Emergency Preparedness

This information is provided to you as a quick reference source in case any emergency occurs.

1. A Better Life Homecare, LLC has a registered nurse on-call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. You can reach the on-call nurse through 860-206-7975.

2. In case of a serious medical emergency, call 911. A Better Life Homecare LLC. does not operate as an emergency service, therefore valuable time may be lost by contacting the Agency for an emergency such as diabetic coma, severe chest pain or unconsciousness etc.

During an emergency, A Better Life Homecare, LLC clients can expect that we will do everything within our means to continue servicing your emergent needs. Some of the situations that may cause us to close an office and put the emergency plan in effect are:

• Severe snowstorms (most likely to cause the plan to go into effect in New England states)

• Severe weather conditions (hurricane, tornado etc.)

• National Emergency status called for by the Governor of the state

• Terrorist attack

• Pandemic threat such as Avian Influenza or COVID-19

In the event that we have some notification of the emergency situation, you can expect a phone call from our office explaining when we anticipate your next visit to be done and by whom. The emergency contact of all the clients will be contacted and made aware of the Emergency Plan Activation and will be informed on how they will be of help in caring for the client in case staff cannot safely provide care.

We advocate our Governor’s suggestion that all persons in the Commonwealth create a 2-day supply of clean drinking water, canned/non perishable food, flashlight with extra batteries, extra blanket, 2-day supply of medication, and portable radio. Please take some time now to be sure these are in place BEFORE an emergency event occurs.

The Agency has an evacuation plan based on prioritization of client’s needs in a declared emergency as determined by the CEO and Program Director warranting such evacuation.

FIRE

• Remain calm

• Remove yourself from immediate danger

• If the fire is small, attempt to extinguish it ( DO NOT use water to extinguish an electrical or grease fire) If you are not able to extinguish the fire, contain it by closing the doors and windows.

• Call the fire department or 911 immediately.

TORNADO

• Remain calm

• Remove yourself to a central location away from the windows and doors. Avoid areas that are heavily furnished in the event that these objects become airborne

• Remain in this location until the tornado passes.

• If an injury occurs because of the tornado, seek prompt medical attention and/or render first aid.

HURRICANE

• Remain calm

• If your home is in the path of the hurricane, please evacuate to safety (i.e. designated shelters such as schools, hospitals etc.)

• If the patient’s home is not in the direct path of a hurricane, but in the general area, attempts should be made to procure a water supply, canned goods, and source of light such as flashlights or candles.

• Remove yourself to a central location away from windows and doors. Avoid areas that are heavily furnished in the event that these objects become airborne.

• If an injury occurs because of the hurricane, seek prompt medical attention and or render first aid.

FLOOD

• Remain calm

• If the patient’s home is in a known flood zone, the patient should be moved to safety (i.e. designated areas, shelters, or relative/friend’s home away from flood area.)

• If the patient’s home is not in the immediate flood zone but the potential exists for electrical failure or water contamination, a water source, canned goods, and light source should be procured.

• If an injury should occur because of flooding, seek immediate medical attention and or render first aid.

EXPLOSION

• Get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When they stop falling, leave quickly, watching for falling debris. Stay low if there is smoke and check for fire or other hazards such as damaged floors and stairs.

• Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.

• Do not use elevators.

• Check for fire and other hazards. Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas.

• Make any noise you can if you are trapped or shine a flashlight. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

• Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand

EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES

• An emerging infectious disease is a contagious infection whose incidence has increased in recent years and could continue to increase in the future. Some examples are measles, Ebola, Zika, Coronavirus etc. Preventing an emerging infectious disease:

• Ask your physician if your immunizations are up-to-date and if you need additional vaccinations.

• Wear a face mask to reduce spreading germs if you are sick, or to avoid coming in contact with contagious germs if others around you are sick.

• Check local news websites, TV, and radio stations for information, including symptoms of the disease, areas in danger, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed and where to seek medical attention if you become ill. If you or a family member are in a high-risk group and the symptoms match those described, immediately seek emergency medical attention. Follow the instructions provided by emergency response personnel and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). For more information visit www.cdc.gov.

• Practice social distancing by staying 6ft apart

• Practice good hand-hygiene by washing your hands or applying hand sanitizer

• Calling your physician with any symptoms associated with an emerging infectious disease and following their guidance for testing and treatment.

• Notify agency if you have any symptoms or diagnoses with an emerging infectious disease

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PETS

When disaster strikes, if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Plan to help your pet survive a disaster.

• ID your pet. Make sure your pet is wearing a securely fastened collar with up-to-date identification including your cell phone number. Consider having your pet micro-chipped. For caged pets, attach identification to the cage.

• Put together a pet disaster kit. Food and water for at least five days for each pet; bowls, manual can opener, medications, medical records, leashes, harnesses and carriers; waste collection and disposal supplies; current photos of you with your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated;

• Plan ahead to take your pet with you in an evacuation. Except for service animals, pets usually are not allowed in public shelters. Identify friends, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians that can care for your pet in an emergency.