This FAQ blog answers common questions about emergency preparedness and Accident Prevention Programs (APPs) related to Adult Family Homes. Browse the questions below to quickly find the information you need.

Emergency preparedness

1. Why is emergency evacuation planning important in adult family homes?
   • Adult family homes must be prepared to evacuate residents quickly in the event of a fire or other emergency. Regulations require homes to be able to evacuate all residents to a safe location within 5 minutes. Caregivers should know exit routes and assist residents according to their mobility needs. Regular drills help ensure everyone can respond safely in an emergency.
2. Why is it important for caregivers to know where emergency supplies are located?
   • Caregivers must be able to quickly locate emergency supplies such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits in order to respond effectively during an emergency. These items are required under WAC 388-76-10810 and 388-76-10850. Also, please see WAC 296-800-15020 for more information about making first-aid supplies readily available. Familiarity with emergency supplies helps ensure timely response and supports resident safety.
3. Why must staff be familiar with the home’s emergency and disaster plan?
   • All staff are required to understand the home’s emergency and disaster plan and receive training on it. This ensures that caregivers know how to respond during events such as fires, power outages, or evacuations. Requirements are outlined in WAC 388-76-10830 and 388-76-10855. Regular training helps staff respond quickly and confidently in emergency situations.

Accident Prevention Programs (APPs)

1. What is a written Accident Prevention Program?
   • A written Accident Prevention Program, also referred to as an “APP” is a ​plan for preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
2. Who needs an Accident Prevention Program?
   • All employers, regardless of size, must have ​a written Accident Prevention Program​.
3. What is the first step to creating an Accident Prevention Program?
   • Identifying hazards is the first step to creating an Accident Prevention Program. Each business must establish, supervise, and enforce their Accident Prevention Program to ensure it is effective in practice.
4. What elements should be included in an Accident Prevention ​Program?
   • Each business must develop a formal written program ​tailored to their workplace, which includes an on-the-job overview of what workers need to know to perform their initial work duties safely, a general overview of the safety and health program, how and when to report workplace injuries, how to report unsafe conditions and work practices, the location of first aid facilities, the use and care of personal protective equipment, what to do in an emergency and more.
5. Do Accident Prevention Programs need anything else?
   • Depending on the hazards in each workplace, ​some businesses may need to create additional written ​elements including but not limited to, a workplace violence prevention program, a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, a chemical hazard communication program and/or hazardous drug control plan.

This blog is part of the Adult Family Home Industry Worker Safety Awareness Training Program created by the Adult Family Home Council, Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington State and PIM Savvy. Program funding and support for this project has been provided by the state of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects.