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Horizons Evacuation Plan

2020

The tabs below contain information for current protocol in the event that there is an evacuation order. Evacuation of Horizons individuals might begin during a Voluntary Evacuation Alert if Tatum Heath and Madeline Landgren are advised by City/County emergency personnel to begin an evacuation. Orders from community emergency personnel supersede this plan. Do what the emergency personnel tell you to do.

In advance of an evacuation order

1. Register for Routt County Public Alerts and Warning through RouttCountyAlerts.com — if we cannot reach you, we cannot alert you! Registrants will provide their address and communication means (landline, cell phone, text numbers, e-mails) and how they prefer to be notified.

  • Follow Routt County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on any disaster or emergency, as well as preparedness information. Facebook page is Routt County Office of Emergency Management and Twitter is RouttCountyOEM.
  • Ensure that all those who are independent and staff have registered their cell phones and all group homes have registered their landlines for Emergency Alerts.

2. Register for Moffat County Public Alerts and Warning through Code Red www.colorado.gov/moffatcounty — if we cannot reach you, we cannot alert you! Registrants will provide their address and communication means (landline, cell phone, text numbers, e-mails) and how they prefer to be notified.

  •  Ensure that all those who are independent and staff have registered their cell phones and all group homes have registered their landlines for Emergency Alerts.

3. Ensure that all independent individuals have cell numbers in their cell phones so that they can reach Tatum Heath Executive Director (970-620-1613) or Madeline Landgren Adult Program Director (970-846-0882) in addition to cell phone numbers for Program Coordinators and Service Coordinators.

4. Ensure that all individuals who are independent have received information about who will be picking them up and where, and that they have rehearsed so that they are prepared for an emergency evacuation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to review the importance of wearing a mask at all times while evacuating.

5. Ensure that all agency vehicles (group homes or offices) have a minimum of ½ tank of gas at all times.

6. Ensure that cell phones are charged. Utilize text messaging, email, and instant messaging for communication. Cell lines may not work so know where there is access to landlines. Text messaging may work when cell phones are not working.

7. Staff should review the Monthly Safety Information (or Emergency Preparedness) binder. These resources include wildfire information from FEMA. Each group home has a binder. An Emergency Evacuation binder will be kept at the Oak Street, Park Ave, Breeze Street offices, as well as at Day Program. This binder will also include the Horizons COVID-19 plan and procedures.

8. Local families will be contacted about the evacuation plan and will be provided with Tatum Health’s and Madeline Landgren’s cell numbers.

9. Keep a list of individuals’ work schedules at the Oak Street or Breeze Street offices in case evacuation is during the day. This information will also be available on our agency Google Drive Emergency Evacuation Information File for remote access by agency personnel.

In the Event of an Evacuation in Steamboat

• If you are on duty, know that you are not alone. Once you get to the meeting place, help will be there.
• Orders from community emergency personnel supersede this protocol. Do what the emergency personnel tell you to do. We will sort everything out once you are safe.
• The primary means for Routt County to provide this information is through RouttCountyAlerts.com. The Routt County Office of Emergency Management website, Facebook page, and Twitter will provide additional information as required.
• If your home has an individualized evacuation plan, follow it. If not, follow the instructions below:

1. All staff will make sure they are wearing a surgical mask. Staff will confirm that all individuals who live in the home are wearing a surgical or cloth mask. Due to the emergency nature of the evacuation, we will most likely not be able to socially distance within the vehicle. However, attempt to socially distance as much as possible.

2. If an individual(s) within the home is in COVID-19 isolation, then the staff who is caring for them will don full isolation PPE and transport the individual(s) in a separate vehicle to Oak Street. The individual(s) should be seated as far back from the staff person as possible. The staff and individual(s) will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

3. Everyone in the evacuation zone will meet at the Oak Street office (405 Oak Street). On duty group home and/or Day Program staff will drive the individuals they work with to the Oak Street office. All individuals and staff will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

4. Independent individuals will follow their individualized plan. They will get a ride from staff who have volunteered to pick them up from home. Both staff and the individuals must wear masks. All individuals and staff will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle. If they are at work or alone in the community, they are to get to the Oak Street office any way they can (walk, bike, a ride from a Good Samaritan). They are to stay outside the office and not enter the office, socially distance, and wait for instructions.

