10/08/2024
**Preparing for a Natural Disaster: Procedures for Assisted Living Owners and Operators**
Dear Owners and Operators,
Disaster preparedness is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents , staff , and their families . Below are the essential procedures you need to follow to ensure your facility is fully prepared and informed in the event of a natural disaster .
**Daily Requirements:**
- **Complete Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS)** : Must be completed by 10 am every day.
**Preparation Checklist**
1. **Grab Your CEMP Folder and Admission Discharge Log**: Keep all essential documents organized and ready.
2. **Take a Map with You**: Always have a map on hand in case your phone battery dies.
**Food and Water Preparedness**
- Ensure you have at least ** days of food and water ** for all residents and staff.
- Account for additional supplies if family members of staff or residents are staying at the facility.
- **Check expired foods** and replace them as necessary.
**Medication and Health Supplies**
- Confirm there is enough **medication to last at least a week** for all residents.
**Facility and Structural Safety**
- Inspect the facility: **exercise all windows , doors , and shutters** to confirm they are in good working order .
- **Secure outdoor furniture and potential flying debris ** to prevent damage.
**Transportation and Evacuation Planning**
- **Contact mutual aide or shelters ** to verify agreements are in place in case an evacuation is necessary.
- Ensure **transportation vehicles ** are in good condition, with oil and gasoline filled. Seat belts must be functional, and keep a **car glass cutter ** in case of emergencies.
**Third-Party Vendor Coordination**
- **Contact all third-party vendors ** to confirm priority for restocking supplies post-storm.
**Generator and Power Supplies**
- Check the **generator** to ensure it is operable and stocked with enough fuel .
**Family Communication**
- **Notify family members ** if they are willing to pick up their loved ones .
- If evacuating, provide families with **current and updated details **.
**Facility Policies and Procedures**
- Review the facility’s **policies and procedures** for hurricane preparedness (before, during, and after).
**Additional Supplies and Preparations**
- **Purchase MRE meals ** in case canned goods are not available.
- **Wash all linens ** to have clean bedding and clothes ready.
- Ensure you have enough **batteries ** in the facility.
- If evacuating, **tag each resident ** with their name, date of birth, and last four digits of their social security number.
- Prepare **back-up phone chargers ** and ensure all phones are charged.
- Stock a **First Aid Kit **, **flashlights **, **NOAA radio ** (or another form of communication), and **portable fans **.
**Thank You for Your Dedication**
Your commitment to the safety and comfort of your residents is what makes our industry a trusted and caring community . As owners and operators, your leadership is crucial in ensuring these procedures are followed diligently. Please reach out to us if you need any support, questions or additional resources.
ALO Contact Information\
Website: www.assistedlivingorganization.com
Phone Number: 1.800.334.5751
Stay safe and stay prepared!
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