Revised: 02/19/18
Preparing for Emergencies: Information for Residents and Family Members
No one wants to think and worry about disasters. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help ease
any concerns. This fact sheet tells you how our facility has prepared for emergencies.
We have a written emergency plan that is reviewed and tested every year. Our plan addresses the
following types of emergencies:
•
Weather emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather.
•
Security incidents such as bomb threats, terrorism, and active shooters.
•
Natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
All staff and volunteers are trained on emergency procedures. They participate in drills and exercises to
test their knowledge. Residents are asked to take part in all drills so they can know what to expect in an
actual emergency.
Communication:
Our emergency plan includes procedures for communication. Notification of families in the event of an
evacuation is part of that plan. We ask that you provide us with current phone numbers and/or email
addresses. You can expect either a personal call or a recorded message. If you provide an email address,
you may receive an email in addition to the phone call. In the event of an emergency, call lines may be
busy.
Evacuation versus Shelter In-Place:
This facility uses a standard approach to managing emergencies. The Administrator serves as the
Incident Commander. Department Heads serve specific roles during an emergency. They communicate
with staff and local emergency management officials in order to make decisions. One major decision is
whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place. The Administrator makes the final decision.
In case of evacuation, we have procedures in place to ensure the safety of our residents. We have made
arrangements in advance with other facilities and transportation services to ensure our residents have a
safe place to go. Our nurses send important medical information with each resident. They keep a log of
where each resident is sent. In case of immediate evacuation, such as with a fire, our safe zone is facility
parking lot.
For safety reasons, the Administrator may decide to shelter-in-place. This may occur when there is not
enough time to evacuate safely. Sometimes it may be safer inside the building. We have procedures in
place to ensure adequate food, supplies, power, and medications for our residents and staff for at least
three days. We have made arrangements in advance to receive additional supplies or assistance, if
needed.
Lock Down Procedures:
Some situations will warrant the facility to be placed on “lock down”. During these situations, no one will
be allowed to enter or leave the facility. Lock-downs may occur for many reasons, including (but not
limited to) a hazardous chemical inside or outside the building, a weather-related event, or police action
outside the building. In the event of a lockdown, please remain calm and follow any instructions from
management staff or emergency personnel.
Please direct any questions regarding our emergency plan to the facility administrator.
Julie Ann Woolard (618)457-1010
Revised: 02/19/18
Preparing for Emergencies: Information for
Residents and Family Members
No one wants to think and worry about disasters.
Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help
ease any concerns. This fact sheet tells you how
our facility has prepared for emergencies.
We have a written emergency plan that is reviewed
and tested every year. Our plan addresses the
following types of emergencies:
•
Weather emergencies such as tornadoes,
hurricanes, and winter weather.
•
Security incidents such as bomb threats,
terrorism, and active shooters.
•
Natural disasters such as earthquakes and
floods.
All staff and volunteers are trained on emergency
procedures. They participate in drills and
exercises to test their knowledge. Residents are
asked to take part in all drills so they can know
what to expect in an actual emergency.
Communication:
Our emergency plan includes procedures for
communication. Notification of families in the
event of an evacuation is part of that plan. We ask
that you provide us with current phone numbers
and/or email addresses. You can expect either a
personal call or a recorded message. If you
provide an email address, you may receive an
email in addition to the phone call. In the event of
an emergency, call lines may be busy.
Evacuation versus Shelter In-Place:
This facility uses a standard approach to
managing emergencies. The Administrator serves
as the Incident Commander. Department Heads
serve specific roles during an emergency. They
communicate with staff and local emergency
management officials in order to make decisions.
One major decision is whether to evacuate or
shelter-in-place. The Administrator makes the final
decision.
In case of evacuation, we have procedures in place
to ensure the safety of our residents. We have
made arrangements in advance with other facilities
and transportation services to ensure our
residents have a safe place to go. Our nurses
send important medical information with each
resident. They keep a log of where each resident
is sent. In case of immediate evacuation, such as
with a fire, our safe zone is facility parking lot.
For safety reasons, the Administrator may decide
to shelter-in-place. This may occur when there is
not enough time to evacuate safely. Sometimes it
may be safer inside the building. We have
procedures in place to ensure adequate food,
supplies, power, and medications for our residents
and staff for at least three days. We have made
arrangements in advance to receive additional
supplies or assistance, if needed.
Lock Down Procedures:
Some situations will warrant the facility to be
placed on “lock down”. During these situations,
no one will be allowed to enter or leave the facility.
Lock-downs may occur for many reasons,
including (but not limited to) a hazardous chemical
inside or outside the building, a weather-related
event, or police action outside the building. In the
event of a lockdown, please remain calm and
follow any instructions from management staff or
emergency personnel.
Please direct any questions regarding our
emergency plan to the facility administrator.
Julie Ann Woolard (618)457-1010
