As a senior living provider with communities throughout the South, Midwest, and East coast, HarborChase Senior Living has seen our share of severe weather. From harsh winters to hurricane seasons, our communities and associates are always prepared to “weather” the storm and keep residents safe.

Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) has 20 years of experience in senior living and community management during emergency situations. We’ve developed guidelines based on recommendations from local authorities and health organizations, as well as from our own experience. Our communities build upon these guidelines to create customized emergency preparedness plans for their specific situations and locations. 

With it being Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30), we want to highlight the approach we take to keep our residents, associates, and guests safe and healthy during severe weather or emergency situations.

Follow Emergency Preparedness Regulations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has established “national emergency preparedness requirements to ensure adequate planning for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordination with federal, state, tribal, regional and local emergency preparedness systems.” This ensures that health care communities respond to emergencies in a “timely, collaborative, organized and effective manner.” 

When a weather warning or concern is identified, our HarborChase associates within the community work to fully understand any potential safety issues. We equip our communities with all essentials needed for disaster preparedness, including extra food, water, and emergency supplies. In addition, HRA stays in constant communication with any affected communities to maintain everyone’s safety and stay up-to-date on community happenings.

Maintain Exceptional Care

HarborChase Senior Living’s emergency response plan has been put to the test year after year, and every time, residents remain safe and comfortable with associates available to provide uninterrupted care and attention.

In the event of a power outage, many communities have emergency generators – specifically those in areas frequently impacted by inclement weather. 

To maintain safety and comfort, we strive to shelter in place, as our buildings are constructed to withstand high winds and inclement weather. We know evacuating can put additional physical and mental stress on many of our residents, so we prefer to shelter in place and help keep residents comfortable within their own homes or the larger HarborChase community. 

For example, due to HarborChase of South Oklahoma City’s location in tornado alley, the community’s 2,648-square-foot multipurpose room also serves as a storm shelter.

Of course, we will follow local authority standards if a mandatory evacuation order is issued. If a HarborChase community is in an area that is instructed to evacuate, resident care continues to be managed by our trusted associates. We safely transport residents and any needed medications and health-related items to alternate lodging with all the amenities needed for their comfort, safety, and care needs. 

Stay Connected with Families & Friends

Our primary focus is the safety and comfort of our residents. However, we know that family communication is very important, and we work to keep family members and loved ones informed as often as possible.

Whatever the emergency event may be, updates are sent to residents’ families via phone calls, emails, company website, and/or community Facebook pages to ensure peace of mind that precautions are being taken and residents are safe. 

No matter the situation, HarborChase Senior Living associates help residents endure inclement weather with as much comfort as possible. And after, we work hard to return their community to the beautiful, familiar atmosphere they love. 

As Atlantic Hurricane Season continues, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) hurricane readiness guide for tips on how to prepare and stay safe from the threat of a hurricane. 

For more information about HarborChase’s emergency preparedness plans, please contact one of our communities directly.