New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 18 - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter II - Regulations of the Department of Social Services
Subchapter C - Social Services
Article 4 - Residential Programs for Victimes of Domestic Violence
Part 453 - Standards For Domestic Violence Shelters and Mixed Occupancy Shelter
Section 453.8 - Disaster and emergency plans

Universal Citation: 18 NY Comp Codes Rules and Regs § 453.8

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024

(a) Each facility must have written disaster and emergency plan(s) approved by the Office. Such emergency plans must detail the procedures to be followed for residents and staff in the event of an emergency or disaster, such as fire, flood, severe storms, bomb threats, terrorist attack, medical emergency or power failure, etc.

(1) The plan must also address emergency preparedness protocols, and include a medical care plan for obtaining emergency professional assistance on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

(2) Each resident must be informed of the plan including evacuation procedures upon admission.

(3) All employees and volunteers of the program must be knowledgeable of the disaster and emergency plan(s) and of their responsibilities under such plan(s).

(4) The plan must be reviewed annually, and any updates or revisions must be submitted to the Office for approval.

(b) Emergency evacuation procedures outlining the method and manner in which residents and staff are to evacuate in the event of a fire or other emergency must be conspicuously posted on each floor of the facility. Primary emphasis must be made on safe and timely evacuation and relocation of residents.

(1) Evacuation diagrams identifying emergency exits and outlining the route in which residents are to evacuate must be conspicuously posted on each floor of the facility.

(2) Evacuation to another floor or area of the building must be approved by applicable local authority such as the fire department or codes official.

(3) Alternate plans such as the use of an area of refuge for persons with mobility issues must be approved by applicable local authority such as the fire department or codes official.

(c) Evacuation drills must be held on a monthly basis with staff and residents, alternating the time of the drill to ensure that staff working each shift has had an opportunity to practice their respective responsibilities.

(d) Shelter in place drills must be held on a semi-annual basis with staff and residents.

(e) A record of such drills must be maintained, and must indicate:

(1) date and time of the drill;

(2) specify the type drill (e.g. evacuation or shelter in place);

(3) staff conducting the drill; and

(4) the number of residents that participated in the drill.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New York may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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