R432-152-22. Emergency Plan and Procedures

(1) The facility shall develop and implement detailed written plans and procedures to meet all potential emergencies and disasters such as fire, severe weather, and missing clients.

(a) The facility shall periodically review and update written emergency procedures.

(b) The emergency plan must be made available to the staff.

(c) Facility staff must receive periodic training on emergency plan procedures.

(d) The emergency plan shall address the following:

(i) evacuation of occupants to a safe place within the facility or to another location;

(ii) delivery of essential care and services to facility occupants by alternate means;

(iii) delivery of essential care and services when additional persons are housed in the facility during an emergency;

(iv) delivery of essential care and services to facility occupants when the staff is reduced by an emergency; and

(v) maintenance of safe ambient air temperatures within the facility. Ambient air temperature of at least 58 degrees F. Must be maintained during emergencies.

(e) Emergency heating must be approved by the local fire department.

(2) The facility's emergency plan shall identify:

(a) the person with decision-making authority for fiscal, medical, and personnel management;

(b) on-hand personnel, equipment, and supplies and how to acquire additional help, supplies, and equipment after an emergency or disaster;

(c) assignment of personnel to specific tasks during an emergency;

(d) methods of communicating with local emergency agencies, authorities, and other appropriate individuals;

(e) the individuals who shall be notified in an emergency, in order of priority;

(f) method of transporting and evacuating clients and staff to other locations; and

(g) conversion of facility for emergency use.

(3) Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted near telephones accessible to staff.

(4) Simulated disaster drills shall be held semi-annually for all staff, in addition to fire drills. Documentation shall be maintained for Department review.

(5) The licensee and administrator shall develop a written fire emergency and evacuation plan in consultation with qualified fire safety personnel.

(a) The evacuation plan shall delineate evacuation routes and location of fire alarm boxes and fire extinguishers.

(b) The written fire-emergency plan shall include fire-containment procedures and how to use the facility alarm systems and signals.

(c) Fire drills and fire drill documentation shall be in accordance with Buildings Under the Jurisdiction of the State Fire Prevention Board, R710-4.

(d) The facility shall evacuate clients during at least one drill each year on each shift including:

(i) making special provisions for the evacuation of clients with physical disabilities;

(ii) filing a report and evaluation on each evacuation drill; and

(iii) investigating all problems with evacuation drills, including accidents, and take corrective action.