Jun 26

Jun 26 What to Include in Your AFH’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

Administrators, Safety Protocols, Washington AFHs

Introduction:

Emergencies can happen at any time, and Adult Family Home (AFH) providers must be prepared to protect their residents, staff, and facility. Whether facing natural disasters, medical emergencies, power outages, or fire hazards, having a well-structured emergency preparedness plan ensures that residents remain safe and well-cared for during crises.

AFH residents are often elderly or medically vulnerable, making it even more crucial to have a clear, detailed, and well-practiced plan in place. A strong emergency preparedness plan helps reduce confusion, minimize harm, and ensure compliance with Washington State regulations.

In this article, we’ll outline essential components of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan to help AFH providers create a safe and resilient environment for their residents.

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

The Challenge:

Every AFH faces different risks based on its location, resident population, and facility structure. A one-size-fits-all emergency plan won’t work.

Best Practices:

Identify Potential Hazards: Consider risks such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, power outages, medical emergencies, and severe weather.

Assess Vulnerabilities:

Determine which residents may need extra assistance during evacuations or power outages.
Identify areas of the home that could pose hazards in emergencies (e.g., blocked exits, non-secured furniture).

Plan for Multiple Scenarios:

Develop protocols for both shelter-in-place situations and full evacuations.
Ensure backup plans for medical care, food, and communication in prolonged crises.

A thorough risk assessment helps AFH providers prepare for specific emergencies that are most likely to affect their home.

2. Emergency Contact List and Communication Plan

The Challenge:

In a crisis, caregivers must be able to quickly contact the right people, including emergency responders, families, and healthcare providers.

Best Practices:

Create a Comprehensive Emergency Contact List:

Include phone numbers for:

Local emergency services (911, fire department, police, hospitals)
AFH staff members and backup caregivers
Resident emergency contacts (family members, legal guardians, power of attorney representatives)
Utility companies (electricity, gas, water, phone service providers)

Establish a Communication Protocol:

Train caregivers on who to call first based on the type of emergency.
Use a mass notification system (phone tree, group text, or alert app) to keep all staff and families informed.

Designate a Spokesperson: Assign a point person responsible for communicating updates to families, staff, and emergency personnel.

A strong communication plan ensures coordinated response efforts and reduces panic or misinformation during an emergency.

3. Evacuation Procedures and Shelter-in-Place Plans

The Challenge:

Residents with mobility issues, dementia, or medical needs require carefully planned evacuation routes and alternative sheltering solutions.

Best Practices:

Map Out Primary and Secondary Evacuation Routes:

Ensure exits are clearly marked and accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and medical equipment.
Conduct regular evacuation drills with residents and staff.

Pre-Identify Safe Shelter Locations: Arrange agreements with nearby AFHs, shelters, or community centers to house residents if needed.

Prepare an Evacuation Kit: Pack a ready-to-go kit with:

Resident medical records and identification
Medications and first aid supplies
Non-perishable food and bottled water
Blankets, flashlights, and emergency cash

Having a well-rehearsed evacuation and shelter-in-place plan ensures safe and orderly transitions in an emergency.

4. Medical Emergency Response Plan

The Challenge:

Residents in an AFH often have complex medical needs, making a rapid response to medical emergencies critical.

Best Practices:

Train Staff in Basic First Aid and CPR: Ensure all caregivers have up-to-date CPR and first aid certifications.

Develop a Medical Emergency Protocol: Outline step-by-step procedures for handling:

Heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies
Seizures, falls, or choking incidents
Mental health crises or behavioral escalations

Ensure Quick Access to Emergency Medical Records:

Maintain a folder or digital database with residents'
Medication lists and allergies
Primary care physician contact information
Advanced directives or DNR orders
A strong medical response plan saves lives and ensures timely intervention in medical emergencies.

5. Backup Power and Utility Contingency Plans

The Challenge:

Power outages can impact heating, cooling, medical devices, and communication systems, putting resident safety at risk.

Best Practices:

Invest in a Backup Generator: Ensure critical systems like oxygen machines, refrigerators (for medication storage), and emergency lights stay operational.

Stock Emergency Supplies:

Store battery-operated radios, flashlights, and extra batteries.
Have ample bottled water and shelf-stable food in case of prolonged outages.

Plan for Heating and Cooling Needs: Use thermal blankets in winter and battery-powered fans in summer to keep residents comfortable.

Having utility contingency plans helps AFHs maintain care and safety standards during extended outages.

6. Food, Water, and Essential Supplies

The Challenge:

Supply chain disruptions during disasters may make it difficult to access food, water, and medical necessities.

Best Practices:

Maintain a Two-Week Emergency Supply of Food and Water:

Store non-perishable foods that meet residents’ dietary needs.
Keep at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Stock Essential Hygiene and Medical Supplies: Ensure a reserve of toiletries, adult diapers, cleaning wipes, and disinfectants.

Regularly Rotate Stock to Keep Supplies Fresh: Check expiration dates on food, medications, and batteries, replacing as needed.

Proper food, water, and supply storage ensures AFHs can operate smoothly during extended emergencies.

7. Staff Training and Emergency Drills

The Challenge:

Even the best emergency plan is useless if staff don’t know how to follow it.

Best Practices:

Conduct Regular Emergency Drills: Hold quarterly fire drills, evacuation drills, and medical emergency simulations.
Train Caregivers on Emergency Protocols: Ensure new and existing staff understand their roles during crises.
Evaluate and Improve the Plan Annually: After drills or real emergencies, review what worked and what needs improvement.

Continuous training and preparedness exercises ensure staff respond quickly and efficiently in emergencies.

Conclusion:

A well-designed emergency preparedness plan is essential for ensuring resident safety, staff readiness, and regulatory compliance in an Adult Family Home. By preparing for various emergency scenarios, AFH providers can minimize risks and provide a calm, organized response when disaster strikes.

To build an effective emergency plan, AFH providers should:

✅ Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards

✅ Develop an emergency contact list and clear communication plan

✅ Implement evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures

✅ Establish medical emergency response protocols

✅ Ensure backup power and utility plans

✅ Stock emergency food, water, and supplies

✅ Train staff and conduct regular emergency drills

By following these best practices, your AFH can stay prepared, protect residents, and ensure continuity of care during any emergency situation.

References:

Emergency Preparedness Workbook for Adult Family Homes https://mil.wa.gov/asset/5ba420521ef76

Personal and family preparedness https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/executive-services/health-safety/safety-injury-prevention/emergency-preparedness/prepare/personal