Emergency Planning

When we talk about Emergency Planning at EXPERTS IN HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. We are concerned about two areas:

The emergency/disaster plan at EXPERTS IN HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. that might

be needed in the event of a natural or manmade disaster so that we can respond to the needs of our patients and their caregivers, to prevent interruption of critical patient care services.

Home Emergency Planning- common sense steps that everyone should take to be prepared

for a natural or manmade disaster.

Following is a list of emergency phone numbers:

For DIAL (or tune in)

Fire, Police, Ambulance Dial 911

Road Conditions 1-800-411-4823

State Highway Patrol 1-313-256-2990

Radio Updates WWJ 950AM

WXYT 1270FM

Oakland County Crisis Line 1-248-456-0909">1-248-456-0909

Wayne County Crisis Line 1-313-224-7000

Macomb County Crisis Line 1-586-307-9100

Experts in Home Health Management, Inc. 24 Hour Line 1-800- HOMECARE or 1-586-585-0201

EXPERTS IN HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. EMERGENCY/DISASTER PLAN

The emergency/disaster plan is an orderly procedure that all EXPERTS IN HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC. employees are trained to follow in the event of an emergency or disaster. Patients health care needs or risk factors are identified at the time of admission and emergency plans are discussed with the patient or the patient's caregiver at that time.

The plan would be activated for:

• Natural Disaster- blizzards, floods, fires, etc.
• Civil Defense Disaster- war, poisonous gas, nuclear accident, etc.
• Community Emergency- Strike, transportation accident, blackout, etc.

The agency Administrator is responsible for declaring that the plan will go into effect. He will notify the supervising nurse who will identify all patients who are in life threatening situations.

Patients who are ventilator dependent and bed-confined persons living alone are the first priority.

The Administrator will immediately arrange with staff, police, and/or fire department for assistance. Staff coordinators will utilize the client roster to notify clients of the disaster arrangements, using the following priority system:

Priority I Red: Life threatening situations

Priority II Yellow: Persons living alone, dependent on Agency for food, medication or treatment, but with support system present

Priority III Green: All others, including short term patients, independent

EXPERTS IN HOME HEALTH MANAGEMENT, INC.

Will continue to maintain thorough and complete records during the emergency and document notifications and the outcome. Contacts with clients will be documented in the clinical record.

The Administrator will declare when the disaster is discontinued.

The emergency/disaster plan is reviewed annually and proposed changes may be recommended.

Home Emergency Preparedness Plan

SUPPLIES

Any emergency or disaster could interrupt the normal supplies of food, water, heat or other necessities. Keep these items on hand at home in case of an emergency:

• Water- in plastic jugs or sealed containers.
• Canned or sealed package foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Medicine needed by family members and a first aid kit.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Flashlights and radio, with extra batteries.
• A covered container that could be used as an emergency toilet.
• A car in good condition, with extra supply of gasoline in case you have to leave your home.

If you live in an area subject to hurricanes and floods, it might be wise to have emergency materials such as plywood sheeting to cover windows, and plastic sheeting to protect furniture and appliances.

KNOW WHERE AND HOW TO SHUT OFF GAS, WATER, AND ELECTRICITY!

Evacuation

If you need to evacuate your home, follow the advice of local authorities as to evacuation routes. Listen to the radio for news and updates on the emergency. Be sure to have enough gasoline.

Do not wait till the last minute to leave, since conditions could change rapidly.

Put valuables inside your home and lock the doors and windows before leaving.

Do not try to cross a stream that is flooding over a road. Even if not deep, water puts tremendous weight and force on a car that can carry it away.

After a Disaster

Be careful upon reentering buildings. Smell for gas leaks only- do not use matches or candles. Appliances standing in water may be very dangerous. Disconnect the main power before touching any electrical appliance.

If fresh foods come in contact with flood water, do not use. Foods that should be kept refrigerated may be spoiled if power has been off for an extended period of time.

Check with local authorities as to the safety of the water supply before using.