| Webinar: Fire Safety and Evacuation – Best Practices for Assisted Living Providers | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Webinar-Fire-Safety-and-Evacuation-–-Best-Practices-for-Assisted-Living-Providers.aspx | Webinar: Fire Safety and Evacuation – Best Practices for Assisted Living Providers | | | | | 8/11/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">T</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">he National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is pleased to welcome David Hood from Jensen Hughes for a webinar titled </span><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/fire-safety-and-evacuation-best-practices-for-assisted-living-providers#tab-product_tab_overview" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><em>Fire Safety and Evacuation – Best Practices for Assisted Living Providers</em></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> on </span><strong style="font-size:11pt;">September 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET. </strong></p><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">This one-hour program will focus on best practices and regulatory expectations for Assisted Living fire safety and evacuation planning. The essential elements of an effective and compliant fire safety program will be reviewed including staffing levels, building features, resident capability, training, drills, and coordination with the local fire department. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Using lessons learned from recent fires, this program will highlight common compliance challenges, documentation and training requirements, and practical steps providers can take to strengthen their fire safety programs, protect residents, and reduce organizational risk. </span></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">This live webinar is <strong>free for AHCA/NCAL members. </strong></span></div><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/fire-safety-and-evacuation-best-practices-for-assisted-living-providers?_gl=1%2a1vpc11b%2a_gcl_au%2aMTY2NzM2NTMzMC4xNzgzMzU1MzAw#tab-product_tab_overview" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="text-align:center;"><div><br></div><div><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton" style="font-size:11pt;">Register here</span></div></a><div></div><p></p> | NCAL is pleased to welcome David Hood from Jensen Hughes for a webinar titled Fire Safety and Evacuation – Best Practices for Assisted Living Providers on September 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET.
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| Wildfire Smoke Resources for Long Term Care Providers | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Wildfire-Smoke-Resources-for-Long-Term-Care-Providers-.aspx | Wildfire Smoke Resources for Long Term Care Providers | | | | | 7/21/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">As wildfire season continues to impact air quality across many parts of the country, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents, staff, and visitors from the health effects of wildfire smoke. Older adults and individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions are among those most vulnerable to smoke exposure, making preparedness especially important for nursing homes and assisted living communities. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The following federal resources can help your facility monitor air quality, prepare for smoke events, and reduce exposure when wildfire smoke affects your community. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>CDC Recommendations for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The CDC recommends that long term care providers review their emergency preparedness plans to help protect residents, staff, and visitors during wildfire smoke events. Key actions include: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Monitor air quality</strong> using <a href="https://www.airnow.gov/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>AirNow.gov</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Improve indoor air quality</strong> by keeping smoke outside and using portable air cleaners or appropriate air filtration when possible. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Know local evacuation plans</strong> and follow guidance from emergency management officials. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Review emergency supplies</strong> and plan for residents who are more vulnerable to wildfire smoke, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Use the CDC's </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/air-quality/php/communication-toolkit/index.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Outdoor Air Quality Communication Toolkit</strong></a> for ready-to-use resources to communicate with staff, residents, and families. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Learn more about wildfire smoke preparedness on the CDC's <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires-smoke/index.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Wildfire Smoke webpage</strong></a><strong>. </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Other Resources for Preparedness:</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/be-smoke-ready/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">AirNow Be Smoke Ready</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">EPA Smoke-Ready Toolbox for Wildfires </a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.arl.noaa.gov/hysplit/smoke-forecasting/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">NOAA HYSPLIT Smoke Forecasting </a></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Health and Safety Fact Sheets</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/wildfire-smoke-and-health-factsheets" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">EPA Wildfire Smoke and Health Factsheets </a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response also provides a catalogue of <a href="https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/52/long-term-care-facilities/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">resources, tools, and templates </a>for emergency planning long term care facilities. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Wildfire smoke can affect communities hundreds of miles from an active fire. Incorporating these federal resources into your emergency preparedness planning can help your organization: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Monitor current and forecasted air quality conditions. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Identify resources to support resident and staff safety during smoke events. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Improve indoor air quality planning. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Access educational materials for staff, residents, and families. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Enhance communication and preparedness efforts before and during wildfire season. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">By staying informed and planning ahead, long term care providers can better protect residents, staff, and visitors when wildfire smoke affects their communities. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">For additional support, please contact<a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"> emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. </span></div><div><br><br></div><p></p> | As wildfire season continues to impact air quality across many parts of the country, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents, staff, and visitors from the health effects of wildfire smoke. | |
