December 17th, 2023
HSC reminds long-term care facilities and agencies to review and update emergency plans for freezing temperatures and snow. Emergency plans for extreme weather should include the provider’s plan to address:
- Power loss.
- Water and food needs.
- Communication with families and staff.
- Staffing shortages.
- Sheltering in place and evacuation, as applicable.
Providers must follow emergency preparedness rules and their own internal emergency preparedness policies and procedures.
Facilities with generators should perform any maintenance or needed testing while the weather is mild. This will ensure the equipment functions in case of extreme cold or power loss.
It’s important to review building integrity and identify any areas that may need repair, reinforcement or weatherproofing. Multi-story buildings should review any other needed measures should evacuation be required and have a plan in place for how to move residents around or out of the building if there’s a loss of power.
Preparing for disaster is the most important step in protecting the Texans we serve and reducing the risk for loss of life.
***To find your region and your Emergency Management Coordinator for your area, please go to: https://tdem.texas.gov/regions
LTC Provider Resources During an Emergency
Long-term care providers impacted by the current severe weather event should be implementing emergency management plans. LTC providers in need of resources or assistance during an emergency, such as the current severe weather, are reminded that you can:
- Contact your LTCR regional office regarding events that are affecting residents (such as no heat, evacuation, frozen fire sprinkler systems, etc.). They can initiate an emergency request.
- Contact your local emergency management or Regional Advisory Council, who can initiate a STAR request.
- Contact your local power company if you are having power issues. Nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and inpatient hospices should inform the power company that you are an LTC provider, as those providers are prioritized for service restoration per the Public Utility Commission rules.
- Contact your Texas Department of Emergency Management District Contacts if you are having challenges getting generator fuel.
If you need guidance or assistance in relocating residents, work with your LTCR Regional Director. All requests to exceed licensed capacity must be approved by the Director of Survey Operations. If your facility is projected to exceed its licensed capacity because it is accepting residents who have been evacuated from another facility, email Renee Blanch-Haley and include State Capacity Increase Request in the subject line.
Please refer to Provider Letter 2018-19 (PDF) as applicable and to your program’s rules for additional important information regarding emergency preparedness. If you have any questions, contact your LTCR regional office, email LTCR Policy Rules and Training or call 512-438-3161.
