Rule 5180:2-9-07 | Emergency planning and preparedness.
(A) What are the requirements for a residential facility's emergency procedures?
A residential facility is to develop and implement written procedures for staff and residents to follow in emergencies and disasters. These procedures are to be approved by a local or state fire inspector and are to include:
(1) Specific instructions and procedures for the evacuation of buildings.
(2) Assignment of staff during emergencies.
(3) A contingency plan for the care of residents who have been evacuated.
(4) If the residential facility cares for children with disabilities, the facility is to provide specific instructions for their evacuation.
(B) What is the requirement for residential facilities regarding emergency on-call procedures?
Pursuant to section 5103.0510 of the Revised Code regarding emergencies involving a child under the care and supervision of the facility, each operator of a residential facility is required to establish a twenty-four hour emergency on-call procedure describing how they will respond to contact from:
(1) Emergency departments.
(2) Hospitals.
(3) Law enforcement officers.
(4) First responders (firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians).
(C) What is the expected response time for a residential facility to address an emergency?
The residential facility is expected to address the emergency within four hours of an emergency call from any of the emergency departments outlined in paragraph (B) of this rule.
(D) Who should a residential facility endure are familiar with the agency's emergency procedures?
The facility is to ensure that all staff and residents are familiar with its emergency procedures.
(E) What is the requirement regarding fire drills and emergency evacuations?
In consultation with state or local fire personnel, the facility is to develop and implement a calendar of periodic fire drills and emergency evacuations at varying times and shifts.
(1) The evacuation plan is to be approved by a fire inspector and clearly posted in each facility so that it may be easily seen by all staff and residents.
(2) Fire drills are to occur at least once each month or in accordance with the calendar of periodic drills developed with fire personnel.
(3) A log of all drills and evacuations is to be maintained within the agency's policies and be available for review upon request.
Last updated January 5, 2026 at 9:02 AM
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