(Final) Emergency Disaster Plan Policies - KSC - Edmonds.pdfKOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES
EMERGENCY DISASTER PLAN
Table of Contents
Emergency Disaster Plan
Front Cover Sheet Page 1
Table of Contents Page 2
Disaster Plan Policy Page 3
Attachment A: Fire Drill Report Page 15
II. Reporting a Disaster Policy Page 17
III. Ten (10) Action Steps to Addressing Page 18
the Media in an Emergency
2
I. DISASTER PLAN POLICY
POLICY
It is the policy of KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES to have a disaster plan for the
safety of Residents. The purpose of the disaster plan is to educate Community staff of their
duties and responsibilities in the event of an internal or external disaster. The Community
must continue to protect and serve the Residents even under the most challenging
situations. Since so many variables are possible, the disaster plan is intended as a guideline
rather than a hard and fast rule. In the event of an emergency, staff must rely heavily on
common sense and the general principles outlined in this disaster plan.
A "disaster" means those events set forth below and the occurrence as a result of a natural
force or mechanical failure such as water, wind, or fire, or lack of essential resources such
as electrical power, that poses a threat to the safety and welfare of Residents, staff and
others in the Community.
PROCEDURE
♦ Staff Assignments
o Key Decision Makers (Owner and/or Executive Director): The Key
Decision Maker is the key person who is able to move about the Community
to determine appropriate actions and decisions pertaining to the disaster
plan and specific situations. This individual is also responsible for
emergency staffing procedures and emergency volunteer assistance. The
Key Decision Maker acts as the Community representative to the press,
public, and liaison with outside resources. In the absence of the Key
Decision Maker, the next highest person on the "chain of command" as set
forth in the Community organizational chart will assume these
responsibilities.
o Core Leaders (Department Heads — MIC, CLQ: The Core Leaders are
responsible for operating the communication center of the Community. The
Core Leaders work closely with the Key Decision Maker and perform duties
assigned by the Key Decision Maker. The Core Leaders are responsible for
notifying outside emergency services, contacting off-duty staff for
assistance, contacting families when directed, watching for emergency
vehicles and directing them to appropriate areas. The Core Leaders are also
responsible for tracking and having accountability for all of our Residents
during a disaster. If the Core Leaders are not present at the time of the
disaster, the Key Decision Maker delegate these duties to another staff
member.
o Resident Assistance Personnel (Nurses, Resident Aides, Activity Director):
Resident Assistance Personnel are responsible for hands-on Resident care
and emergency first aid applications. Resident Assistance Personnel will
triage and assess all Residents to determine what, if any, injuries have
occurred. Resident Assistance Personnel will work with Core Leaders to
transfer injured Residents to area hospitals. Remember, all interactions with
Residents will be calm, slow, professional, and reassuring. In addition,
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Resident Assistance Personnel may be called upon to serve one of the above
staff assignments until off-duty staff arrives. Resident Assistance Personnel
will perform other duties as assigned by the Key Decision Maker.
o Support Staff (Maintenance Director, Housekeepers and Dietary Staff
Support Staff are responsible for structural evaluation and physical safety
measures. Support Staff will clean up and maintain safe areas for Residents,
prepare food and snacks, and organize emergency paper and food supplies.
Support Staff will perform other duties as assigned by the Key Decision
Maker.
♦ Resident Orientation
o All Residents shall be oriented to emergency and evacuation plans within
ten (10) days after the Resident's arrival at the Community. Orientation
shall include assisting Residents in identifying and using emergency exits.
Documentation of the orientation shall be signed and dated by the Resident.
♦ Drills
o Drills shall include Residents, staff, and other persons in the Community at
the time of the drill.
o Drills shall be announced throughout the Community and may be
announced in advance to Residents.
o Drills shall involve the actual evacuation of Residents to an assembly point
as specified in the emergency plan and shall provide Residents with
experience using various means of escape, if necessary.
o A written evaluation of each drill shall be submitted to the Community
manager and shall be maintained for one (1) year from the date of the drill.
The evaluation shall include the date, time and type of drill, names of staff
that participated, and identification of any Residents who received
assistance for evacuation.
♦ Provisions for Summoning Emergency Assistance
o Dial 9-1-1 and report the location, nature, and seriousness of the disaster
and give the following information:
• Name of the Community
• Address of Community
• Nearest cross street
A Community telephone number
o Stay on the phone for further questions and instructions.
o Call the people identified on the Emergency Telephone Roster, including
the Key Decision Makers.
o The Core Leaders will call the rest of the off-duty staff to report the disaster
to call staff into work as directed by the Key Decision Makers.
