Park Place Seniors Living: Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response
March 5, 2025 | By Park Place Seniors Living |
At Park Place Seniors Living, the safety and well-being of our residents and staff remain our top priority. With climate change increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires and natural disasters, our organization has taken proactive measures to ensure we are fully prepared to respond effectively to any emergency. Through comprehensive business continuity planning and emergency preparedness initiatives, we are committed to maintaining essential services and keeping our residents safe during potential disruptions.
Emergency Preparedness and Response: A Coordinated Approach
Each of our homes follows an Emergency Preparedness & Response Manual, which includes specific policies, procedures, and action plans tailored to their unique needs. These manuals align with health authority requirements and integrate the Incident Management System (IMS), a standardized approach used by emergency responders and health authorities across the country.
As part of our emergency preparedness efforts, we:
- Maintain an Incident Command Organizational Chart template, intended to be posted daily to clearly identify who is fulfilling each leadership position in an emergency.
- Updated a comprehensive manual, with policies, and training programs.
- Utilize algorithms to streamline response efforts and enhance coordination among staff.
Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring Resident Care Amid Disruptions
Our business continuity plans are designed to minimize the impact of any disruption—whether it be a wildfire, a power outage, or other emergencies on our residents and staff. We have carefully identified essential service needs, including water, power, medical supplies, internet, and communication systems.
Key elements of our business continuity planning include:
- Conducting in-depth reviews and discussions to ensure facilities are well prepared.
- Developing facility-specific plans using a structured template that allows customization.
- Organizing an accessible Business Continuity Binder with documented plans for each essential service to guide decision-making in real-time.
Collaborative Planning at the Park Place Seniors Living Leaders’ Forum
To further strengthen our preparedness and response planning, we held our annual Leaders’ Forum with eighteen discussion groups, each focused on a specific emergency scenario, such as power or water loss. Each table had 20 minutes to develop a business continuity plan, after which similar scenario groups merged to compare their approaches and refine their strategies. These collaborative discussions provided valuable insights, enhancing our overall preparedness framework.
Post-Incident Learning and Continuous Improvement
After every significant disruption, we conduct a thorough debriefing to assess what worked well, identify areas for improvement, and refine our emergency response strategies. By engaging all stakeholders, including site leaders, maintenance managers, and emergency responders, we ensure that our facilities remain resilient and adaptive to evolving risks.
At Park Place Seniors Living, we recognize that preparation is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff and residents. By proactively enhancing our emergency response plans and business continuity strategies, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and support, no matter the challenges we face.
