In preparation for the upcoming winter weather that will impact a large portion of the state, which follows the last week’s severe weather that has left many still without power, VHCA-VCAL’s  April Payne reminds all assisted living members to review your emergency preparedness plans. Please reference the Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities – 22 VAC 40-73-960 for more details.

In the event you must activate your emergency preparedness plans to protect residents and staff, it is imperative that all are familiar with the plan and ready to put it in action appropriately. Once the disaster or emergency situation is stabilized, be sure to notify family members and legal representatives and report the situation to your DSS regional licensing office by the next day.

We have shared the Virginia Healthcare Alerting and Status System (VHASS) information with you over the past few years but wanted to be sure you have the information readily accessible to update your facility’s emergency status before, during, and after an emergency situation occurs. The system is designed to distribute critical emergency management information needed by Virginia’s healthcare providers.

Instructions on How to Register for VHASS
VHASS Website
VHASS Resources 

Update: DSS Memo on Emergency Preparedness – Severe Winter Weather

After the original publication of this article on February 17, DSS sent a memo to providers on Emergency Preparedness – Severe Winter Weather. The memo provides helpful links and resources to assist you in keeping residents and staff safe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The links may be beneficial as you review and update your existing emergency preparedness and response plan to include COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices.

The memo also includes information on relocating residents safely when necessary and receiving residents from another facility.