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♦ Plans for Evacuating Residents from Community
o Remove Residents from immediate danger. Each hallway has a posted
evacuation route. All staff shall be aware of the evacuation route and
location of evacuation route diagrams. If the disaster is limited to a small
area, evacuate to the other end of the building. Due to the nature of their
illness, move Residents no further than necessary to get them out of harm's
way. The Key Decision Maker or emergency personnel may direct an
evacuation of the entire building. If evacuated from the building, private
vehicles and emergency vehicles will be utilized. Other transportation such
as taxis and city transit may be utilized. The Key Decision Maker will
supervise the evacuation, the Core Leaders will document which Residents
are leaving in which vehicle, their condition and destination and what
accompanied them such as their medications or medical chart. The Core
Leaders will assign staff or volunteers to accompany Residents upon
evacuation.
♦ Alternative Resident Accommodations
o The Community will evacuate Residents to a safe location that will be
identified by Community staff dependent on the emergency situation (i.e.
front or back of the building or across the street of the building if the
emergency warrants Residents to be farther from the building).
♦ Provisions for Essential Residents' Needs, Supplies, and Equipment
o The Support Staff have the responsibility to gather, organize, and disperse
supplies where directed, including medications. If additional water, food or
medical supplies are needed the Core Leaders will contact the appropriate
Emergency Service company or Emergency Organization as set forth
below.
o Water
• The Community will maintain bottled water for disaster situations.
• The priority of water use during a disaster is:
• Drinking
• Food Preparation
• Personal Hygiene
• Housekeeping Uses.
o Food
A The Community maintains a minimum of one week's supply of
foods and juices and a four day supply of perishable foods for use
during a disaster.
o Medical Supplies
A The Community maintains extra medical supplies for emergency
purposes. Extra medical supplies are located in the Ancillary Room
and the Medication Room.
♦ Emergency Communication Plan
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o Emergency communication is critical during a disaster. The Core Leaders
will contact the Emergency Staff set forth below. The Core Leaders will
also contact applicable Emergency Service companies, Emergency
Organizations and Emergency Utility companies as needed.
o The Executive Director's office will be the emergency communication
center.
o The following communication options may be used:
• Telephones
• A set of walkie-talkies is stored at the front desk for
emergency communication purposes.
• If the power goes out, the main phone system will not
operate. Use the fax machine's phone when the power is out,
but not telephone lines.
• Inventory staff to see if any of them have cellular phones.
Make a list of these staff, identifying the owner and their cell
number. Use cell phones to make outgoing calls, which will
allow incoming calls to continue.
• Pay phones may be located at nearby commercial
businesses.
• The Core Leaders will notify off-duty staff of disaster and
remind staff to bring in their cell phones.
• Pagers
• Paging numbers of Emergency Staff are listed below to be
used for contact during a disaster by the Core Leaders.
♦ Emergency Telephone Roster
o The extent and type of disaster will determine who is to be notified.
o The Executive Director should always be notified.
