AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

December 17, 2003

ADSA: AFH #2003-022 emergency Evacuation Plans

 

Dear Adult Family Home Provider:

Recently, several areas of our state experienced severe weather conditions including high winds and flooding. Regulation requires that a n adult family home must assume general responsibility for each resident, including in times of emergency and disaster at the facility. I am taking this opportunity to remind you of the importance of emergency preparedness, ensuring your facility disaster and emergency plans are updated and adequate to meet the needs of all potential emergencies and disasters including possible temporary relocation of residents. I also want to recognize exemplary performance by several facilities that have recently succeeded in evacuating their facilities and keeping their residents safe and well cared for.

The following Washington Administrative Code (WAC) requirements apply to disaster and emergency preparedness:

• WAC 388-76-670 (1) - (5) - Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
• WAC 388-76-76510 (2) (a), (b), (c) - What are the resident emergency evacuation requirements that providers must address?
• WAC 388-76-76515 (1) - (10) - What fire safety and emergency requirements must the provider have in the home?
• WAC 388-76-76520 (1) - (4) - What I required of the provider for emergency evacuation drills?

The provider must continue to comply with these requirements by ensuring that:

• Written plans and procedures are developed and implemented to meet potential emergencies and disasters.
• An emergency evacuation plan is updated, posted and operational all times.
• The emergency plan will address seventy-two hour food supply, drinking water supply and accommodation of specific dietary needs of residents.
• All residents prior to admission receive information on evacuation requirements.
• The disaster and emergency procedures are reviewed periodically with the staff and residents.
• Each resident's evacuation level capability is identified on the negotiated care plan.
• All emergency equipment and supplies including fire extinguishers, first aid supplies and manual, and smoke detectors are maintained and readily available.
• The location of the AFH is accessible at all times to emergency vehicles.
• Staff and resident training/instruction on emergency evacuation procedures.
• Emergency evacuation drills are conducted at least every two months and an emergency evacuation drill involving full evacuation from the home to a safe location is conducted at least annually.

You may refer to the Washington State Emergency Resource for further information at:
http://access.wa.gov/emergency/index.aspx .

If you have any questions about the requirements for this issue, contact your local Residential Care Services (RCS) Field Manager.

Sincerely,

Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services