The Twelve of Ohio, Inc

5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan

The Twelve of Ohio, Inc.

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL PLAN

1. Emergency phone numbers are posted in the staff office in plain view from location of the telephone

2. Emergency evacuation procedures are posted on all floors of the home and in the staff office

3. All staff and residents are informed regarding the emergency procedures during initial orientation

4. Routine (monthly) fire and evacuation drills are conducted and at least six drills are conducted during sleeping hours

Fire Drills-all staff and residents are instructed to exit the group home and meet in the parking lot directly across the street for the group home. The staff on duty will make sure that all residents are present and accounted for and notify emergency responders if any residents are missing. In cases where residents may be mentally or physically impaired, staff are instructed to escort these residents to safety.

Tornado / Weather related Drills-all staff and residents are instructed to move to the basement and seek shelter against an inner wall, away from windows and remain there until the danger has passed. A battery-powered radio is located at the safe place to monitor current weather conditions. In cases where residents may be mentally or physically impaired, staff are instructed to escort these residents to safety.

5. First aid kits are kept in a designated place in the staff office areas as well as in all agency vehicles.

6. In the case of any illness when a child informs the child care worker on duty. The Child Care worker contacts the Group Home Manager. The Group Home Manager or designee contacts the nurse for further instructions. If it is advised to transport the child to the doctor or hospital, then a child care worker will be called in to transport, the Group Home Manager or designee will then fill in at the house to maintain supervision ratios.

7. In the case of a medical emergency the staff member on duty notifies the guardian, custodial agency, supervisor, and family once treatment has been provided

LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES

Staff on duty shall contact the following:

1. Dial 911 2. on call supervisor 3. the guardian / custodial agency 4. family

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan NON-LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS

Staff on duty shall contact the following:

1. the on-call supervisor 2. the guardian / custodial agency 3. family

In most cases the group home has two staff on duty allowing one to provide transportation for care and one staff remains in the home to provide supervision

In the few instances when a second staff is not present, the on-call supervisor will transport

8. In the event that a Group Home may become uninhabitable, temporary housing shall be made available by the agency utilizing one or more of the following options:

1. local motel 2. shelter provided by the local American Red Cross or other emergency disaster agency

I have reviewed and approved this MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND DISASTER EVACUATION PLAN

______Name Date

______Title

Group Home Page 2 of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan Emergency Phone Log EMERGENCY ON CALL CELL PHONE 330-904-2258

Dial 911 LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES ONLY

330-452-6000 CRISIS CENTER (24 HRS)

330-832-9811 Massillon Police

330-833-1051 Massillon Fire Department

800-222-1222 Poison Control

330-489-3434 Canton Fire Dept.

330-489-3131 Canton Police

330-837-6301 Infinity Health Care (old Doctors Hosp.)

330-837-6868 Massillon Hospital

330-452-9911 Aultman Hospital

330-489-1000 Mercy Medical Center

419-774-4100 Richland County

330-484-2511 Stark County Attention Center

330-455-5437 Stark County DHS Hotline

1-330-379-1880 Summit County CSB Hotline

1-330-296-5437 Portage County DHS Hotline

1.216.696.5437 Cuyahoga County DCFS Hotline

ODJFS Information on back of list

Supervisors to contact: Mike Little, Regional director 330-837-3555/330-904-0615 Rose Chervenak, Group Homes Coordinator 330-837-8507/330-806-3953

NEW PROVIDENCE 330-837-4855 Fax 330-837-0513

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan ODJFS Must be contacted if the home should become uninhabitable for any reason

Ms. Kathy A. Yuzwa, MSW, LSW ODJS Licensing Specialist Office for Children & Families Bureau of Child Welfare Monitoring 402 Second Street SE- Suite 100 Canton, Ohio 44720 Desk Phone:330-438-3040 Fax Number:330-438-1481 E-Mail: [email protected]

This information is posted in full view in the staff office 6/2010

OTHER EMERGENCIES

Flash Floods and Floods

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or sudden release of water held by an ice jam. Floods are longer in duration and could last a week or more. Most flood deaths are due to flash floods, but any flood has potential to cause property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

Stay informed about weather conditions by listening to an NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest flash flood/flood watches, warnings, and advisories. And NOAA weather radio allows you to receive continuous, updated weather information from the national weather service.

Listen for any flood alerts that may be issued at the weather service:

Flash flood or flood watch:

Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area. Be alert. Be prepared to evacuate if it becomes necessary.