EMERGENCY STAFF PHONE NUMBERS
TITLE
NAME
HOME
PHONE
CELL
PHONE
PAGER
NUMBER
Owner
Aaron
Koelsch
Office Number
360-867-1900
Executive Director
TBD
MIC
TBD
CL
TBD
Maintenance
TBD
DRS
TBD
I
Acting Director
TBD
Fire Department/Paramedics
911/(425) 551-1200
Police/Sheriff Department
Housekeeper 1
TBD
(425) 248-4100
Department of Emergency Management
800-562-6108
Housekeeper 2
TBD
Miscellaneous Numbers
Hospital (425) 640-4000
Housekeeper 3
TBD
Nurse 1
TBD
Nurse 2
TBD
Nurse 3
TBD
Nurse 4
TBD
EMERGENCY SERVICES
NAME
PHONE NUMBER
Fire Department/Paramedics
911/(425) 551-1200
Police/Sheriff Department
911/Sheriff non -emergency (425) 388-3393
Police non -emergency (425) 771-0200
Ambulance Service
(425) 248-4100
Department of Emergency Management
800-562-6108
Department of Aging & Disability
360-725-2300
Miscellaneous Numbers
Hospital (425) 640-4000
EMERGENCY UTILITIES
UTILITY
PHONE NUMBER
Electric Company
(425) 783-1000
Gas Company
1-888-225-5773
Water/Sewer Company
(425) 771-0235
Propane Company
N/A
OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES
COMPANY NAME
PHONE NUMBER
Medical Rental Supply
TBD
Medical Supply
TBD
Food Supplier 1
TBD
Food Supplier 2
TBD
Food Supplier 3
TBD
Food Supplier 4
TBD
Fire Alarm Company
TBD
Fire Extinguisher Company
TBD
HVAC Company
TBD
Plumbing Company
TBD
Emergency Communication Company
TBD
Bottled Water Company
TBD
EMERGENCY ORGANIZATIONS
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER
American Red Cross
2530 Lombard Ave.
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 252-4103
Salvation Army
9543 Greenwood Ave N.,
#105, Seattle
206-706-0855
Other 1
Other 2
Other 3
Other 4
Other 5
EMERGENCY SHUTOFFS
ELECTRICAL
AREAIWING OF
LOCATION/COMMENTS
BUILDING
Electrical Panel
Main Electrical Room
Exterior Mechanical Room by
Kitchen
Gas
Exterior
Between Breakroom and Laundry
Water
Boiler Room
Exterior Mechanical Room
Between Laundry Room and
Kitchen
Oxygen Storage
Ancillary Room
Interior Storage Room -Rose
Hallway
Alarm System
Front/Ivy RSD
Front of Community by ED
Office
Emergency Call
Front/Ivy RSD
Front of Community by ED
Office
Generator
Exterior Rear
NE Corner of Community
♦ Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Warning Procedures
o When a tornado/severe thunderstorm warning is sounded staff shall:
A Ensure that all Residents are relocated to safe locations within the
Community away from any windows or doorways leading to the
outside.
o Residents shall not be allowed to return to their units until the warning has
ceased.
o The Community shall be notified when the National Weather Service issues
a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning by notification by police, hearing
sirens, etc.
o The Community shall conduct a tornado drill during each staff shift during
February of each year.
♦ Power Outage
o In the event of a power outage, the following steps shall be taken:
• Staff shall immediately identify any Residents that require oxygen
concentrators or other life support equipment. Move the Resident(s)
to areas supplied with emergency power outlets.
• Gather all flashlights and other needed supplies.
• Check on all Residents to ensure their safety. Calm Residents
experiencing distress.
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o The Communities' back-up generator will automatically turn on in the event
of a power failure and is designed to deliver limited power and lighting
throughout the Community.
♦ Extreme Temperature Procedures
o When the temperature in a Resident's unit falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit
for twelve (12) hours or more as a result of a mechanical problem or loss of
power in the Community, staff shall relocate the affected Resident(s) to a
safe location within the Community with adequate heat.
o When the temperature in a Resident's unit exceeds a heat index/apparent
temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, staff shall relocate the affected
Resident(s) to a safe location within the Community with adequate cooling.
♦ Fire Procedures
o All staff are trained to be on the alert for fire or smoke and oriented to the
location of a fire extinguisher and the correct way to operate the fire
extinguisher.
o When a Fire is Discovered:
• Evacuate all Resident within the fire zone as quickly as possible
• Activate the nearest fire alarm box.
• Contain the fire, if possible, by using the fire extinguisher and by
closing all windows and doors in the affected area.
• Notify someone to alert all staff and notify the Key Decision Maker
as soon as possible.
*?*—Do not enter a closed fire room if the door knob feels warm.
o When the fire alarm sounds:
• The Key Decision Maker will proceed to the fire control panel if the
fire location is not known.
• The Key Decision Maker will have all staff search until the cause of
the fire alarm can be located.
• The Key Decision Maker will evaluate the situation and determine
any evacuation needs.
• The Key Decision Maker will direct staff to call 9-1-1 to report the
problem.
46—
• Once the location of the fire is located, staff will start at the area
of the fire and work away in all directions to move affected
Residents beyond fire doors. All doors and hallways must be kept
clear to ensure fire doors are closed properly and Residents are
transported out of the affected area safely.
• Maintenance will shut off any circulating air systems in the affected
area.
• e1D fire crew with information about location of the fire alarm
panel
o Staff Responsibilities
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A Core Leaders shall report to the area of the fire with fire
extinguishers. Await instructions from the Key Decision Maker and
the fire department personnel.
�! Nursing Personnel shall stay in their assigned area with Residents
unless otherwise directed by a Core Leader.