5. Bring all medications, individuals’/house cash, wallet, laptop and charger (if applicable), cell phone and charger, phone list, Go Bag (staff and individuals), COVID-19 procedure book, and the Horizons PPE Isolation kit. Be sure that, in addition to the items on the Go Bag checklist, individual Go Bags each contain two (2) surgical masks. The Red Cross can provide assistance in obtaining the necessary medication and PPE in an emergency, but it may take some time. Individuals and staff should have sufficient supplies for at least 72 hours.

6. Before you evacuate the home, put a white cloth (sheet, towel, t-shirt, etc.) in the door, on a stick on the lawn, or anywhere that is visible. This will tell anyone who comes to the home that everyone has evacuated.

7. As long as the delay does not put anyone in danger, bring any client files that might be in the residence.

8. Horizons’ First Responders (and anyone else who can help) will meet you at the office. On-duty staff are expected to remain on shift unless you are personally effected by the evacuation order. Release from duty will be contingent on adequate staffing to support the needs of individuals receiving services to ensure that neglect does not occur due to improper training and support. First Responders as of summer 2020 are:

  • Tatum Heath – 970-620-1613
  • Meghan McNamara – 970-846-7153 – Home pick up for SW and First Responder
  • Paige Kirchner – 970-846-6987 Home pick up for – SH, JR, RM, RG and First Responder
  • Mike Dwire – 970-734-7359. Home pick up for – KW, SS, MBa, and JG and First Responder
  • Dallas Tupper – 970-761-5406
  • Peta Elmes – 970-846-2622
  • Kirk Aigner – 970-846-9805
  • Cathryn Marie – 970-846-9310

9. First Responders will don surgical masks, confirm that all individuals within the vehicle are wearing masks and will drive the individuals from the Oak Street office (405 Oak Street) to a community shelter space utilizing COVID-19 procedures, as much as possible given the nature of an emergency situation. Routt County Office of Emergency Management will notify the public via RouttCountyAlerts.com and their Facebook page of open shelters. The county has worked with hotels to provide shelter that can include social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. When they arrive at the community shelter space staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle. Unless otherwise instructed by the County Office of Emergency Management or First Responders at the shelter site, evacuation will be as follows:

  • If the community is evacuated toward the west, First Responders will drive individuals to the Horizons Breeze Street office (439 Breeze Street; office 970-824-7804; emergency phone 970-620-5492) in Craig to wait for further instructions. Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.
  • If the community is evacuated toward the east, First Responders will drive individuals to the Horizons Office in Granby at 81 W Jasper, Granby, CO; 970-557-3380 and 970-557-3381. Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.
  • If Horizons offices are inaccessible, the person of highest authority will make a decision regarding evacuation destination based on safety and accessibility. Upon arrival at that location, staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.
  • If family members are able to take responsibility for their son, daughter, brother, or sister, they can come to the office to pick them up. Family will stay in their vehicle until their family member is assisted to their vehicle. See the family phone number list for phone numbers.

10. If the Oak Street office is inaccessible for any reason, the backup meeting place is Star Place (40535 Northstar Place, Steamboat II; 970-871-4804). Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

11. Horizons’ Second Responders (and anyone else who can help) will arrive at the final evacuation area. These staff will assist with individuals care and give First Responders a break, contingent on the needs of the individuals being met. Second Responders as of summer 2020 are:

  • Shanda Sullins – 970-819-1088
  • Tommy Larson – h 970-871-4776; c 970-846-0406

 

 

In the Event of an Evacuation in Craig

• If you are on duty, know that you are not alone. Once you get to the meeting place, help will be there.
• Orders from community emergency personnel supersede this protocol. Do what the emergency personnel tell you to do. We will sort everything out once you are safe.
• The primary means for Moffat County to provide this information is through colorado.gov/moffatcounty.
• If your home has an individualized evacuation plan, follow it. If not, follow the instructions below:

1. All staff will make sure they are wearing a surgical mask. Staff will confirm that all individuals who live in the home are wearing a surgical or cloth mask. Due to the emergency nature of the evacuation we will most likely not be able to socially distance within the vehicle. However, attempt to socially distance as much as possible.

