to ensure services are maintained throughout an event such as this," said the spokesman.