1401. Disaster Preparedness (II)
A. All facilities shall develop, by contact and consultation with their county emergency preparedness
agency, a suitable written plan for actions to be taken in the event of a disaster and/or emergency evacuation
and implement the written plan for actions at the time of need. Prior to the initial licensing of a facility, the
completed plan shall be submitted to the Department for review. Additionally, in instances where there are
applications for increases in licensed bed capacity, the emergency and disaster evacuation plan shall be
updated to reflect the proposed new total licensed bed capacity. All staff members and volunteers shall be
made familiar with this plan and instructed as to any required actions. A copy of the emergency and disaster
evacuation plan shall be available for inspection by the resident and/or responsible party upon request. The
emergency and disaster evacuation plan shall be reviewed and updated annually, as appropriate. Staff
members shall rehearse the emergency and disaster evacuation plan at least annually and shall not require
resident participation.
B.The disaster/emergency evacuation plan shall include, but not be limited to:
1. A sheltering plan to include:
a. The licensed bed capacity and average occupancy rate;
b. Name, address and phone number of the sheltering facility(ies) to which the residents will be
relocated during a disaster;
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c. A letter of agreement signed by an authorized representative of each sheltering facility which
shall include: the number of relocated residents that can be accommodated; sleeping, feeding, and
medication plans for the relocated residents; and provisions for accommodating relocated staff
members/volunteers. The letter shall be updated with the sheltering facility at least every three (3) years
and whenever significant changes occur. For those facilities located in Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton,
Horry, Jasper, and Georgetown counties, at least one (1) sheltering facility shall be located in a county other
than these counties.
2. A transportation plan, to include agreements with entities for relocating residents, which addresses:
a. Number and type of vehicles required;
b. How and when the vehicles are to be obtained;
c. Who (by name or organization) will provide drivers;
d. Procedures for providing appropriate medical support, food, water, and medications during
transportation and relocation based on the needs and number of the residents;
e. Estimated time to accomplish the relocation;
f. Primary and secondary routes to be taken to the sheltering facility.
3. A staffing plan for the relocated residents, to include:
a. How to care will be provided to the relocated residents, including the number and type of staff
members that will accompany residents who are relocated;
b. Prearranged transportation arrangements to ensure staff members are relocated to the sheltering
facility;
c. Co-signed statement by an authorized representative of the sheltering facility if staffing is to be
provided by the sheltering facility.
1402. Emergency Call Numbers.
Emergency call data shall be posted in a conspicuous place and shall include at least the telephone numbers
of fire and police departments, ambulance service, and the poison control center. Other emergency call
information shall be available, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of staff
members/volunteers to be notified in case of emergency.
1403. Continuity of Essential Services (II).
There shall be a written plan to be implemented to assure the continuation of essential resident support
services for such reasons as power outage, water shortage, or in the event of the absence from work of any
a portion of the workforce resulting from inclement weather or other causes.