2. If an individual(s) within the home is in COVID-19 isolation then the staff who is caring for them will don full isolation PPE and transport the individual in a separate vehicle to Boys and Girls Club. The individual(s) should be seated as far back from the staff person as possible. The staff and individual(s) will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

3. Everyone in the evacuation zone will meet at the Boys and Girls Club (1324 US – 40, Craig CO (970)826-0411). On duty staff will drive the individuals they are working with to the club. Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

4. Independent individuals will follow their individualized plan. They should get to the club any way they can (walk, bike, a ride from a Good Samaritan). They are to stay outside the club and not enter the club, socially distance, and wait for instructions.

5. Bring all medications, individuals/houses cash, wallet, laptop and charger (if applicable), cell phone and charger, phone list, Go Bags (staff and individuals), COVID-19 Procedure Book, and the Horizons PPE kit. Be sure that, in addition to the items on the Go Bag checklist, individual Go Bags each contain two (2) surgical masks. The Red Cross can provide assistance in obtaining the necessary medication and PPE in an emergency, but it may take some time. Individuals and staff should have sufficient supplies for at least 72 hours.

6. As long as the delay does not put anyone in danger, bring any client files that might be in the residence.

7. Before you evacuate the home, put a white cloth (sheet, towel, t-shirt, etc.) in the door, on a stick on the lawn, or anywhere that is visible. This will tell anyone who comes to the home that everyone has evacuated.

8. Horizons’ First Responders (and anyone else who can help) will take over at the Boys and Girls Club. On-duty staff are expected to remain on shift unless you are personally effected by the evacuation order. Release from duty will be contingent on adequate staffing to support the needs of individuals receiving services to ensure that neglect does not occur due to improper training and support. First Responders in Craig as of summer 2020 are:

  • Jesica McMillan – 970-701-1458
  • Tracy Sheldon – home 970-824-3150; cell 970-629-1484
  • Melissa Stadler – 507-676-3932
  • JoAnna Santistevan – home 824-6738; cell 620-1032
  • Corinne Emerson – 970-761-9215
  • Sylvia McFeaters – home 970-824-6630; cell 970-629-3394 – Home pick up for KC and JL
  • Julie Hall – cell 970-620-7633

9. First Responders will don surgical masks, confirm that all individuals within the vehicle are wearing masks and will drive the individuals from Boys and Girls Club (1324 US – 40, Craig CO 970-826-0411) to a community shelter space utilizing COVID-19 procedures, as much as possible given the nature of an emergency situation. Moffat County Office of Emergency Management will notify the public via Code Red www.colorado.gov/moffatcounty of their open shelters. When they arrive at the community shelter space staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle. Unless otherwise instructed by the County Office of Emergency Management or First Responders at the shelter site, evacuation will be as follows:

  • If the community is evacuated toward the west, First Responders will drive individuals to the Horizons Office in Meeker (685 Main Street, Suite 1, Meeker, CO; office 970-878-3196) to wait for further instructions. Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.
  • If the community is evacuated toward the east, First Responders will drive individuals to Horizons Oak Street office (405 Oak Street; office 970-879-4466; emergency phone 970-761-5705) in Steamboat Springs to wait for further instructions. Staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.
  • If Horizons offices are inaccessible, the person of highest authority will make a decision regarding evacuation destination based on safety and accessibility. Upon arrival at that location, staff and individuals will stay in the vehicle until they are instructed to leave the vehicle.

