There are many individuals that work and live in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs). To help ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, staff, and visitors alike, it is absolutely critical that those running these facilities have comprehensive measures and plans in place to address disasters or other emergency situations that may occur. If you own or operate an RCFE, read on for some highly useful disaster preparedness tips.
Having a Detailed Plan is Essential
RCFEs can prepare for possible disasters in a number of ways. One important step is to have a thoughtful and detailed plan in place. This plan should clearly indicate viable evacuation routes that staff and residents can take if the facility needs to be evacuated as quickly as possible. The plan should also include a full list of reliable contacts who can rapidly provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
Stock Up On Supplies & Keep Your Power Running
Another important step for RCFE disaster preparedness is to stock up on all necessary supplies. This includes having sufficient food, water, and medical supplies on hand and easily accessible to meet resident and staff needs. As disasters can often be unpredictable by their very nature, it is best to overstock if at all possible in case the emergency situation drags on for an extended period of time. RCFEs should also have dependable backup generators in case of a power outage. Power outages can cause elderly residents to feel uneasy and even scared, so getting the power turned back on as fast as possible is a must. Battery powered flashlights can assist in keeping things manageable until the power is restored.
Practice Makes Perfect
RCFEs should also prepare for possible disasters by putting ample time and effort into training staff and residents on the specifics of what to do in the event of an emergency. This includes knowing how to evacuate the building quickly and safely, and even doing practice drills to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the process. Staff should also know how to safely administer first aid and CPR in case the need arises. Disasters are immensely stressful, which is why being proactive and spending time on preparedness can help keep things as calm and controlled as possible if a real emergency comes up.
Clear & Consistent Communication
Residents’ families should also be informed about the RCFE’s disaster plan in full, and be encouraged to update their best contact information regularly. Knowing that measures are in place to keep their loved ones safe can provide tremendous peace of mind. It’s also important to have a clear and consistent communication plan in place. This includes having multiple ways to communicate with residents, families, and staff in the event of an emergency.
InsureMyRCFE Helps Facilities Prepare for Disaster with Top-Tier Insurance Coverage
By taking the steps detailed above, RCFEs can help ensure that they are prepared for any type of disaster. Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to be prepared for the worst. By having a solid plan in place, RCFEs can rest assured that they are doing everything they can to protect their residents and employees in the event of a disaster.
RCFEs should also make certain that they have adequate insurance coverage. In the event of a disaster, it’s important to be able to rebuild swiftly and get operations back to a state of normalcy. An industry leader, InsureMyRCFE helps provide RCFEs with excellent liability, workers compensation, and commercial property insurance policies to keep them protected over time. To learn more, please request a quote online or give our office a call at (805) 413-5668.
