La. Admin. Code tit. 67 § V-7521

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section V-7521 - Emergency Preparedness

A. The provider shall have a written policy and procedure and practice which ensures the smooth operation, evacuation, if necessary, and steps to be taken during a security threat or disaster, which could impact the operations of the facility or the safety of youth, staff and/or visitors. Quick reference guides shall be located in a designated area for easy access. These procedures shall be reviewed and revised, as necessary. Procedures will incorporate responses to the following events:

1. disturbances and riots;

2. hostages;

3. bomb threats;

4. use of emergency medical services;

5. gas leaks, spills or attacks;

6. power failure;

7. escapes;

8. hurricanes, tornados, severe weather, flooding;

9. fires/smoke;

10. chemical leaks;

11. work stoppage; or

12. national security threat.

B. The emergency preparedness plan shall cover:

1. the identification of key personnel and their specific responsibilities during an emergency or disaster;

2. agreements with other agencies or departments;

3. transportation to pre-determined evacuation sites;

4. notification to families;

5. needs of youth with disabilities in cases of an emergency;

6. immediate release of a youth from locked areas in case of an emergency, with clearly delineated responsibilities for unlocking doors;

7. the evacuation of youth to safe or sheltered areas. Evacuation plans shall include procedures for addressing both planned and unplanned evacuations and to alternate locations both in close proximity of the facility as well as long distance evacuations;

8. ensuring access to medication and other necessary supplies or equipment.

C. Drills

1. The provider shall conduct fire drills once per month, one drill per shift every 90 days, at varying times of the day. Documentation of the fire drill shall include the following:

a. date of drill;

b. time of drill;

c. number of minutes to evacuate facility;

d. number of youth evacuated;

e. problems/concerns observed during the drill;

f. corrections if problems or concerns noted; and

g. signatures of staff present during drill.

2. The provider shall make every effort to ensure that staff and youth recognize the nature and importance of fire drills.

D. Alternate Power Source

1. An alternate power source policy shall be developed. The facility shall have an alternate source of electrical power that provides for the simultaneous operations of life safety systems including:

a. emergency lighting;

b. illuminated emergency exit lights and signs;

c. emergency audible communication systems and equipment;

d. fire detection alarms systems;

e. ventilation and smoke management systems;

f. refrigeration of medication;

g. medical devices; and

h. door locking devices.

2. Testing of Alternate Power Source

a. The alternate power source system shall be tested by automatic self-checks or manual checks to ensure the system is in working condition.

b. Any system malfunctions or maintenance needs that are identified during a test, or at any other time, shall require that a written maintenance request be immediately submitted to the appropriate personnel.

E. Emergency Plan for Unlocking Doors

1. The facility will adhere to Life Safety Code, Article 10-3141 and 10-3142.

2. The provider will ensure that reliable means are provided to permit the prompt release of youth confined in locked sections, spaces or rooms in the event of fire or other emergency.

3. Prompt release from secure areas shall be guaranteed on a 24 hour basis by sufficient personnel with ready access to keys.

F. Declared State of Emergency

1. Facilities under a declared state of emergency due to a natural disaster or other operational emergency of facilities housing youth from these affected facilities shall be exempt from capacity requirements as determined by law.

La. Admin. Code tit. 67, § V-7521

Promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services, Division of Programs, Licensing Section, LR 38:1580 (July 2012).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 15:1110.