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Are you ready for fall and winter? While most of us look forward to the change of seasons, agency owners know that fall and winter bring more weather-related emergencies that impact our business, employees, and patients. With the current hurricane activity impacting so many home care agencies in several states, weather is on everyone’s mind. It is a good time to review emergency preparedness plans for possible situations this upcoming season (weather and non-weather related). This is also a great time to hold a tabletop exercise to walk-through potential scenarios and better prepare your agency and staff.

Because home care agencies have staff in the field who travel on a daily basis, weather can bring additional risks. Hurricanes, freezing temperatures, flooded/iced roadways, and storms with lightning/tornadoes all pose safety hazards to those who drive. Rain and flooding can quickly cause roadways to be underwater. High winds can cause vehicles to be knocked off course or even overturn. Hail can break car windshields and dent car bodies. All of these are especially hazardous to visibility.

Although it is impossible to know exactly how a weather event will impact your agency, staff, and/or patients, being prepared for potential situations can alleviate some of the anxiety with the decision making during an emergency. Practicing and talking through the steps needed in response to an event will improve efficiency during a disaster and could potentially prevent injury or save a life.  Be sure that staff know their role in an emergency situation and steps needed to stay safe.

Link to the National Weather Service website for helpful information: https://www.weather.gov/ama/severesafetytips

Agencies should make sure their Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPP) are updated. This includes policies, contact information, required training exercises, staff education, and job descriptions. If your agency is needing assistance with this, reach out to us! The HCL team can make sure you have updated EPP components so you can be ready to deal with any disaster situation.