Emergency Officials Discourage Using Hospitals For Shelter

By Steve Shaw, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Metro area Emergency officials are asking people to resist the urge to flock to hospitals when severe weather hits. 

Last May 24^th during foul weather, Mercy Health Center says it had to deal with 3,000 people—some who brought their pets.  While the hospital says they were able to handle the capacity, it put a strain on services.

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Metropolitan Medical Response System Director Mike Murphy says that extra load of people can be dangerous for hospitals.

"That diverted resources. Had there been a mass casualty situation, it would have compromised care," said Murphy.

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Mercy Health Center Chief Operating Officer Aaron Steffens says the hospital will not turn people away who come for shelter during storms.  But he says if they absolutely have to bring their pets, those pets should be in a cage or in a kennel, and not just on a leash.

Emergency Management officials say the best place to ride out the storm is in your home. If you don't have a shelter, get in a bathroom or room with all interior walls.

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