Please take an opportunity to read and understand the following important  information.           RESIDENT INFORMATION FOR EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN 
PURPOSE

All organizations are at some level of risk.  Being prepared for an emergency* can make the difference between life and death.  Life safety is first and foremost at Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL): it is the primary focus in developing this, the SCCL Emergency Action Plan (EAP), created by the SCCL Public Safety Committee and the Emergency Plan Subcommittee. This Resident Information EAP will provide residents with guidelines on how to cope with the most common emergencies..

This plan is based on industry best practices, compliance with standards and guidelines set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the Occupational Safety Health Administration and local fire codes that call for the creation and implementation of such a plan or program.

To further protect our residents, staff and facilities, contributions were made by the following Lancaster County South Carolina organizations: Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Medical Services and the Emergency Coordinator.

Review  and  acceptance of this EAP has been made by the SCCL Management Staff and Board of Directors.

Table of Contents

 

Introduction. 4

Glossary. 5

Reporting an Emergency From Your Residence. 7

What is an emergency?. 7

Reporting an Emergency from your Residence. 7

What You Need to Know.. 7

Things to do When in Your Residence. 7

Severe Weather. 9

Residence Severe Weather Emergency Plan. 9

FEMA and ready.gov Recommended Supplies. 9

Shelter-In-Place. 11

Pandemic Concern. 12

The Difference Between Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Influenza. 12

How Would a Pandemic Affect SCCL?. 12

Reduce the Risk of Infection. 13

What May Happen During an Influenza Pandemic?. 13

SCCL Lockdown. 14

Missing or Lost Person. 15

Reporting an Emergency from a SCCL Amenity or Facility. 16

Elevator Emergency. 16

Introduction

 

The Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL) Emergency Action Plan (EAP) reviews the most common emergency situations and offers guidelines on how each situation should be handled and applies primarily to events that could occur and have an impact on SCCL residents and/or their residences.

 

Glossary

 

Below are acronyms, phrases, words and guidelines that should help you better understand the terminology used in this Emergency Action Plan.

Term	Definition
911	The United States emergency phone number
All Call Alert System	Used to alert the entire SCCL community regarding emergency situations via phone, text and email
All Clear	Given by appropriate emergency response personnel when the emergency has been declared over via the All Call Alert System
Amenities	SCCL buildings such as The Lake House and The Lodge
CDC	Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/index.htm
EAP	Emergency Action Plan
Emergency	A serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. For the purposes this EAP it includes weather. medical, or structural situations
ERT	Emergency Response Team – members of the trained  Community Management Staff with designated emergency action responsibilities
FEMA	Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
GPS	Global Positioning System – an accurate worldwide navigational and surveying facility based on the reception of signals from an array of orbiting satellites
Mr. Huwit	The code for “Help Us We’re In Trouble”
NWS	National Weather Service, a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
OSHA	Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.com
PPE	Personal Protective Equipment
ready.gov	The website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Provides emergency preparedness guidance and contains lists and explanations regarding specific threats and responses for personal and residential safety www.ready.gov

 

Glossary, Continued

Below are acronyms, phrases, words and guidelines that should help you better understand the terminology used in this Emergency Action Plan.

Term	Definition
SCCL	Sun City Carolina Lakes
SCCL Amenity	SCCL buildings such as The Lake House and The Lodge
SCCL Facility	SCCL outdoor locations such as the tennis courts, pools, pickle ball courts, etc.
Severe Weather	Hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds
Shelter-In-Place (SIP)	Direction by public authorities or the ERT to stay within the location (SCCL Amenity, personal residence) where you are until the emergency situation can be accurately assessed and the All Clear signal is given
WHO	World Health Organization http://www.who.int.en

Reporting an Emergency From Your Residence

What is an emergency?  A serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. For the purposes this EAP it includes medical, structural or vehicular situations.

Reporting an Emergency From Your Residence  When you have an emergency in or around your residence, contact the public authorities by calling 911.

• Calling 911 – Don’t hang up if you are not immediately connected to the dispatcher. It may take some time for your call to be routed correctly, especially if you are on a cell phone outside of the area served by your phone’s area code. In addition, the GPS system must locate your phone.
• Keep calm, don’t panic. Listen to the dispatcher and follow their instructions. Remember that even if the dispatcher is still asking questions or giving instructions, help is on the way.
• The dispatcher is going to ask a lot of questions. Speak clearly and calmly when answering the questions.

