Emergency Preparedness & Response

ADVOCACY & POLICY

The District of Columbia Hospital Association works to advance hospitals and health systems in the District by promoting policies and initiatives that strengthens our system of care.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

DC Hospitals Care 24/7/365

District hospitals operate 24/7 and must be ready for any emergency—from natural disasters to disease outbreaks—while maintaining continuity of care. The D.C. Emergency Management Committee works with government and health care partners to adopt best practices and support high-quality care in any situation.
DCHA and its members are part of the DC Health and Medical Coalition, helping DC Health lead preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. A dedicated Preparedness Association Liaison coordinates with hospitals to advance these goals.
DCHA also maintains the Hospital Mutual Aid Radio System (HMARS), enabling hospitals and health care facilities to communicate needs quickly and effectively during emergencies.

Preparedness in Action

DCHA Emergency Management Committee Standardizes Series of Emergency Codes Across the District’s Hospitals

Emergency codes are critical for safe, effective hospital operations. The Department of Homeland Security and The Joint Commission emphasize using standardized plain language to improve communication, coordination, and safety during emergencies.

DCHA hospital leaders support a uniform approach—especially as staff often work across multiple facilities—to ensure clear, consistent information for staff and visitors. The DCHA Emergency Management Committee (EMC) led a standardization effort, aligning hospitals on common terminology and definitions for key emergency codes. While facilities may still choose their own color codes, all now follow a shared plain-language framework based on national best practices.