Long-term care facilities in Florida are in disaster-prep mode as they brace themselves for Hurricane Dorian, which is expected to become a Category 4 storm by the weekend.

The National Hurricane Center forecasted for Dorian to become a major hurricane by Friday and remain “extremely dangerous” throughout the weekend. The hurricane is also expected to produce between 4 and 8 inches of rainfall in coastal sections of the United States, leading to “life-threatening flash floods.”

The Florida Health Care Association said it’s actively working with its facilities to prepare for Hurricane Dorian’s arrival, specifically new regulations in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017. After that hurricane led to the death of 12 residents in Hollywood Hills, FL, hurricane preparation and resident safety at nursing homes has been a top concern. 

“As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every resident and staff members at our centers,” J. Emmett Reed, FHCA executive director, said in a statement.  “Each facility has a detailed emergency management plan that outlines the steps it will take in the event of such an emergency, and centers are making preparations in accordance with these plans.” 

Plaza Health Network Chief Operating Officer Daniel Galbut told McKnight’s Florida’s LTC facilities are “better informed and better prepared than ever before,” thanks to new protocols and federal requirements and cooperation from local authorities. Plaza Health is a skilled nursing facility network based in Miami, FL, and a FHCA member.

“The fact is that we’ve learned many lessons in previous hurricane seasons,” he said. “As (hurricane) season looms upon us right now, all facilities are practicing their emergency preparedness plans, running disaster practice drills, educating and training staff and formalizing partnerships with vendors, suppliers and all other stakeholders in the community who play a vital role during and post an impending storm.” 

He added the organization starts prepping internally about a week before a storm and authorizes purchases for necessary supplies about five days ahead. The network also stocks its emergency warehouse year-round with various emergency supplies, such as generators, batteries and fuel. 

“Providers, like myself, we don’t sleep for a week while this is happening,” Galbut said, while also noting the “hard work” and “dedication” they receive from staff members. 

“They work hard, they really do,” he said. “I’m constantly expressing gratitude.”