| Preparing for Your Life Safety Survey: A New Resource for Providers | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Preparing-for-Your-Life-Safety-Survey-A-New-Resource-for-Providers-.aspx | Preparing for Your Life Safety Survey: A New Resource for Providers | | | | | 6/16/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Life Safety surveys are an important part of the survey process and provide an opportunity for facilities to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. Preparing for a survey involves coordinating a variety of records, plans, and facility information, making organization and readiness key to a smooth survey experience. </div><div><br></div><div>To help providers prepare, AHCA’s Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee has developed a new resource: <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/MemberOnlyDocs/AHCA%20Life%20Safety%20Survey%20Preparedness%20Resource%20May%202026%20Final.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Tips for Preparing Before Your Life Safety Survey. </strong></a></div><div><br></div><div>The checklist is designed to help facilities review the documents, records, and information that surveyors commonly request during a Life Safety Survey. It can also serve as a useful tool for conducting internal readiness reviews throughout the year, to identify gaps and ensure important records remain current and accessible. </div><div><br></div><div>The resource covers several key areas, including: </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Reference documents such as Life Safety Code and Healthcare Facilities Code materials </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Life safety drawings and building information </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Inspection, testing, and maintenance records for fire protection, electrical, and emergency systems </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Fire drill documentation </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Patient care-related and non-patient care electrical equipment records </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Emergency preparedness plans and supporting documentation, should it be requested </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, exercises, and staff training records </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">In addition to documentation, the checklist highlights practical items facilities may want to have available during the survey process, such as facility drawings, keys for secured areas, flashlights, and ladders. </span></div><div><br></div><div>The resource also includes reminders about post-survey activities, such as reviewing statements of deficiencies and developing plans of correction when needed. </div><div><br></div><div>This resource, and other life safety resources, can be found <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Pages/Fire-Life-Safety.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>Questions can be sent to <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. <br></div><p></p> | Life Safety surveys are an important part of the survey process and provide an opportunity for facilities to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. | |
| Preparing For and Managing Extreme Heat This Summer | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Preparing-For-and-Managing-Extreme-Heat-This-Summer-.aspx | Preparing For and Managing Extreme Heat This Summer | | | | | 6/9/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p>As temperatures rise during the summer months, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents from the risks associated with extreme heat. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to chronic medical conditions, medications, decreased mobility, and a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Even short-term exposure to high temperatures can place residents at serious risk if providers are not prepared. </p><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">To adequately prepare for a hot summer, maintenance staff should complete preventive maintenance and seasonal inspections of HVAC systems to reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures during peak season demands. Facility leadership should review and update emergency preparedness plans that address heat emergencies and prolonged air conditioning outages. This includes items such as: </span></div><div><ul><li>Verifying vendor relationships for HVAC repair, </li><li>Gathering, testing, and servicing portable cooling equipment and fans, </li><li>Topping off emergency generator fuel supplies, </li><li>Verifying alternate care locations and evacuation agreements. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Keeping residents cool and hydrated during periods of elevated temperatures is critical. Staff should closely monitor indoor temperatures throughout the facility, with a specific focus on resident sleeping rooms and areas where there is known to be limited air flow. Consider the following tips for managing temperatures and keeping residents comfortable: </span></div><div><ul><li>Provide cold water, refresh frequently, and encourage hydration, to drink more than usual as residents should not wait until they are thirsty to drink. </li><ul><li><em>Note: For those residents on fluid restrictions, check with their doctor how much they should drink in hot weather. </em></li></ul><li>Keep blinds, curtains, and drapes closed in areas of the building that receive direct sunlight. </li><li>Encourage loose, lightweight clothing and provide breathable bedding. </li><li>Turn off lights as well as other heat-producing appliances whenever possible. </li><li>Limit outdoor activities and strenuous activities. </li><li>Move residents to cooler areas of the building. </li><li>Conduct additional observation rounds. </li><li>Set up fans and other cooling equipment around the building, if available. Use fans only if indoor temperatures are less than 90ºF. Above 90ºF, a fan can increase body temperature. </li><li>Consider serving a non-cooking menu. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Additional tips and information are available on the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/climate-health/php/resources/protect-yourself-from-the-dangers-of-extreme-heat.html" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">website</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">As part of your annual Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) review and update, ensure that high heat / loss of air conditioning scenarios are fully addressed. A comprehensive plan should include: </span></div><div><ul><li>Strategies for maintaining a comfortable, safe environment. </li><li>Contact lists for HVAC vendors and emergency repair services. </li><li>Details of HVAC service agreements and backup options. </li><li>Contingency plans for evacuation, which may be necessary if air conditioning systems are down for an extended period. </li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Preparing for extreme heat before temperatures rise can help protect residents, support staff, and reduce operational disruptions. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the </span><a href="https://ahca/NCAL%20website." data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">AHCA/NCAL website</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> for additional emergency preparedness tools, resources, and guidance.</span></div><p></p> | As temperatures rise during the summer months, long term care providers should be prepared to protect residents from the risks associated with extreme heat. | |