THCA MEMBER TESTIFIES AT HARVEY HEARING
Nick Hebert of Southwest Long Term Care has seen more than his share of natural disasters.
On January 12, Hebert shared his experience and knowledge gained with the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery and Relief at their meeting in Beaumont.
“Since 2001 I have participated in the evacuation and or the sheltering in place for practically every hurricane or tropical storm that has made an impact on southeast Texas,” Hebert said. “Each time the goal was protecting the elderly we serviced and the staff we employed. I believe there are some opportunities that can be looked at for improving our capabilities.”
Hebert made four recommendations for the committee’s consideration:
- Use the state’s “strike teams” proactively before a storm hits.
- Help facilities that shelter in place have the emergency power their building needs.
- Increase the number of AMBUS’s available to transport residents.
- Offer interest free loans after an event to help providers while insurance claims are being adjudicated.
The committee will offer recommendations in a report later this year.