GHP expertly advised us every step of the way. We’re so grateful for their expertise, which was needed for this type of this complexity.

—Andy Coelho, Senior Vice President of Construction, Facilities & Design, Sunrise Senior Living

Winter Storms Are Especially Disruptive for Healthcare Facilities

Major winter storms don’t always cause damage immediately. In healthcare environments, the most significant water losses often occur after temperatures rise, when frozen components begin to thaw. What starts as a “minor leak” can quickly threaten patient care areas, electrical systems, and infection control if not properly assessed.

Common freeze-related water emergencies in hospitals include:

Frozen and burst domestic water piping

Sprinkler lines near entrances and vestibules exposed to cold air

HVAC rooftop units and coils freezing and failing

Leaks that begin small — then spread into walls, ceilings, and critical systems

ER in Healthcare Is
Not One-Size-Fits-All

Patient safety and infection control are non-negotiable
Hidden moisture can impact walls, ceilings, and air handling systems
Electrical, fire protection, and medical waste systems may be affected
Some spaces must remain operational while remediation occurs

GHP helps facilities teams prioritize and phase remediation, focusing first on critical care areas while safely deferring non-critical spaces when appropriate.

Steps to Reduce
Freeze-Related Water Damage

Confirm locations of water shutoff valves

Inspect sprinkler lines near entrances and vestibules

Monitor rooftop HVAC units and exposed piping

Establish an emergency response plan and point-of-contact

The First 24–72 Hours Can Determine the Outcome

When a water intrusion occurs in a hospital, time isn’t just money — it directly impacts patient safety, compliance, and continuity of care.

Emergency response should begin within the first 24 hours to reduce structural damage and health risks. In as little as three days, mold can begin to develop, increasing the potential for infection control concerns, air quality issues, and regulatory exposure. Even small delays can escalate a manageable incident into a facility-wide disruption.

In these early hours, decisions are often made under pressure — sometimes before the full extent of damage is visible. That’s where an independent Industrial Hygienist (IH) becomes essential. An IH provides objective insight into what is truly affected, helping facilities teams avoid both under-response and unnecessary over-remediation.

By bringing clarity, documentation, and structure to the response process, GHP helps hospitals move forward with confidence — aligning speed with accuracy, and urgency with accountability.

This is how GHP supports hospitals during critical water damage events — from initial assessment through coordinated response and recovery.

Rapid Damage Assessment

Immediate third-party evaluation and moisture mapping to understand what is truly impacted.

Independent Scope Development

Clear, defensible definition of what needs remediation — and what does not.

Insurance & Compliance Documentation

Objective reporting that supports claims, audits, and regulatory conversations.

Protection Against Over-Remediation

Helps prevent unnecessary or overly aggressive demolition that can drive cost and disruption.

Care-Focused Phasing Strategy

Supports phased remediation plans so critical patient care areas are prioritized first.

Response Coordination

Works alongside facilities, engineering, and restoration vendors to keep communication aligned and efficient.

If a Water Emergency Occurs,
You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone

Whether you are preparing for an incoming freeze or responding after the fact, GHP is available to support hospitals and health systems with calm, experienced emergency response guidance.