New AHCA Member Resource: Public Safety Power Shutoff

LV Senior man prepares for roadside emergency with survival items in his truck. As severe winter weather hits, this man loads a basket of survival items and a warm blanket into the back of his truck.

Recent events have highlighted the increasing threat posed by pre-emptive power shutdowns, aimed at preventing wildfires, on vulnerable populations such as nursing homes and senior living facilities. A U.S. News article from June 2024, “Power Cuts to Prevent Wildfires Threaten to Leave Nursing Homes in the Dark”, outlines the severe consequences these power cuts can have on facilities that rely on continuous electricity to maintain essential services and ensure resident safety.

To support AHCA’s members, they have developed a resource to assist members in understanding and preparing for a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a planned shutoff of power lines by a utility company to help prevent wildfires from starting. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of wildfires, utilities across the country are increasingly resorting to PSPS to mitigate the risk of fires sparked by electrical equipment. While these preventive measures are crucial for community safety, they pose significant challenges for nursing homes, where uninterrupted power is essential for maintaining critical health and safety systems.

This newly published Public Safety Power Shutoff resource provides a comprehensive guide to support nursing homes in preparing for PSPS events, and includes regulatory implications and considerations for preparation, mitigation and communication.

Continue to monitor AHCA’s Emergency Preparedness website. Please let AHCA know if you have any questions at [email protected].