With Hurricane Idalia targeting Florida’s Big Bend area, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today reassured Floridians that its members are actively implementing their emergency response plans to protect their vulnerable residents.
FHCA members prepare year-round for the potential dangers of hurricane season by training staff and residents. Over the weekend, the association formally activated its emergency response activities to plan for the potential impact of Hurricane Idalia. Member nursing centers have been engaging in preparedness tasks, including fuel checks and generator preparations, disaster planning, emergency supply restocks, facility hardening, and continual communication with appropriate outside partners and contacts.
“Over the last several years, powerful hurricanes have provided stark reminders of the importance of preparing for all contingencies. That’s why our members have been implementing their detailed emergency plans ahead of Hurricane Idalia,” said FHCA CEO Emmett Reed. “Our team is in regular communication with long term care facilities across the state. We are coordinating efforts with state authorities and utility partners while facilities work with their county emergency management offices, transportation and utility partners on local decision-making.”
FHCA is conducting partner briefings with providers, regulatory and emergency operation agency representatives, utility partners and other stakeholders to review hurricane planning activities with facilities, and to field providers’ questions and provide updates in anticipation of the storm.
“As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every resident and staff member at our centers,” said Reed. “Each facility has a detailed plan outlining the steps it will take in the event of such a natural disaster, and centers have been making preparations in accordance with these plans.”
