Flu Season Alert!Alerta de temporada de influenza:
Don’t let germs win this season – protect yourself and your family!
The flu vaccine is your best defense against flu and related complications – PLUS, it is a covered benefit for Texas Children’s Health Plan members! Learn more!
¡No permitas que los gérmenes ganen esta temporada! ¡Protégete a ti y a tu familia!
La vacuna contra la influenza es tu mejor defensa contra la influenza y sus complicaciones. Además, ¡es un beneficio cubierto para los miembros de Texas Children's Health Plan! Aprende más
Long-Term Care Facility Winter and Extreme Freezing Weather Preparedness
Date: February 21, 2025
Attention: Long-term care facilities
Call to action: A reminder from Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to long-term care facilities and agencies to review and update emergency plans for freezing temperatures and snow. Emergency plans for extreme weather should include the provider’s plan to address:
Power loss.
Water and food needs.
Medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
Communication to families and staff.
Staffing shortages.
Sheltering in place and evacuation, as applicable.
How this impacts providers: Additional guidance:
Providers must follow emergency preparedness rules and their own internal emergency preparedness policies and procedures.
Facilities with generators should perform any maintenance or needed testing while the weather is mild. This will ensure the equipment functions in case of extreme cold or power loss.
It is important to review building integrity and identify any areas that may need repair, reinforcement, or weatherproofing.
Multi-story buildings should review any other needed measures should evacuation be required and have a plan in place for how to move residents around or out of the building if there is a loss of power.
Preparing for disaster is the most important step in protecting the Texans we serve and reducing the risk for loss of life.
Next step for Providers: Facilities should share this communication with their staff.