Flash flood or flood warning;

Flash flood or flooding has been reported or effeminate. Take necessary cautions at once.

Urban and small stream advisory:

Flooding of small streams, streaks and low-lying areas such as road underpasses and urban storm drains, is occurring.

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan Flash flood or flood statement:

Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

When a flash flood warning is issued for your area:

 Go to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding such as dips, low spots, washes, etc,. Act quickly!  Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.  If driving, be aware that the road may not be intact under floodwaters. Turn around and go another way. Never drive through flooded roadways!  If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and occupants.  Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.  Do not park your vehicle along streams or washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

When you receive a Flood warning:

 If you advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.  Continue to monitor an NOAA weather radio, television, or an emergency broadcast station for information.

Power outage

If a power outage occurs in your office or building:

 Remain calm. Try to notify the service desk or maintenance.  If you are in an unlighted area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights or that is still with power only if you can do so safely. Planning for such situations includes having a flashlight available. Keep it in working order.  Provide assistance to others in your immediate area who may be unfamiliar with surroundings or who may need help for other reasons such as a medical condition.  If you are in an elevator, stay calm. Use the emergency button or telephone to alert the service desk or maintenance personnel.  If you are instructed to evacuate, immediately proceed to the nearest clear exit. Use caution. Know where exits are located before you have to use them.

Medical emergencies

If someone becomes ill or is injured and requires immediate assistance:

 Remain calm  Call 911 to contact medical personnel

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan  Unless you are trained, do not attempt to render any first aid before medical personnel arrived.  Do not attempt to move a person who is fallen and appears to be in pain.  Limit your communication with the ill or injured person to quiet reassurances.  Remain to assist the investigating officer or medical personnel with information about the incident. Leave the scene if the authorities requested to do so.  Planning for such emergencies includes being trained in emergency first aid procedures and CPR

Explosions

Chemicals, leaking gas, faulty bullet boilers, explosive devices, or other things could be the cause of an explosion.

 Remain calm  Be prepared for possible further explosions.  Crawl under a table or desk. Protect yourself as best as possible.  Stay away from windows, mirrors, overhead fixtures, filing cabinets, bookcases and electrical equipment.  Follow the instructions of police or fire department personnel. If you're ordered to evacuate, proceed to designated exit.  Do not attempt to move seriously injured person unless they are in obvious immediate danger (of fire, building collapse), etc.  Carefully open doors  Watch for falling objects.  Do not use elevators. If requested, accompany persons with disabilities who appear to need direction or assistance.  Do not use matches or lighters.  Avoid using telephones.

Chemical spills

If a chemical spill occurs:

 If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin immediately flush affected area with clear water.  Call 911 immediately.  If there's any possible danger, evacuate the area

If a chemical fire occurs:

 Remain calm.  Call 911  If the fire is small and you have received training, attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher or other available means. Do not jeopardize your personal safety. Page 6 of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan  Never allow the fire to come between you and exit.

Evacuate the area if you are unable to put out the fire. Close doors and windows behind you to confine the fire. Proceed to exit. Do not attempt to save possessions at the risk of personal injury.

Do not return to the emergency area until instructed to do so by police or fire apartment officials. Planning includes training in the proper use of fire extinguishers and knowing their location. All chemical spills the fire should be reported to the proper authorities.

Crime prevention

When Walking:

 Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.  Walk purposefully and project a confident image.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Know where you are going.

Protect yourself when driving:

 Look into your car before getting in. Lock the doors and roll up the windows once you're inside.  Do not stop to help the occupants of a stranded or disabled vehicle. Instead, drive to the nearest phone and call for assistance for them.  If your car breaks down, raise the hood, then lock yourself in the car. If you have a cell phone, call for assistance immediately. If someone stops to offer help, stay in your locked car and asked them to phone for you if you haven't already done so. Don't worry about appearing rude.  Position a disabled vehicle somewhat other than the traffic lane, preferably off the right side of the roadway. Activate your warning lights. A vehicle disabled the traffic lane is considered a traffic hazard and should be towed as soon as possible.  Know where you're going and the best route to get there. This will help you to avoid the chance of becoming lost in unfamiliar area.  It's a good idea to take a cell phone with you when traveling. Also keep a few emergency flares and reflective triangles in the trunk of your car.

Winter storms

Stay informed about weather conditions by listening to an NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television for the latest winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. NOAA weather radio allows you to receive continuous, updated weather information from the national weather service.

Listen for any alerts that may be issued for the weather service:

Winter storm watch:

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two. Prepare now.

