The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has released a report highlighting the emergency preparedness measures taken by long-term care and skilled nursing centers across the state. The report, titled “Emergency Preparedness in Long Term Care,” outlines how these facilities plan for emergencies throughout the year, focusing on safeguarding residents before, during, and after events such as hurricanes.
Emmett Reed, Chief Executive Officer of FHCA, said, “Maintaining the gold standard in long term care goes beyond providing quality care day to day. The gold standard is forged in disaster preparedness and tested with every storm. Through proactive planning and strong partnerships, our centers lead the nation in long term care. We look forward to continued collaboration with providers, officials, and stakeholders to strengthen proven practices and embrace innovations that uphold the highest quality of care for Florida families.”
The report discusses procedures for sheltering in place and safe evacuation. It also addresses how facilities handle transfer trauma—the emotional impact experienced by residents during relocation. Lessons from the 2024 hurricane season are included, when three major storms put Florida’s emergency response system to the test. The report also identifies challenges and best practices discussed during statewide member roundtables.
In June 2025, FHCA hosted three hurricane preparedness roundtables involving state agencies such as the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Division of Emergency Management, Department of Health, local emergency managers, utility providers, and member centers. These meetings focused on improving coordination among state, county, and facility-level responders. Participants developed recommendations aimed at enhancing communication and decision-making so that residents and staff can remain safe during disasters.
Rep. Jennifer Canady commented on these efforts: “The work being done to ensure Florida’s long-term care facilities are prepared for emergencies is incredibly important. These meetings highlight the value of collaboration and planning when it comes to protecting our vulnerable seniors and ensuring Florida continues to lead the way in these efforts.”
FHCA continues to support its members through training sessions, resources, and sharing best practices that reinforce emergency readiness across facilities statewide. The association emphasizes its role in identifying ongoing challenges while promoting improved coordination among key partners.
Additional details can be found in FHCA’s emergency preparedness report or by visiting its preparedness protocols website at fhcahurricaneprep.org.
