EMERGENCY PLANNING
We can help you be prepared
in case of an emergency.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
We can help you be prepared in case of an emergency.
When we talk about Emergency Planning at Optimal Home Care, we are concerned about two areas:
- The Emergency / Disaster Plan – 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 Preparedness Plan – common sense steps that everyone should take to be prepared for a natural or manmade disaster.
Emergency Phone Numbers
State departments:
Fire, Police, Ambulance Dial 911
Road Conditions 800.411.4823
State Highway Patrol 313.256.2990
Radio updates:
Radio Updates WWJ 950AM and WXYT 1270 AM
District updates:
District 1 Regional Medical Response Coalition (Livingston County) 517.546.9111 or email D1RMRC@sbcglobal.net
Regional updates:
Region 2N Healthcare Coalition (Oakland, Maccomb, and St Clair Counties) 248.267.0535 or email rclay@region2north.com
Region 2S Healthcare Coalition (Wayne, Washtenaw Counties) 734.728.7674
County crisis lines:
Oakland County Crisis Line 248.456.0909
Wayne County Crisis Line 313.224.7000
Macomb County Crisis Line 586.307.9100
Local health departments:
Wayne County Health Department 734.287.7870
Detroit Health Department 313.876.4000
Oakland County Health Department 248.858.1000
Macomb County Health Department 586. 469.5235
Livingston County Health Department 517.546.9850
Optimal Home Care:
On-call nursing 24/7 248.723.9613
Have questions?
Please use the form below to contact us with questions about Emergency Planning with Optimal Home Care.
Optimal Home Care Emergency / Disaster Plan
The emergency/disaster plan is an orderly procedure that all Optimal Home Care 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
Optimal Home Care 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 THE SAFETY OF THE WATER SUPPLY WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES BEFORE USING.