• Have paperwork ready for the EMS crew and the most
knowled eg able person about the particular resident's history, mental
health and current problems, give the report to the crew.
• Staff shall close all windows and doors and shut down any
equipment in work areas.
o Evacuation
A When the Key Decision Maker orders evacuation, follow the "Plans
for Evacuating Residents from Community" set forth above.
o Drills
• At least six (6) fire drills shall be conducted each year on a
bimonthly basis, or more frequently as the Community may
determine.
• All employee shifts shall have separate and independent fire drills.
• At least two (2) fire drills shall be conducted during the night when
Residents are sleeping.
• Fire Drill Log — shall be used for all shift personnel fire drills and
kept on file as required by law.
• All fire drills shall be conducted under varied conditions to:
• Ensure that all staff on all shifts are trained to perform
assigned tasks in the event of a fire.
• Ensure that all staff on all shifts are familiar with the use of
the firefighting equipment in the Community.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of disaster plans, procedures, and
training.
• SEE ATTACHED FIRE DRILL REPORT.
• After each fire drill the Maintenance Director shall hold a short
interface between all individuals that participated in the fire drill to
answer any questions and discuss any concerns that arose during the
drill.
• The Maintenance Director shall be in charge of scheduling each fire
drill and shall, to extent practicable, be the only individual aware of
an upcoming fire drill to ensure that drills are as represented of
actual emergent circumstances as possible.
o R.A.C.E.
• R=Rescue: Remove Residents from immediate danger to the nearest
exit or stairwell. Stay calm and do not shout so that Residents will
remain calm.
• A=Alert: Alert all staff by activating the nearest pull station and
notify the fire department by calling 9-1-1.
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• C=Contain: Contain fire and smoke by closing all doors near the fire
and keep them locked.
• E=Extinguish: Extinguish the fire with nearest fire extinguisher if
the fire is small and if it can be done safely, otherwise evacuate those
Residents who live in apartments near the fire.
♦ Explosion Procedures
o The first staff at the explosion site will announce the disaster
A Locate a phone, activate the intercom system and say, "explosion in
(give exact location of disaster)" three (3) times over the intercom.
o The Key Decision Maker will immediately report to the disaster location
and assess the situation. Once the Key Decision Maker confirms that an
explosion occurred, they will activate the following procedures:
• Protect the Residents: If it is safe to do so, staff will remove
Residents from the immediate area of danger. Staff will always act
with caution in the event of further explosions.
• Seal off the Area: Depending on the severity of the explosion, the
Key Decision Maker may activate evacuation procedures. All doors
to the immediate area of the explosion will be closed. The area will
then be sealed off due to the possibility of further explosions.
• Pull the Fire Alarm: The Key Decision Maker will assign a staff
member to activate the alarm. At this time, the person in charge will
assign an individual to call the fire department.
• Contact Emergency Services: The Key Decision Maker will assign
a staff to contact the appropriate Emergency Services company.
When contacting the Emergency Services company, clearly explain
the problem and state "I want to report an explosion." Provide the
following information to the Emergency Service company:
• Community name
• Community address
• Nearest cross street
• Maintenance: The Key Decision Maker will instruct the Core
Leader to immediately report to the explosion site to the
maintenance department who will, if safe to do so, assess structural
damage to the Community. Utilities will be shut off immediately, if
required.
• Fire: In the event the explosion causes a fire, follow the fire
procedure set forth above.
o Administer First Aid: All staff will assist will administering first-aid to
injured persons and the Key Decision Maker will instruct the Core Leaders
to contact appropriate Emergency Services immediately.
o If There Is a Gas Smell
• Open all windows and doors leading to the exterior of the building
to "air out" the gas.
• Immediately notify the Key Decision Maker and maintenance to
shut off main gas valve.
12
• Do not use any flammables (candles, matches, or other open
flames).
• Evacuate Residents from the area of immediate danger. The Key
Decision Maker will determine whether to use Community
evacuation procedures. If evacuation is implemented, do not re-enter
the building until the gas company representative declares it is safe
to do so.
• The Key Decision Maker will instruct the Core Leaders to notify the
gas company immediately.
♦ Earthquake Procedures
o During the tremor:
•
Keep Residents calm and away from windows, sky lights, and large
overhead light fixtures. Be aware of furniture or equipment that can
tip over or fall down on someone. Try to remain in your respective
area and seek protective shelter under tables, desks, or doorways.
