You'd better put updating your emergency preparedness plan on your priority list if you live in an area of the country prone to hurricanes. "The tropics are heating up," warns the Home Care Association of Louisiana. "This is the time for your agency to double check emergency preparedness plans, review these initiatives with staff, and perhaps run mock drills or table top exercises." When hurricanes hit, "our vulnerable patients who need assistance may be depending on their home health provider to assure they have a plan," HCLA continues in an e-mail to members. Resource: Links to hurricane preparedness materials are on HCLA's website at
www.hclanet.org in the "Announcements" box. They include a 174-page emergency preparedness handbook.