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Preparing for disasters

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, August 4, 2005

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Disasters put a lot of stress on CNAs, who must not only prepare themselves for these occurrences but must also be able to take charge of calming and assisting residents. This week, we examine six disaster scenarios and what CNAs should do if any of these situations arise.

Tornados

• Open the windows on the side of the building away from the direction of the storm in order to reduce the buildup of air pressure inside the building
• Move residents to central hallways to prevent them from being injured by glass from broken windows
• Completely cover residents who are unable to be moved quickly to prevent them from being cut by flying glass or other objects
• Put all loose objects in drawers so they will not blow around and cause an injury
• Obtain flashlights for use in the event of electrical and generator failure
• Assist in accounting for all residents

• Use stairwells, and never use elevators, which can malfunction if water gets into the electrical equipment
• Obtain flashlights for use in the event of electrical and generator failure
• If necessary and possible, move residents to a higher floor
• Collect and fill large, clean containers with water for drinking as the water supply may become contaminated
• Fill bathtubs and other containers with water for nondrinking purposes
• Assist in accounting for all residents

• Close drapes or curtains to protect residents from broken windows
• Put all loose objects into drawers so they will not blow around and cause injury
• Obtain flashlights for use in the event of electrical and generator failure
• If flooding occurs with the hurricane, follow the guidelines for flood warnings
• Assist in accounting for all residents

• Get as many people as possible under doorways or other areas that have additional structural strength
• Watch for and report signs of fire due to broken gas and electrical lines
• Report any broken gas, electric, or water lines
• Fill clean containers with water for drinking purposes as water lines may break
• Fill bathtubs and other containers with water for nondrinking purposes
• Obtain flashlights for use in the event of electrical and generator failure
• Assist in accounting for all residents

• Try to remain calm
• Pay close attention to the caller, and do not notify others until the call is completed
• Note the time of the call
• Ask the caller for details about the bomb: When is the bomb to explode? Where is the bomb? What does it look like? What kind of explosive is used? Why does the person want to harm the facility?
• Do not hang up first (your policy may state that the phone is not to be hung up in case the line can be traced)
• As soon as the call is over, make notes of exactly what was said, including any additional observations, such as the caller's familiarity with the building
• Report the call immediately, and give your notes to the proper person

• Evacuate those in most danger first
• Follow prescribed evacuation routes
• Provide all residents with adequate covering
• Make certain that someone stays with evacuated residents
• Assist in accounting for all residents

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