In disasters, often it is the responsible local agencies which appear unprepared to assist; for example, the news media showed rising waters in nursing homes with no means of egress, since boats would be needed for patients in beds. [Newsmedia, Katrina Disaster in New Orleans, onsite footage]
The basic question of where does one turn for assistance, too, has sometimes been passed by where one might expect a central place with water and food storage, and pharmacy linkages in place. The International Red Cross and its chapters has come through, and federal plans (FEMA) seem much better in 2014 (with toolkits available).
Regions of the country (when people move) vary for disasters, and tornado planning and hurricane planning is sometimes warranted. Earthquakes are common in places like California, with my visits already yielding a minor one in Los Angeles and a major one in San Francisco. [Racino, 1991, 1993, first independent living center in the US]
The physicians below have indicated that "their nursing homes" are operated by physicians (often not the case) with early reviews indicating that only a consulting physician might be onsite and mainly a nursing aide level. The new Direct Support Professional (Larson et al, 2014) in my new 2014 book are also in nursing facilities per the University of Minnesota.
Julie Ann Racino, July 2015, amended
Article Chronic Conditions and Household Preparedness for Public Hea...
Hi Julie.
It greatly depends when where you are (I mean what part of the world/country). At USA NFPA 101 or the NFPA 1600 are the most obvious answers for buildings. FEMA has some publications as well.
In my country (Portugal) emergency planning is mandatory and all buildings (except residencial ones and just inside the dwells) must have their own emergency and maintenance plans. A Fire Manager is the person in charge (typically the owner, landlord or CEO for organizations) that must provide the emergency plans and verify their implementation. Training is also required and fire drills should be performed regularly (intervals depend on the risk). Risk is categorized in four levels; lower level has almost no requirements (just fire extinguisher maintenance, and emergency lights/signs), e.g. small shops, restaurants, offices (few occupants < 100 and at road level). Higher risk implies more and more requirements such as minimum safety staff, regular fire drills and training, adequate preventive maintenance plans and emergency plans.
Hope this helps.
Joao Emilio Almeida: Good to meet you; the emergency procedures for government buildings and group homes or health facilities were in place in the 1970s in New York State and largely the US. Typically, it was fire evacuation related, including egress of the disabled from upper floors in buildings. Other homes or apartments (e.g., apartment complexes) were not required to have such drills and meet different standards. Most places until the Katrina disaster and local governments stepping in with the federal government, did not address shelter in storms or hurricanes. We have emergency alert systems on the television sets advising no travel. During the 1960s, elementary school procedures were to cover the children away from the windows in closets during air raid drills, and later to send the children home to their parents. It's always important here to differentiate between the planners and the implementation group and levels.
Hi Julia,
Thanks for your input. Let me add that in my country all schools have (or should have) emergency plans and periodic fire drills. Hospitals and nursing houses too. However, the reality shows that often people do not take them seriously. Education is mandatory. And it should start at the top levels. When the top executives and management refuse to participate and give their example at fire drills and training sessions, they are sending the wrong message and devaluing the importance of prevention.
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