THE RECENT MISSISSIPPI FLOODS REMIND US TO PROACTIVELY PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER

Last week, heavy rains in central and south Mississippi prompted numerous flash flood warnings and a flash flood emergency that caused an assisted living facility to be evacuated. Watch the video here >

At CHUG, here’s how we would help our members navigate an emergency flooding event by addressing these 4 critical areas:

1. Planning- CHUG’s members have access to the most comprehensive Evacuation, Transportation and Relocation Plan, perhaps in the USA. As part of an overall Emergency Operations Plan, CHUG can provide the necessary plans, policies and Standard Operating Procedures templates including but not limited to: incident command, shelter-in place, overland flooding, extended power outages, functional needs patient evacuation, and more.

2. Preparedness- CHUG Provides its members with all the resources and tools to implement and test each facility’s Emergency Operations Plan. This includes various workshops, annual training, Table-Top and Full Scale Exercises as required by CMS.

3. Response- CHUG Provides emergency response assistance 24/7/365 including providing access to generators, portable heating and cooling systems, disaster response guidance and subject matter expertise to facilities and 1st Responders during the incident. In addition and most importantly, the CHUG Plan assists with the identification of “like-to-like” facilities and transport providers that ensures the patient’s/resident’s “continuation of care” is maintained throughout the incident. 

4. Recovery- CHUG has the capability to manage post-flood remediation through de-watering, mold remediation and complete restoration of the facility. CHUG can also assist with the development of a post-Incident After Action Report/ Improvement Plan.