Winter storm warning:

Severe winter conditions have begun or about to begin in your area. Stay indoors.

Blizzard warning:

Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts, and life threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.

Winter weather advisory:

Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life-threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists.

If you are caught anywhere in storm:

Outside:

 Find shelter. Try to stay dry. Cover all exposed parts of the body.  If there is no shelter available: prepare a lean-to, windbreak, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Do not eat snow. It will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

In a car or truck:

 Stay in your car or truck. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind driven snow and cold.  Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat: open a window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.  Make yourself visible to rescuers: turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a colored cloth preferably red to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble if there is no snow falling.  Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and keep warm.

Frostbite and hypothermia:

Frostbite is damaged body tissue caused by the tissue being frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling in a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.

 Seek medical help immediately. Page 8 of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan  If you must wait for medical help, slowly warmed affected areas.  If a person is showing signs of hypothermia warm the body core before the extremities.

Hypothermia is low body temperature. Warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, this orientation, incoherent, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

 Take the person’s temperature. If below 95° F (35° C), immediately seek medical care.  If Medical care is unavailable begin warming the person slowly.  Warm the body core first. Do not warm extremities arms and legs first. This can lead to heart failure.  Your own body heat is necessary.  Get the person into dry clothes, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck.  Do not give alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food- warm broth is better.

In vehicles plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm.

 Checking and winterize your vehicle before the storm season.  Carry a winter storm survival kits that include blankets or sleeping bags, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, knife, high calorie non-perishable food, extra clothing, a large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes, a smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, sack of sand or cat litter, windshield scraper and brush, toolkit, tow rope, booster cables, water container, compass and roadmaps.  Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.  Try not travel alone.  Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.  Dress to fit the season. A hat and gloves or mittens are essential for cold weather.

Written threats, suspicious parcels, and suspicious objects

 Remain calm. Never discuss a threat with others.  Keep others from handling or going near anything suspicious.  Do not use portable radio equipment within 100 feet of the item.  Call 911 immediately.  Promptly write down everything you can remember about receiving the letter or parcel or finding the object and giving it to the police  Follow the instructions on the police. Planning includes being familiar with the appearance of suspicious packages or objects. Whenever possible, deny or limit access to areas by keeping them locked and secured. This will help to reduce potential hiding places.

Hostage situation

Individual and group safety information

of 10 5101:2-9-07(A) 5101:2-9-09(A) Required Agency Plan The following are recommendations in case you are in a hostage situation:

 Be patient. Time is on your side. Avoid drastic action.  The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Follow instructions, be alert and stay alive. The captor is in a highly emotional state of mind. Don't make mistakes that could jeopardize your well-being.  Don't speak unless you are spoken to and then only when necessary. Don't talk down to the captor who may be in an agitated state. Avoid appearing hostile. Maintain eye contact with the captor at all times if possible, but do not stare. Treat the captor like royalty.  Try to rest. Avoid speculating. Comply with instructions as best you can. Avoid arguments. Expect the unexpected. Be observant. You may be released or escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.  Be prepared to answer the police on the phone. Be patient, wait. Attempt to establish rapport with the captor. If medications are needed by anyone, say so. The captor in all probability does not want to harm persons held by them. Such direct action further implicates the captor in additional offenses.

The following are safety recommendations in case you are in a building in which a hostage situation is taking place:

 If you are able to leave the area or building without placing yourself in danger, then go to closest exit and go to the nearest phone and call police department and dial 911.  If you are unable to leave the area of building without placing yourself in danger, go to the nearest unused office, lock and barricade the door and call the police department by dialing 911.  While on the phone to police, state clearly that you need immediate assistance. If you're not in immediate danger, don't hang up until told to do so. Your name, location, the major problem and the area where the people area at.

Bomb Threat:

 Remain calm, be courteous, listen and do not interrupt the caller.  Notify your supervisor or another individual by a prearranged signal while the caller is on the line.  Pretend difficulty with your hearing. Keep the caller talking. Use any means, even humor, to prolong the conversation.  Be sure to listen carefully so that you can record important information about the characteristics of the caller, and what the caller is saying, and anything else you were hearing.  Notify the police as soon as possible.  Do not use any portable radio equipment or cell phones until the proper authorities determine it is safe to do so.

Approved: 9-11-2007 Revised: June 11, 2010 Board Approved: June 29, 2010 Board Effective Date: June 29, 2010 Page 10 of 10