Risk assessment and planning
An all-hazards approach documented in a hazard vulnerability assessment and reviewed at least annually.
All-hazards planning
Emergency Preparedness Tools
Tools built around the four CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule elements: risk assessment matrix, communication plan, policies and procedures checklist, and the training and testing log.
Four required elements (42 CFR 483.73)
Policies and procedures
Subsistence needs, alternate power, resident tracking, evacuation, shelter in place, records and mutual aid.
Communication plan
Verified internal and external contacts, alternate methods and rules for notifying residents and authorities.
Training and testing
Initial and annual training plus two exercises each year, with an after-action review that changes the plan.
Tools and templates
Preview, copy or download each tool. Complete them with your leadership team and keep them in the emergency binder.
42 CFR 483.73(a) — Risk assessment and planning
Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA)
Score all-hazards risk so your plan is defensible and prioritized rather than generic.
HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT — [FACILITY NAME] Year: [YEAR] Score each 0 (none) to 3 (high). Risk = Probability x (Impact + Preparedness gap). Hazard Probability Human impact Property Operations Preparedness gap Risk Hurricane / severe storm [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Tornado [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Flood [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Wildfire [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Extended power outage [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Loss of water / sewer [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] HVAC failure / extreme heat [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Fire (internal) [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Infectious disease outbreak [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Cyber / EHR outage [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Active threat / lockdown [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Missing resident / elopement [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Supply chain disruption [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Staffing shortage [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Hazmat (internal/external) [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] TOP THREE RISKS AND MITIGATION 1. [HAZARD] — mitigation: [ ] — owner: [ ] — due: [ ] 2. [HAZARD] — mitigation: [ ] — owner: [ ] — due: [ ] 3. [HAZARD] — mitigation: [ ] — owner: [ ] — due: [ ] Reviewed by: [ ] Date: [ ] Next annual review: [ ]
42 CFR 483.73(c)
Emergency Communication Plan
The contact tree and notification rules CMS expects to see reviewed annually.
42 CFR 483.73(b)
Emergency Policies & Procedures Checklist
Confirms every required policy element exists before the surveyor asks for the binder.
42 CFR 483.73(d)
Training & Testing Documentation Log
The record that closes the loop: initial training, annual training and two annual exercises.
42 CFR 483.73(b)(6)
Resident Evacuation Packet
What travels with each resident so the receiving facility can continue care safely.
Educational tools only. Confirm every requirement against the current CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule, your state emergency management rules and local authority having jurisdiction.
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