What You Need to Know

• In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance.
• Location of the emergency: The emergency is not always located where you are calling from.  Be aware of your surroundings and where you are.  Try to keep a watch out for the road signs, business names and intersections whenever you may travel.
• Nature of the emergency: Do you require assistance from law enforcement, medical professionals and/or fire fighters?  In some areas, the dispatcher or a computer will tell you to dial certain numbers to help them know which department to connect you with and who you should talk with.
• A detailed and concise description of the emergency: Are you alone? What happened? How many details do you know? What should have the most importance? Again, the most important thing is why you need assistance.
• The number of your phone: The dispatcher may need instructions on how to get to where you are located and may need to call back for more information.  Know the phone number of the phone you are using.
• Your personal information: The dispatcher will ask for your name and address.
• Don’t hang up until instructed to do so: Anything can happen, and the emergency responders need to know your situation at all times.  If the building is on fire, for example, the dispatcher will need to know if there are other people in the building and where any safe exits are located.
• When the first responders arrive: Keep out of their way.  If there is a medical situation, always err on the side of caution.

Things to do When in Your Residence

• When there is an emergency in your residence, follow the above guideline for calling 911.
• Gather all relevant health care documentation, i.e., Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney.
• Gather all medicines.
• If and when you leave your residence, be sure to take your mobile phone and charger.

Residence Severe Weather Emergency Plan

It is recommended and encouraged that ALL residents have an emergency plan for their residence.

• If the ERT or public authorities announce a “Shelter-in-Place” (see below) due to severe weather, pandemic concern (see page 12) or community wide lockdown (see page 14), all residents should have a plan in place and the following FEMA and gov suggested items prepared for such an event.

FEMA and ready.gov Recommended Supplies

• Try to keep your automobile gas tank filled, an extra set of car keys and, if you have one, your golf cart battery fully charged.
• One gallon of potable water per person per day for three days for drinking and sanitation.
• Unique family needs: Personal care products, eye glasses, hearing aids with batteries, important family documents (passports/wills), cash, credit cards, travelers checks, listing of telephone numbers of family and friends.
• Prescription and non-prescription medications, such anti-diarrhea medication, hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds, Tylenol®/aspirin, etc.
• Two to five days of non-perishable food for all household members, along with a manual can opener. For example, peanut butter, canned goods, etc.
• First aid kit: Band Aids®, antibiotic ointment.
• Flashlight and extra batteries for each household member. If available, battery operated candles.
• Bathroom tissues and moist towelettes for sanitary purposes.
• Garbage bags including plastic ties. May be used for personal sanitation and trash.
• Fire extinguisher – may be needed in the event of a small house fire.
• Wrench, pliers, screwdriver. May be needed to turn off utilities, etc. Knives for cutting and plastic eating utensils.
• Pet food and supplies, if needed.
• Battery powered weather radio for updates.
• Local maps (other than SCCL maps) for evacuation purposes.
  • Also suggested are:
    • Sleeping bags and blankets for each member of the household.
    • Powdered milk and protein bars.
    • Jumper cables for car.
    • Extra shoes and socks. Change of clothing.
    • Pens, pencils, notepads.
    • Reading materials: books, magazines, etc.

 

 

Shelter-In-Place

There are times when personal safety depends on moving to a safer part of your residence.  This is called Shelter-in-Place (SIP).  SIP directions for you to stay in your home will be given by the ERT, via the All Call Alert System, or by public authorities.  They will instruct you to stay within your personal residence until the emergency situation can be accurately assessed and the All Clear signal is given. Reasons for SIPs are listed above under the Severe Weather Emergency Plan and elsewhere in this EAP as appropriate.

If in the case of severe weather, like a tornado, this would mean that you should:

• Shelter using the inner rooms and hallways away from windows.
• If possible, crouch down under a table. If not possible, crouch down and cover your head with a blanket, towel or other covering.
• Remain in your home and stay calm.
  • DO NOT attempt to leave your home until told to do so by public authorities.

The all clear signal will be given via the All Call Alert System.

 

 Pandemic Concern

Many of us are fortunate to travel overseas and thus might be exposed to an infectious disease.  When exposure to infectious, communicable diseases reaches more than just the seasonal influenza level of virus attacks, the World Health Organization (WHO) can declare a pandemic.  If you have just returned from an area where a pandemic virus is active and are showing systems of this virus, remain in your home following the direction of medical professionals until a possible incubation period has passed.

During the last pandemic, the Spanish Flu (January, 1918 to December, 1920), 5% of the world’s population died.  More people died of this influenza in a single year than in the four years of the Black Death Bubonic Plague from 1347 to 1351.  Today, the United States has about 5% of the world’s population … think about everyone in the U. S. dying in a two year period.  Epidemiologists tell us that sooner or later there will be another pandemic, we just don’t know what kind and when.

