Emergency Preparedness Considerations for Summer Hazards

Residential Care Services (RCS) issued a Dear Provider Letter reminding long-term care providers of the importance of preparing for summer hazards, including extreme heat, wildfires, wildfire smoke, and power disruptions. These events can significantly impact vulnerable populations and may require providers to activate emergency plans, implement protective measures, and coordinate evacuation or sheltering activities.

As Washington enters the summer season, providers are encouraged to review and update emergency preparedness plans, conduct emergency exercises, procure necessary equipment and supplies, and assess facility readiness. Early preparation can help reduce risk and improve resident safety during emergencies.

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires can threaten facilities directly through fire exposure and indirectly through evacuation requirements, smoke impacts, and utility disruptions. Providers are encouraged to take steps to improve facility defensibility by clearing vegetation near buildings, removing debris from roofs and gutters, and evaluating opportunities to strengthen facility infrastructure.

Providers should also ensure they are receiving emergency notifications from local emergency management agencies and become familiar with wildfire monitoring tools that provide real-time information about wildfire activity.

Evacuation planning remains a critical component of wildfire preparedness. Providers should review evacuation procedures with staff, maintain emergency go-bags for residents and staff, ensure vehicles remain adequately fueled, and identify multiple evacuation destinations. Plans should also account for residents who require specialized equipment, mobility assistance, oxygen, or other medical supports.

Extreme Heat Safety

Extreme heat remains one of the deadliest weather-related hazards and can have serious consequences for residents in long-term care settings. Residents with a history of dehydration, cardiovascular disease, or pulmonary disease may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Providers should ensure staff recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and understand appropriate response measures. Preventive measures may include encouraging hydration, limiting exposure to excessive heat, reducing strenuous activities, and maintaining cool indoor environments.

The Dear Provider Letter also notes that fans should not be used when indoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as they may increase body temperature rather than provide cooling.

Power Safety Shutoffs and Power Disruptions

Several utility providers across Washington State have implemented Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) programs as a wildfire prevention measure. These planned outages may occur during periods of elevated wildfire risk to reduce the possibility of electrical equipment igniting wildfires.

Power disruptions can affect resident safety, particularly for individuals who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. Providers should understand the potential impact of PSPS events in their service area and communicate with utility providers regarding residents who depend on life-sustaining equipment requiring electricity.

Providers are encouraged to review backup power plans and ensure emergency procedures address extended power outages.

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness

Wildfire smoke exposure can have significant health impacts, particularly for older adults and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Providers are encouraged to monitor air quality conditions throughout wildfire season and take appropriate precautions when outdoor air quality declines.

When air quality reaches moderate or unhealthy levels, providers should consider limiting outdoor activities and reducing resident exposure to smoke. Facilities can also improve indoor air quality by keeping doors and windows closed, reducing indoor pollutants, inspecting seals around doors and windows, upgrading air filtration systems, and utilizing air quality monitoring equipment when available.

Recommended Steps for AFH Providers

In preparation for the summer hazard season, providers are encouraged to:

• Review and update emergency preparedness and evacuation plans.
• Conduct emergency drills and exercises with staff.
• Maintain emergency supplies, go-bags, and transportation resources.
• Prepare facilities for wildfire defense by reducing vegetation and combustible debris.
• Ensure staff understand heat-related illness prevention and response.
• Review plans for power outages and Public Safety Power Shutoff events.
• Identify residents who rely on life-sustaining equipment requiring electricity.
• Monitor wildfire activity and local air quality conditions regularly.
• Improve indoor air quality by inspecting seals, upgrading filters, and obtaining necessary supplies before demand increases.

Proactive planning and preparedness can help protect residents, staff, and facilities throughout the summer season and during emergency events.