When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, many healthcare operators were clearly unprepared for such an emergency—demonstrating a lack of emergency planning, procedures, and training. In particular, it became evident that nursing homes were especially vulnerable, pointing to the need for more diligent preparation for natural disasters and other emergency events.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a report indicating that, several years later, many nursing homes still lack an adequate level of preparation. Shandi Treloar, a Dewberry emergency planner, addresses the importance of emergency planning and training in her blog this week. One other consideration that nursing home administrators may want to explore is the design of the facility itself. If planning a new facility, a renovation, or a building expansion, issues related to emergency operations should be reviewed during the programming phase. While some emergency aspects are addressed by building codes, other aspects may be overlooked without a specific focus on this important issue.

The Details Can Make the Difference

One example is the need to maintain an emergency supply of water and food. Where will this supply be stored and can it be easily accessed during a disaster event? Will these items, as well as medications and essential equipment, be secure from wind, water, and other hazards?

Clear routes of circulation and egress are imperative. While codes provide standards for emergency exits and the width of aisles and hallways, it's important to consider this aspect carefully. Hallways in nursing homes often serve as social gathering areas for residents who may find it challenging to travel far from their rooms. Residents also often enjoy the visual interest that hallway activity provides. Given their multipurpose use, are these spaces sized adequately to allow for quick and effective patient inventory, organization, and transport, along with wheelchairs and medical equipment, in the event of an emergency?

Acoustics and lighting are also key issues when it comes to emergency response. Buildings designed for elderly residents must include effective acoustical treatments to minimize extraneous noise that can hamper the use of hearing aids. This becomes critical during an emergency event. Given that safe zones within a facility often require use of rooms away from windows and natural light, adequate lighting is also essential.

Consult with an Emergency Planner

As nursing home owners and administrators prepare for a new building or a modernization, they should consider consulting with an experienced emergency planner as part of the planning process. Frequently, it's the small but very important details in a building design that can mean a big difference in how quickly and effectively nursing home staff can respond and protect their residents.