10. If family members are able to take responsibility for their son, daughter, brother, or sister, they can come to the Boys and Girls Club to pick them up. Family will stay in their vehicle until their family member is assisted to their vehicle. See the family phone number list for phone numbers.

11. Horizons’ Second Responders (and anyone else who can help) will arrive at the final evacuation area. These staff will assist with individuals care and give First Responders a break, contingent on the needs of the individuals being met. Second Responders as of summer 2020 are:

  • Colleen Monroy – home 824-2020; cell 629-5426
  • Jennifer Kidwell – 970-620-1688
Additional Information

1. If we need additional support for individuals in the evacuation zone, we will utilize community First Responders, such as ambulances, police, firefighters, the Red Cross, FEMA, etc. Requests for emergency services will be made via 9-1-1.

2. The Emergency Response Coalition has been given a copy of this evacuation plan.

3. Yvonne Truelove communicates on an ongoing basis with Moffat and Routt OEM Emergency Managers.

4. Keys or combinations for offices are not essential since the First Responders will have access to the offices. However, it is a good idea to have them in easy access.

5. Make sure we all have current phone lists including family members within easy access.

6. Notify the Colorado Department of Health if group home individuals are evacuated –
Thom Miller Branch Chief, Certification, Licensing, Enforcement and Records – ThomasLMiller@state.co.us – Telephone: 303-692-4978 – Fax: 303-753-76214.

7. Horizons must file a Critical Incident Report within 24 hours.

8. Provide Routt County Office of Emergency Management and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue and Moffat County Emergency Management and Craig Fire Rescue with a copy of this plan with contact information, updated annually.

9. As a part of the emergency kit at Oak Street and Breeze Street, there is a clipboard with a list to track individuals receiving services, which vehicle they are in, the driver for that vehicle, their destination, family notifications, name of person picking them up, and time they were picked up (if applicable). This spreadsheet is also available on the agency Google Drive in the Emergency Evacuation Information file for digital access, if necessary. This information will be completed by the Residential Coordinator or Adult Community Coordinator.

10. Include Horizons staff and individual’s contact lists as well as family phone number list with the evacuation plan.

11. Cash might be essential. Make sure group homes always have a minimum of $25 in petty cash.

12. Gas will be essential. Make sure Horizons’ vehicles always have at least half a tank of gas.

13. Generic Horizons name tags on lanyards are available for any staff who end up at a shelter. Generic name tags will be kept in staff Go Bags at the homes (Steamboat only), in Horizons vehicle glove compartments, at Oak Street, and at Breeze Street.

14. A copy of this plan will be posted on the Horizons website at www.horizonsnwc.org.

15. In the event of an evacuation, Horizons will provide ongoing updates for friends and family via our Friends of Horizons Facebook page.

For emergencies that do not require evacuation such as prolonged power outages:
• If anyone living independently is running out of food, they can contact the county emergency phone (970-761-5705 Routt and 970-620-5492 Moffat) and support will be coordinated to deliver supplies or assist them to access alternate shelter as appropriate.
• Basic supplies are kept at Steamboat and Craig offices.

Resources

Mo DeMorat – Routt County Emergency Manager

Chuck Vail – Moffat County Emergency Manager

  • Mobile: 970-846-3912

Kari Ladrow – Director of Public Health for Moffat County

Olivia Scheele – Moffat County Public Health Nurse

Roberta Smith – Interim Director of Public Health for Routt County

Carissa Peterson – Routt County Public Health Nurse

Jim Johnsen

Eli Nykamp, UCHealth / Yampa Valley Medical Center

Routt County Office of Emergency Management website: Routt County Emergency Management 970-846-3912
Routt County Office of Emergency Management Facebook: Routt County Office of Emergency Management
Routt County Office of Emergency Management Twitter: RouttCountyOEM
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Coronavirus Call Center • 303-692-2700.