•
Do not run outdoors as falling debris or electrical wires may hit you.
o After the tremor:
•
Do not take Residents outside of the building unless instructed to do
so by the Key Decision Maker.
•
Keep Residents in their units and out of hallways as much as
possible.
•
Try to remain calm. Talk and act in your usual manner, this will
instill confidence and reduce panic to Residents and other staff.
•
Administer first aid as necessary. The seriously injured will be
evacuated to the nearest hospital for treatment.
•
Turn off utilities until an assessment can be made.
•
Maintenance will inspect all utility lines for damage. Maintenance
will make an assessment of the damage and report to the person in
charge.
•
Flashlights will be available in the front office in case of electrical
failure. They will be issued on a priority basis and per the instruction
of the person in charge. Be sure to keep the Residents calm at this
time.
o If There
Is a Gas Smell
•
Open all windows and doors leading to the exterior of the building
to "air out" the gas.
•
Immediately notify the Key Decision Maker and maintenance to
shut off main gas valve.
•
Do not use any flammables (candles, matches, or other open
flames).
•
Evacuate Residents from the area of immediate danger. The Key
Decision Maker will determine whether to use Community
evacuation procedures. If evacuation is implemented, do not re-enter
13
the building until the gas company representative declares it is safe
to do so.
The Key Decision Maker will instruct the Core Leaders to notify the
gas company immediately.
***EXPECT AFTERSHOCKS IN ANY EARTHQUAKE***
♦ Flooding Procedures
o Notify the Key Decision Maker.
o Contact maintenance to assess internal source of flooding (i.e. a broken
water main) and to shut off main water valve.
o The Key Decision Maker will direct staff on Resident evacuation if needed.
o Staff will immediately remove Residents from the flooded area to prevent
ensure safety and prevent injury.
o The Key Decision Maker will direct the Core Leaders to contact the
appropriate Emergency Services, if needed.
♦ Hazardous Materials Contamination
o When you are aware of a hazardous materials contamination, evacuate the
area immediately. If appropriate, stand upwind from any fumes.
o Call 9-1-1, identify the problem and give the Community address and
location of the contamination.
o Follow all fire procedures.
o Notify the Key Decision Maker immediately.
♦ Bomb Threat Procedures
o Call 9-1-1 to report the bomb threat immediately.
o Do not tell anyone except the Key Decision Maker that there has been a
bomb threat.
o Call all staff to the front desk.
o Begin evacuation procedures.
o When emergency personnel arrive, assist as directed.
14
Attachment A
FIRE DRILL REPORT
See Attached.
15
Community Chd N< Ihere to enter text. Fire Drill Report
Note: Notify the fire department before conduction the drill if the fire alarm signal is automatically transmitted to the fire department or to a
monitoring company.
Complete this section before conduction the drill. For each question, check ALL the answers that apply.
1. Simulate a Situation
❑Fire ❑ Smoke ❑ Other (specify):
2. Location
❑ Kitchen ❑ Dining ❑ Lobby ❑ Office Bedroom ❑ Other:
3. Type of Fire
❑ Bed ❑ Wastebasket ❑ Kitchen Range ❑ Laundry ❑ Other:
4. Extent of Fire
❑ Large ❑ Small ❑ Explosion ❑ Electrical ❑ Paper ❑ Wood ❑ Controllable ❑ Other:
5. Extent of Smoke
❑ Noxious ❑ Whole Room ❑ Corridor ❑ Heavy ❑ Light ❑ Smoldering ❑ Other:
6. Exits Used in Relation to Simulation Situation
❑ Front Door ❑ Back Door ❑ Side Door ❑ Garage Door ❑ Window ❑Other:
7. Rally Points Used (Fill in the blank. For example, in front of neighbor Smith's house, street signs, etc.
C kd: < Ihere to enter text.
Complete this section after conduction the drill. Explain any "No" answer in the Comments/Problems section below.
1.
Did the staff use proper judgement?
❑
Yes
❑
No
2.
------------------------------------
What action(s) were taken during the fire drill? i hd:< here to enter fd"'id:.
enter teed.
enter text.
3.
Was the fire department called?
❑
Yes
❑
No
4.
------------------------------------
What time was the fire department called? a.m. tl"IB+c ib'° '° a P- m• i hd:< here to enter r td"'ld:.
5.
Were residents I the halls removed to an area of safety?
❑
Yes
❑
No
6.
---------------------------
Were the halls, corridors and other means of egress maintained clear and free of obstructions?
❑
Yes
❑
No
7.
