September 26, 2012
ADSA: ALF #2012-015
Emergency Preparedness
Dear Assisted Living Facility Administrator:
Recently released reports indicate that long-term care facilities are not ready to protect the frail, vulnerable residents under their care. You have continuing obligations to plan for and meet resident needs in the event of a natural or human-made disaster. This obligation may continue even if residents are evacuated to another location.
In the event of a major disaster, Residential Care Services (RCS) will work with the Governor, Emergency Management Division (EMD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to establish priorities for responding to a particular disaster situation.
Please review and update the emergency preparedness plan for your assisted living facility as needed to be as prepared as possible. You may want to contact your local emergency management agency to assist you with your plan.
In addition to existing Emergency Planning Information on the ADSA website at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/bh.htm, a new resource regarding preparing for emergencies and disasters is now available:
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of Washington's assisted living facility residents.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services