NHPCO NewsLine Winter 2017 - 9

As each disaster approached, providers kept in constant communication with
their county emergency management agency (EMA) and with their patients.
It was important to confirm that hospice plans were integrated into the
county's emergency plans and hospice patient needs were recognized. An
example of this coordination included working with the county EMA related
to provision of designated care areas in shelters that was suited to the unique
needs of hospice patients. Field staff reconfirmed each patient's plan and
reinforced messages related to mandatory evacuation and safety. Providers
took proactive measures to ensure that they could support all of their
patients so they stopped admitting patients a week before Irma made
landfall, they arranged travel contracts for patients that were leaving the
area, and pre-registered patients for placement in special needs shelters who
were unable to travel or wanted to stay in the area.
One Florida provider closed and evacuated their inpatient unit because it
was in Irma's predicated path and at high risk. They never closed their
inpatient facility before, but with a plan, they were able to successfully
relocate every patient to a safe temporary facility with no issues. Luckily,
their inpatient unit sustained very little damage and they were able to move
back once power was restored.
All providers agreed that having a well-developed and rehearsed emergency
plan was essential to them being prepared, but even the best planning
cannot mitigate all problems, particularly post disaster. It is difficult to know
the extent of damage after an incident and the long term ramifications when
developing a plan proactively. Florida providers prepared for everything that
their past experience taught them, but no one was prepared for such long
term power outages, fuel shortages, and patients and staff not being able to
return to their homes for an extended period or not at all.

A rule of thumb in disaster
preparedness is to be
ready to self-sustain for
3-5 days.

A rule of thumb in disaster preparedness is to be ready to self-sustain for 3-5
days. However, this recent string of disasters has left providers and patients
without power and sometimes re-supply for weeks. Some providers in
Florida and Puerto Rico are essentially starting from scratch related to their
census because their patients evacuated and cannot return to their homes,
or their staff has been reduced for similar reasons.

Pearls of Wisdom
Providers from Florida shared insight with NHPCO about actions that
helped them prepare for the disaster and observations that will update their
emergency preparedness plans for the future.
■ Provide real cash advances to staff before a disaster event. ATM
machines and credit card processors will not work during power outages
post disaster and cash may be the only currency accepted to buy gas,
food, and supplies.

Winter 2017 | NHPCO NewsLine

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine Winter 2017
