AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
December 17, 2003
ADSA: BH #2003-025 Emergency Evacuation Plans
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
Recently, several areas of our state experienced severe weather conditions including high winds and flooding. Regulation requires that a boarding 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 ensuring your facility disaster and emergency preparedness plans are updated and adequate to meet the needs of all potential emergencies and disasters including 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 388-78-050 (1) (e) (iii) - Staff
- WAC 388-78-055 (1) (q) (i) - (vi) - Policies and procedures
- WAC 388-78-290 (1) (f) - (h) - Safety measures and quality assurance
The facility must continue to comply with these requirements by ensuring that:
- Written plans and procedures are developed and implemented to meet potential emergencies and disasters;
- The plans will include:
- Protection of all residents during a disaster or emergency;
- Maintenance of living accommodations during internal and external disasters;
- On duty staff responsibilities;
- Provisions for summoning assistance;
- Development and maintenance of a current disaster plan;
- Alternate living accommodations;
- Provisions for resident needs are maintained and accessible to all staff and residents - supplies, emergency lighting and equipment; and
- Emergency communication plan.
- All employees are trained in emergency procedures
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
