Prepare yourself and others!!
EMERGENCY WINTER STORM PREPAREDNESS GUIDE For Group Homes, Assisted Living, Room & Board, and Supportive Housing Purpose: To help you prepare now, maintain safety and continuity of care, and protect life, property, and operations during severe winter weather, ice storms, power outages, and staff shortages. SECTION 1: WHAT TO DO TODAY (IMMEDIATE ACTION – NEXT 12–24 HOURS) 1. Conduct a Rapid Safety & Operations Check • Confirm exact number of residents on-site • Identify high-risk residents: • Oxygen-dependent • Diabetic • Cardiac conditions • Mobility impairments • Behavioral or cognitive challenges • Assign one staff lead or responsible adult per shift • Print and keep a hard copy of: • Resident roster • Emergency contacts • Medication list • Diagnoses and allergies • Physician and pharmacy numbers 2. Secure Power & Heat Continuity • If you have a generator: • Test it now • Fuel it fully (minimum 72 hours) • If no generator: • Designate warm rooms • Stock space heaters (used safely and monitored) • Close unused rooms to conserve heat • Identify backup relocation sites (church, partner home, hotel, warming center) 3. Prepare for Power & Water Outages Stock at least 5–7 days of the following: Power / Lighting • Flashlights (not candles) • Extra batteries • Battery-powered lanterns • Phone battery packs / power banks Water • 1 gallon per person per day minimum • Extra water for hygiene and medications Food • Shelf-stable meals • Easy-to-prepare foods (no stove required) • Special diets accounted for (diabetic, low sodium, puree) 4. Medication & Medical Readiness • Refill all medications immediately • Prepare 7-day medication packets • Secure: • Insulin coolers • Oxygen backup tanks • Nebulizers (battery-powered if possible) • Place medications in one centralized, temperature-safe location SECTION 2: STAFFING CONTINGENCY PLAN (VERY IMPORTANT) 5. Assume Staff Will Be Limited Plan as if: • Roads are impassable • Staff cannot arrive or leave