National Preparedness Month – Protecting Vulnerable Communities

September 15, 2025

September is National Preparedness Month

In South Florida, being prepared isn’t optional—it’s a way of life. Each September, National Preparedness Month reminds us of the importance of planning ahead for emergencies like hurricanes, floods, and power outages. For seniors and vulnerable communities, the stakes are even higher, as disruptions in care or access to electricity can pose serious health risks.

At Catholic Health Services (CHS), we go beyond preparation. Our Always ON commitment ensures that our patients and residents remain safe, comfortable, and cared for—no matter what the storm brings.

Why Preparedness Matters for Seniors

Emergencies affect everyone, but older adults and people with chronic conditions face unique risks:

  • Dependence on medical equipment like oxygen or ventilators that require electricity
  • Greater likelihood of mobility challenges, making evacuation more difficult
  • Increased risk of dehydration, heat stress, or infections during power outages
  • The need for consistent medication and dietary management

Ready.gov emphasizes that planning ahead for these challenges is critical to protect older adults during disasters.

CHS’s Always ON Protection

At CHS, our mission is to provide peace of mind for patients, families, and the community—even in the face of hurricanes and natural disasters.

That’s why we’ve invested in the Always ON commitment, a bold safety initiative designed to keep our facilities fully operational during and after emergencies.

Here’s what Always ON means for you and your loved ones:

✅ Custom Generators at Every Campus
Every CHS nursing home, rehabilitation hospital, and assisted living facility is equipped with high-capacity generators.

✅ Exceeding Government Regulations
Our power systems go beyond state and federal requirements, ensuring 100% of services remain powered ON.

✅ Continuous Comfort and Safety
From air conditioning to medical equipment, all critical systems remain fully functional during storms and outages.

✅ Uninterrupted Care
Our teams are trained and prepared to deliver uninterrupted care, giving families confidence that their loved ones are safe.

How Families Can Prepare

While CHS ensures safety within our facilities, families and caregivers can also take steps to stay prepared during National Preparedness Month:

  • Create a plan: Know where you will go, how you’ll communicate, and what supplies you’ll need.
  • Keep medications stocked: Maintain a 2-week supply of essential prescriptions.
  • Build an emergency kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
  • Store important documents: Keep insurance cards, medical records, and emergency contacts in a waterproof container.
  • Stay informed: Sign up for local alerts and updates.

The Ready.gov campaign offers excellent resources for creating family emergency plans.

CHS: A Trusted Partner in Preparedness

For more than 30 years, Catholic Health Services has been a trusted leader in post-acute care, rehabilitation, senior living, and home health across South Florida. Our Always ON commitment reflects our dedication to protecting the most vulnerable during times of crisis.

When disaster strikes, families can rest assured that CHS facilities are safe, powered, and ready.

Peace of Mind with Always ON

This National Preparedness Month, we invite you to join us in prioritizing safety, planning ahead, and caring for the most vulnerable. With CHS’s Always ON protection, you can trust that your loved ones will remain safe, comfortable, and cared for—no matter the storm.

📍 Learn more about our full continuum of care and our Always ON commitment at www.catholichealthservices.org/services