Contact Info

Emergency Preparedness and Response

651-201-5700

Long-Term Care Toolkit Annex J: Flood Guidance

Rescue anyone in immediate danger while protecting the safety of rescuing staff member(s).

If the flood poses danger to residents, staff, or visitors, call 9‐1‐1 immediately and include the following information:
- Name of facility.
- Address and nearest cross street.
- Describe flood situation (basement, room numbers, etc.).

Activate facility’s flood policy and procedure and appoint a facility incident commander (IC) if warranted/applicable.

Alert residents, staff, and visitors.
Unplug non‐essential appliances, equipment, and computers. Move critical equipment to a safe location.
Check for gas leaks, water line ruptures, sewage contamination, etc.
- If you smell gas, and it is safe to do so, shut off the gas. Do not do so unless the need is certain as only the gas company can turn it back on.
Report utility problems to utility company/agency.
If water lines are disrupted, consider the water supply to be contaminated and follow the facility plan for emergency water.
- Be aware of any public health notices regarding water contamination (including the following notices: Boil Water, Do Not Drink Water, and Do Not Use Water).
- Consider all flood water contaminated. Avoid walking through flood waters and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
- Do not use pre‐packaged food and drink products that encounter flood water.
- Report utility problems to appropriate utility company/agency.
If needed, activate your emergency water plan.
Gather critical supplies to take to higher ground/evacuation (e.g., medications, drinking water, health records, communication devices, blankets, etc.).
Do not allow electrical devices to contact water.
If the decision is made to evacuate the facility, see appendix I.
Notify the local response authorities and the State Licensing Authority to report an unusual occurrence and activation of facility’s EOP.

*If evacuation if needed, see Appendix I for more information*