UTMB remains on emergency status. Employees and students will be advised when they can return. We don’t have an estimated date at this time.
Access to the island is limited to disaster response personnel. The incident command team and area supervisors are working on a plan to bring employees who live ON the island in to relieve staff. We don’t know precisely when, but will do our best to keep you informed. If you are a UTMB employee on the island and available to relieve staff who stayed through the storm, send your name and contact information via this blog, or call 409-747-9038.
Facilities update. Power, water and gas remain the primary issues. The portable generators are working and more are on the way. But most areas are still without air conditioning and lights. The county is working to restore water and natural gas lines to the island and hopes to have at least a temporary fix within 48-72 hours. Two cooling tents and a portable kitchen have been ordered to facilitate food services.
Information specific to the research community will be coming shortly.
Communication internally and with the “world outside” is still spotty. Internet connectivity has been restored in a few areas, but phones still aren’t working, with the exception of those in the command center — and even they aren’t completely reliable. Cell service is sporadic. And there is no email service. However, the National Guard is setting up a satellite dish now, and we hope to have improved communication capability within the next 24 hours.
We have established a central message board and will post phone messages and blog postings (to utmbinfo.com) for employees on a regular basis. We’re also working to establish a few external phone lines so employees can make personal calls out.
Supervisors are working to schedule relief time for employees who live ON the island to check on their homes. A curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. is being enforced on the island.
The Emergency Department has seen nearly 100 patients, but we are encouraging island residents to go to Ball High School (4115 Avenue O), where a DMAT team is stationed to handle the medical needs of island residents. A health station has been set up within the hospital to address any health or emotional needs employees may have.
Human Resources and Finance are working on issues related to payroll, benefits and general support.
Things are improving hour by hour. While everyone is exhausted and sweaty, spirits are still high and we’re looking forward to resuming normal operations as soon as possible. We want to thank everyone for their concern and support.
We’ll provide updates regularly.