OMG! What’s Next? The Basics of Disaster Preparedness

Disasters can happen all of a sudden and, without adequate planning, pose significant challenges even under ideal circumstances. In this webinar, attendees will learn the basics of disaster preparedness, with a focus on best practices for implementation within care settings. The session will cover a range of critical topics, including emergency preparedness regulations, evacuation strategies for patients and staff, and the development of an effective Emergency Operations Plan.

Key areas of discussion include the “All Hazards” approach to disaster planning, disaster policies, staff roles, and the importance of ongoing training and testing programs. Participants will also explore the management of subsistence needs, patient/client information during a disaster, and establishing a comprehensive communications plan. Additionally, the webinar will cover topics such as triage, transportation, and coordinating with receiving facilities, while also addressing public health emergencies, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adequate preparation can make the difference between life and death for vulnerable populations, and this session provides the tools and insights needed to begin implementing an effective plan during emergency situations that you can tailor to your facility.