How Evergreen Private Care Helps Clients and Families Prepare
By William “David” Snyder, CEO
As Florida enters another hurricane season, preparedness is once again top of mind for many families. At Evergreen Private Care, we want our clients and their loved ones to know that hurricane planning is something we take very seriously.
For us, emergency preparedness is not simply about meeting regulations or checking a compliance box. It is about caring for our clients, protecting their wellbeing, and giving families confidence that their loved ones have a plan in place.
As an experienced Florida home care provider, Evergreen maintains comprehensive emergency preparedness and continuity plans consistent with state emergency management requirements for home care providers. Florida requires licensed home care organizations to maintain and regularly update Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans (CEMPs), ensuring agencies are prepared to continue supporting clients before, during, and after emergencies.
Our commitment goes beyond minimum requirements. We plan early, communicate often, and work proactively with clients and families because storms do not wait.
What Clients and Families Can Do Now
The best time to prepare is before a storm is named. We encourage clients and families to take a few simple steps now:
Review Emergency Contacts – Ensure Evergreen has updated phone numbers for:
- Family members
- Emergency contacts
- Caregivers (private)
- Physicians and specialists
- Other agency social workers or case managers
Build or Refresh Your Emergency Supplies – Prepare at least several days of:
- Medications and medication lists
- Water and shelf-stable food
- Batteries and flashlights
- Medical supplies and PPE
- Backup chargers
- Copies of insurance and medical documents
Plan for Medical Needs – Clients who depend on:
- Oxygen
- Electricity-dependent equipment
- Mobility devices
- Specialized care needs
…should speak with their Evergreen Clinical Care Coordinator and providers early and consider local special needs planning resources. Florida emphasizes preparedness planning for homebound and medically vulnerable residents receiving care at home.
Know Your Evacuation Plan – Discuss now:
- Will you shelter in place?
- Evacuate?
- Stay with family?
- Require special accommodations?
The earlier these conversations happen with your Evergreen Clinical Care Coordinator, the smoother the process becomes and the faster we will be able to respond to your needs.
What Happens When a Storm is Activated in our Region?
When a tropical system begins affecting our area, Evergreen activates our emergency procedures.
For homebound clients, this often means:
Early Outreach – Our team begins contacting clients and families to:
- Confirm safety and evacuation plans
- Verify locations and contacts
- Review supplies and needs
- Discuss continuity of care
Priority Review of High-Risk Clients – Clients with:
- Nursing needs
- Cognitive impairment
- Mobility limitations
- Limited support systems
…receive additional review and planning attention.
Coordination with Families – We work closely with loved ones to confirm:
- Evacuation decisions
- Alternate locations
- Communication plans
- Care schedules and expectations
Ongoing Communication – Conditions can change quickly. Throughout activation and recovery, our teams remain focused on communication and continuity.
Caring Beyond Compliance
Hurricane preparedness is deeply personal in-home care because our clients are often among those most vulnerable during emergencies. Many are homebound, many rely on medications, routines, caregivers, and support systems to remain safe and independent.
That is why preparation matters.
Our Administrators, Clinical Care Coordinators, nurses, caregivers and leadership teams bring years of experience navigating Florida storms and helping clients and families through uncertain moments. We are prepared because caring requires it.
And while we hope for a quiet season, our clients and families can rest easier knowing Evergreen is already planning.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and please reach out to your Clinical Care Coordinator if your emergency plans have changed or if you need assistance preparing for the season.