Were all corridor doors closed?
❑
Yes
❑
No
8.
--------------------------------------
Who responded to the fire drill and with what equipment? i;; bud N< here to enter toid:.
9.
Did the staff monitor the exits?
❑
Yes
❑
No
10.
-------------------------------
Was the building evacuated? i hd'N� µdl re to enter td"' �:.
----------
----
--
---
11.
Did facility staff or the fire department extinguish any fire? a.m. tl"Ik'I: ib '° a '° bW ° a '°4W
p.m. i kd < here to enter td"'ld:.
12.
Who sounded the "all clear" and at what time? i hd:< here to enter r td"' id:.
13.
Was the emergency plan executed correctly?
❑
Yes
❑
No
14.
--------------------------------
Did the staff carry out their responsibilities?
❑
Yes
❑
No
15. Did the staff in different areas or wings: (Check all that apply and describe any problems in the Comments/Problems section below.)
❑ Hear the alarm? ❑ Follow proper procedures? aStand by until "all clear" given?
❑ Respond promptly to the fire alarm? ❑ Return to their proper stations? ❑ Hear the "all clear" given?
❑ Follow procedures calmly, smoothly and efficiently?
Comments/Problems Ckd°:N« Ihere to enter t d.
Names of Participants. Chd N« Ihere to enter tp'id.
Report Completed By. i blld:3,,
Title: ( bud Nfi here to
Date Drill Conducted: Click
Time: i. hd Nfi here to
Shift. i hd:N< hd"�d"� fr
here to enter teed:,
entertext,
hee to e�
enter teed.
enter text.
Note: Keep this completed form in the facility and present it to the surveyor at the time of the inspection.
16
II. REPORTING A DISASTER POLICY
POLICY
It is the policy of KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES to report disasters to the Illinois
Department of Public Health (the "Department") pursuant to applicable laws and
regulations.
PROCEDURE
♦ Upon the occurrence of any disaster requiring hospital service, police, fire
department, or coroner, the Community manager, or designee, shall provide a
preliminary report to the Department either by using the Assisted Living Complaint
Registry or by fax or other electronic means. If the disaster does not require the
Department's assistance, the Community shall provide the preliminary report
within seventy-two (72) hours after the occurrence of the disaster. The preliminary
report shall include, at a minimum:
o Name and location of the Community;
o Type of disaster;
o Number of injuries or deaths of Residents;
o Number of units not usable due to the disaster;
o Estimate of the extent of damages to the Community;
o Type of assistance needed, if any; and
o Other State or local agencies notified about the disaster.
♦ The Community shall submit a full written account to the Department within seven
(7) days after the occurrence, including the information set forth above and a
statement of what actions were taken by the Community after the preliminary report
was filed.
♦ If, at any time, the Community's disaster plan is put into action, a staff member
must report this information to the home office hotline (1-800-562-6078).
17
III. TEN (10) ACTION STEPS TO ADDRESSING
THE MEDIA IN AN EMERGENCY
Follow emergency procedures relative to the situation
• Take whatever steps are needed to ensure Residents safety.
• Tell members of the media someone will speak to them when the situation is
secure.
2. Act promptly
• Provide for Residents needs first.
• Activate the appropriate emergency management plan.
3. Assess the situation
• Gather facts calmly.
• Assemble emergency teams and make assignments.
4. Take responsibility
• Assume accountability.
• Put Residents and public interests first.
5. Work with the home office to determine a spokesperson ASAP
• Indicate awareness of the situation.
• State the actions being taken.
A Express willingness to keep the public informed as more details are available.
6. Express concern for Residents in all statements to the media
• Remember that our focus is on the health and well-being of our Residents.
• Reinforce that concern in all dealings with the media.
7. The spokesperson must stick to the facts and must not speculate
• Whatever you say will become news.
• Whatever you say will be viewed as official or fact.
• When you speak to the media, you are speaking to Residents and their families.
8. Decline to answer specific questions until all the facts are known
• Be courteous and tactful.
• If possible, share the reason you can't provide additional information.
• Do not appear uncooperative.
9. Create perspective by balancing bad news with good news
• Explain success in containing or limiting the emergency situation.
• Emphasize what KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES plan to do to make sure
that this is an isolated incident.
10. Provide a perspective of KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES
• Focus on the history and reputation of KOELSCH SENIOR COMMUNITIES.
• Provide background materials on the company and its commitment to quality
housing/services for seniors.