Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness Overview
In the event of a natural disaster, inclement weather or emergency (including emergencies that result in a state-ordered call for evacuation), we have an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to continue necessary patient services. We will make every effort to continue our visits to you as outlined in your plan of care. However, the safety of our staff must also be considered. When roads are too dangerous to travel, our staff will contact you by phone, if possible, to let you know that we are unable to make your visit that day and to address any needs we can with you by telephone. Every possible effort will be made to ensure that your medical needs are met.
Should you decide to stay in your home during a state-ordered evacuation, there may be a temporary disruption of services.
All patients are assigned a priority code upon admission which is updated as needed. The code assignment, which is based on the patient’s condition and needs, determines our response time in case of a disaster or emergency. If necessary, this information will be shared with community Emergency Management Services, if the disaster/emergency is of a nature that requires assistance from them. Depending on your priority code, every effort will be made to contact you within the following time frame:
Priority Code 1 or 2 – Within 24 hours
Priority Code 3 or 4 – Within 24 – 48 hours
Priority Code 5 or 6 – Within 48 – 72 hours
In cases of bad weather or other situations that might prevent our staff from reaching you, turn
to your local radio and/or TV stations for information. You may also contact your local Emergency Management Office.
PLEASE NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF YOU EVACUATE TO ANOTHER LOCATION OR EMERGENCY SHELTER AND PROVIDE A TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR WHERE WE MAY CONTACT YOU.