Hurricane Preparedness

Is Your Assisted Living Facility Ready for Hurricane Season?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced our first storm for the year. A tropical storm produced by the Atlantic Ocean in May 2021, named Ana, kicked off our early hurricane season. Hurricane season traditionally begins June 1st. However, Tropical Storm Ana made this our seventh year in a row for a tropical storm to emerge before June 1st. 

The safety of our residents is utmost important when preparing for hurricane season. Being prepared not only helps to keep our residents safe, it allows for quicker response times and boosts in confidence from our designated assisted living disaster leaders. 

Here are a few tips to prepare for this early hurricane season.

Tip # 1: Review your written Plan

Assisted Living Facilities are required to have an organized disaster plan. It is a good idea to review your written plan and make changes as necessary in preparation for this season. Identify your facilities disaster leader, your warnings systems, and how you are going to communicate with your staff and leader during a hurricane.

Tip # 2: Train your staff

Provide adequate training for your staff. The best technique to teach your staff about your facility’s disaster plan is through role play. Begin with a mock hurricane and act out each step of your plan. Identify key roles and actions during this mock disaster drill. During the drill identify exits, routes and shelter locations listed in your plan. After the drill, debrief to discuss ways to improve the plan, key roles, and actions.

Tip # 3: Track the Hurricane

Select a primary source to track the hurricane. This can be an app on your staff members’ phone, the weather channel, or whatever source that is practical for your facility. This source should be shared with residents, staff, and family members. The source should contain information regarding the category and the path of the storm. 

Tip # 4: Gather and store supplies

Have a designated storage place for supplies in case of a hurricane. This storage space should be easily accessible and well known to staff. Include flashlights, radios, canned foods, and water in this storage. Follow your facility’s policy and procedures for additional items to gather during an emergency such as medications, emergency folders, and clothing.

Tip # 5: Fill UP and Board UP

References:

TORCH (2021). Lesson: 5 Emergency and Evacuation Procedures Part 1. TORCH Education Manual. 

Noaa predicts another active Hurricane. ( June, 2021). https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season retrieved June 14, 2021.

Prior to the storm fill up bathtubs with fresh water in the event of a shelter in place. Fill up gas tanks on vehicles, to prepare for an evacuation. If you are sheltering in place board up all window, if necessary.