The Difference between Seasonal influenza and Pandemic Influenza

Normally the influenza virus is continually undergoing small changes known as genetic drifting.  In the U.S., the flu season is during the winter months each year.  We have some residual immunity to the flu, but never enough so we should ALWAYS GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT.

An influenza pandemic is different in that a global outbreak of a new Influenza A virus happens when new (novel) Influenza A viruses emerge that are able to infect people easily and spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way and to which we have virtually no immunity.

How Would a Pandemic Affect SCCL?

Should a pandemic occur affecting SCCL, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the World Health Organization (WHO), could enact a travel ban and we could find ourselves in a lockdown situation. (See page 14).

Since it is likely that a pandemic will not emerge with the same severity in all locations, it is important that the ERT be able to evaluate the local situation and in the surrounding area. This can be done using the Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization guidelines.

Reduce the Risk of Infection

• Get your influenza vaccination yearly. While this will not help in pandemic situations, it will reduce your risk of getting “the flu.”
• Have available and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as N-95 respirators or dust masks.
• Practice good personal hygiene. Frequent, thorough hand washing is the best way to not pass along a virus.
• Avoid infected persons by staying home and avoid large gatherings such as movie theaters, concert halls and restaurants, including the Lake House and Lodge.
• Consider closing the hot tub/pool and/or exercise area.

SCCL Lockdown

In situations involving external or internal emergencies such as personnel disturbances, active shooters or possibly missing or lost persons, it may be necessary for emergency responders to “lockdown” portions, including personal residences, or all of SCCL.  This condition will be determined by the emergency management personnel based on the situation.

These types of emergencies almost always involve situations where a number of residences and/or management staff are in danger and will occur when emergency management personnel determine the scope of the emergency warrants locking down areas of SCCL.

The best action in lockdown situations is to stay/Shelter-in-Place, which means do not leave the Amenity/Facility/residence where you are located when lockdown is activated.

When first responders arrive at the scene requiring lockdown they will take charge of the situation and the ERT will support whatever directions are given by first responders.

Once lockdown is initiated it will remain in effect until emergency personnel determine the danger is passed and the All Clear signal is given via the All Call Alert System.

Missing or Lost Person

As sometimes happens, a resident of SCCL becomes lost or is missing.  When someone in your household is lost or missing and, after the first several minutes efforts to locate the individual are unsuccessful, you should call 911 and the ERT member on duty at (803) 547-8858.  The reason for calling the ERT representative is that they can help coordinate the SCCL response, working with first responders in locating the individual.

As always, when calling 911 follow the guidelines listed in the “Reporting an Emergency From Your Residence” located on page 7.

Please note: Many of the SCCL Drone Club members are FAA certified drone pilots and can be called upon during daylight hours to help provide aerial surveillance.  This service should be called only if emergency personnel are in agreement that this service would be beneficial in locating the missing person.  If Drone Club assistance is required, call the President of the Drone Club.

Reporting an Emergency from a SCCL Amenity or Facility

If you are in a SCCL Amenity or Facility and see an emergency, please follow the same procedures as “Reporting an Emergency from your Residence” on page 7.

Elevator Emergency

Should you become trapped or have a medical emergency in The Lake House elevator, use your cell phone to call the front desk or press the “Help” button in the elevator.  The front desk phone number is posted on the wall of the elevator: (803) 547-8858 ext. 0.  The front desk staff will ask you the nature of the emergency, information which will be important when they contact first responders.

The person on duty at the front desk will call 911 and the Kone Elevator Company.  Both the Indian Land Fire Department and the Kone Elevator personnel will respond to the emergency.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

• Keep calm, don’t panic.
  
• Get to your phone and dial 9-1-1. Do Not  hang up if you are not immediately connected. It may take time for your call to be routed correctly and secure your location on Dispatch GPS.
• Know what you will be asked. Make sure you are aware of the following:
• You are going to be asked a few questions – SPEAK CLEARLY.
• Where is the emergency? The emergency is not always located where you are calling from.  Be aware if your surroundings and where you are.  Try to keep a watch out for the road signs, business names and intersections whenever you may travel. If you are on the road or road side open glove compartment to show copy of Living Will to Police and Emergency staff.
• Nature of the emergency: Do you require assistance from  “Police, Fire or Ambulance “.  If  are at home and are Not able to open the front door, tell dispatch and  they will send Fire Department to access the home for EMS.
• A detailed, yet concise description:  Are you alone? What happened?  How many details do you know?  What should have the most importance is patient unconscious?  In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance.
• The number of your phone: The dispatcher will want you to stay on the line if you are able until the EMS arrives. Put on front light, unlock front door.
• Get Out your Vial of Life information. Secure your copy of  Living Will, list of all medications and your phone charger for your cell phone.  Everything  should go with you and injured person to ER. 
• Location: Give the dispatcher your name and address.  Tell dispatcher if a person is at nearest entrance to direct emergency

• Keep Calm

Emergency departments are an essential part of our health care system. The emergency department was designed to provide fast, life-or-limb-saving care. Many people, however, use the ER as a place to receive urgent care without realizing it. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to call 911 and go to the closest ER.  Never Drive Yourself to an Emergency Room!

