FHCA Supports Florida’s Long Term Care Centers As They Prepare for Hurricane Ian

Tallahassee, Fla. – With Hurricane Ian targeting Florida's Gulf Coast, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today reassured Floridians that its members are actively implementing their emergency response plans to protect their vulnerable residents.

FHCA members prepare year-round for crises, and particularly the potential dangers of hurricane season, by training nursing center staff and residents. Over the weekend, the association formally activated its emergency response measures to plan for the potential impact of Hurricane Ian. Member nursing centers are currently engaging in preparedness tasks, including fuel checks and generator preparations, disaster planning, emergency supply restocks, facility hardening, and continual communication with appropriate outside partners and contacts.

“Over the last several years, powerful hurricanes have provided stark reminders of the importance of preparing for all contingencies. That’s why our members have developed detailed emergency plans and are now implementing them ahead of Hurricane Ian,”  said FHCA CEO Emmett Reed. “Our team is in regular communication with long term care facilities across the state. We are coordinating efforts with state authorities and utility partners while facilities work with their county emergency management offices, transportation and utility partners on local decision-making.”

FHCA is conducting partner briefings with providers, regulatory and emergency operation agency representatives, utility partners and other stakeholders to review hurricane planning activities with facilities, and to field providers’ questions and provide updates in anticipation of the storm.

“As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every resident and staff member at our centers,” said Reed. “Each facility has a detailed plan outlining the steps it will take in the event of such a natural disaster, and centers are making preparations in accordance with these plans."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2022

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org