Tampa General Hospital incorporates unique solution to prevent flooding

By Laura Lyon
| 10:15 a.m. September 28, 2024
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Members of the Tampa General Hospital facilities team install AquaFence panels around the lower areas of the hospital campus on Sept. 24, 2024 in preparation for potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is forecast to become Hurricane Helene. The AuqaFence panels are designed to limit flood water damage.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

In preparation for Hurricane Helene’s arrival this past Thursday, Tampa General Hospital enacted its emergency response plan on Monday Sept. 23, which included the construction of an AquaFence.

The AquaFence is a water impermeable barrier that can withstand a storm surge of 15 feet above sea level. Crews worked to install fencing along the perimeter in the days leading up to the storm.

A post on X from the TGH account shows the fence at work as storm surge waters rose from the bay on Thursday night.

“The state depends on Tampa General to deliver world-class care, and we are committed to deliver on that expectation while keeping our patients, physicians and team members safe from harm,” says John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, in a statement. “That’s why we have strengthened our infrastructure to withstand severe weather, prepared and practiced emergency management, and brought in additional supplies to support our teams and patients through severe weather conditions.”

AquaFence is a Norwegian company founded in 1999. It has offices in multiple countries and the U.S. headquarters is located in Hoboken, New Jersey.

author

Laura Lyon

Laura Lyon is the Business Observer's editor for the Tampa Bay region, covering business news in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. She has a journalism degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to the Business Observer, she worked in many storytelling capacities as a photographer and writer for various publications and brands.