These are just a few of the conditions that ARE medical emergencies:

**** Persistent chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, back or jaw or is accompanied by ANY sweating,  vomiting, persistent shortness of breath or wheezing

• Severe pain, particularly in the abdomen or starting halfway down the back
• Difficulty speaking, altered mental status or confusion, unable to stick your tongue out.
• Severe pain, particularly in the abdomen or starting halfway down the back
• Loss of balance or fainting
• Difficulty speaking, altered mental status or confusion
• Sudden, severe headache, loss of vision
• Sudden testicular pain and swelling
• Intestinal bleeding
• Falls with injury or while taking blood thinning medications
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Deep cuts that require stitches ( especially on the face ) or bleeding that won’t stop
• Head or eye injuries
• High fevers or fevers with rash
• Repeated vomiting
• Serious burns
• Seizures without a previous diagnosis of epilepsy

You may also be sent to the ER by your doctor if you have an underlying condition, such as hypertension or diabetes, which could complicate your diagnosis and require extra care.

When to call 9-1-1

Never Drive yourself or  have a loved one drive to the emergency room can be very dangerous. Driving with a family member won’t allow you to get the medical care needed fast enough. Many people may be confused about when to call 911.  It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are in doubt, please call 911. Taking an ambulance is safer because paramedics can deliver life-saving care on the way to the hospital. It is NOT EVER RECOMMENDED  that you drive a friend or loved one who may be seriously ill to the ER

Urgent care is not emergency care

A study conducted by the National Center for Health statistics found that of patients who had visited the emergency room but were not admitted to the hospital, 48 percent went there because their doctor’s office was not open. Many physicians’ offices are now offering same day appointments for care, but urgent care is an option for when appointments are unavailable or if you need treatment outside of office hours. Urgent care departments are same-day clinics that can handle a variety of conditions that need to be treated right away but is not an emergency. Some symptoms that can be treated at urgent care include:

• Fever without rash
• Minor trauma such as a common sprain
• Painful urination
• Persistent diarrhea, vomiting or sore throat

If your symptoms come on gradually or you already know the diagnosis, such as a urinary tract infection, you may want to try to get a same day appointment with your primary care provider. While urgent care clinics are always available, your primary care physician will have a better picture of your overall health for a more accurate diagnosis

1 – Keep calm, don’t panic.

2 – Get to your phone and dial 9-1-1. Don’t hang up if you aren’t connected immediately. It may take time for your call to be routed correctly, especially if you are on a cell phone outside of the area served by your phone’s area code and the GPS system must locate your phone.

3 – Keep calm, don’t panic. You are going to be asked a few questions –

Speak clearly.

4 – Know what you will be asked. Make sure that you are aware of each of the following:

        Where is the emergency?: The emergency is not always located where  you’re calling from. Always be aware of your surroundings and where you are. Try to keep a watch out for the road signs, business names and intersections whenever you may travel.

Nature of the emergency: Do you require assistance from law enforcement, medical professionals, and/or fire fighters? In certain areas, the dispatcher or a computer will tell you to dial certain numbers to help them know which department to connect you with and who you should talk to.

A detailed, yet concise, description: Are you alone? What happened? How many details do you know? What should have the most importance? In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance.

The phone number of your phone. The dispatcher will need instructions on how to get to where you are, and may need to call back for more information. Know the phone number of your phone.

Location. Give the dispatcher your name and address

5 – Keep Calm

6 – Listen to the dispatcher. Follow orders. The better and faster you follow orders, the higher everyone’s rate of survival will be. Even in a non-lethal situation (broken bones, etc.) this is of vital importance. Have strict, unwavering faith in the dispatcher. And remember that even if the dispatcher is still asking questions or giving instructions, help is on the way.

7 – Don’t hang up until instructed to. Anything can happen, and the emergency services need to know your situation at all times. If the building is on fire, for example, the dispatcher will need to know if there are other people in the building and where any safe exits are.

8 – When the responders arrive – keep out of their way, but in a medical emergency, do tell them

The location of the patient’s Vial of Life information

The location of the patient Living Will and Do Not Resuscitate order

Which hospital to go to. Don’t designate any local Urgent Care center