Two hospital campuses in southwest Florida are adding modular flood barriers designed to help keep patient care running during future storms and flooding events.
Naples Comprehensive Health said it has partnered with AquaFence to install flood protection systems at its North Naples campus and Baker Downtown campus after lessons learned during Hurricane Ian.
The system includes nearly 800 linear feet of modular flood barriers designed to protect emergency department entrances, loading docks and other critical service areas, according to the hospital system.
Hospital staff and AquaFence engineers began a full test installation and training exercise Wednesday at the North Naples campus, where teams practiced assembling and removing the barriers under simulated emergency conditions.
NCH officials said the health system has never had to stop operations or move patients because of flooding, but flooding tied to Hurricane Ian damaged some exterior infrastructure and equipment in 2022, prompting leaders to strengthen protections around key facilities…