Disasters come in many shapes and sizes, from man-made events such as fires, chemical spills, and railroad accidents, to natural events like severe weather events like hurricanes, snowstorms, and tornadoes. Many of these events happen with little or no warning.

Disasters are any emergency where the event’s severity, scope, nature, or span overcome an organization’s ability to manage and/or respond with the resources they have. Therefore, the actions and response require intense coordination and efficient management. There is an understanding that disaster management is critical to reduce or avoid the losses related to disasters.

All long-term care facilities must be prepared before disaster strikes in order to prevent injury and save lives, property, money, and resources. The generally accepted disaster management cycle, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, clearly illustrates that pre-planning is crucial for an effective response and to ensure reducing losses, protecting lives, and a quicker recovery.

Objectives

1. Review the CMS Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers

2. Review CMS Appendix Z emergency preparedness guidance to surveyors

3. Discuss disaster mitigation actions that can either prevent the occurrence of a disaster or reduce the severity of its effects. Mitigation activities include the way structures are built and maintained, policies, procedures, and training/education on disaster prevention strategies.

4. Review completing a hazard vulnerability analysis tool and how to develop a facility policy based on facility priorities.

Please Note: There will not be an option to participate by phone for this session. In order to hear the presenter, you must attend using a computer.