Best Practices for Emergency Preparedness
How to safely handle power outages, internet issues, or eMAR downtime without relying on monthly printed MARs.
👥 Who This Is For
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), nurses, supervisors, and administrators at residential programs or day services using eMAR.
📘 What You’ll Learn
- What to do when the power or internet goes out
- How to safely administer meds when eMAR isn’t available
- Why you don’t need printed MARs every month
🔌 What to Do if the Power or Internet Goes Out
- Use the medication packaging as your guide
- Most packages list the medication name, strength, administration time, directions, and date filled
- Dispill packs clearly show what meds to give and when
- Document on paper
- Write down the date, time, and your initials when giving medication
- Include notes for refusals or problems
💡 Tip: Keep blank paper MARs or simple logs in your med cabinet or binder
- Provide the individual’s name and date of birth
- A pharmacist can review the med list with you
🖨️ Why Not to Print MARs Monthly
- MARs often become outdated due to medication changes
- Outdated MARs can lead to errors or confusion
- It’s better to print only when necessary, like before a known storm or planned outage
📝 Note: Some agencies may still choose to print MARs based on their own internal policies. It’s not required or encouraged for most programs.
📡 Be Ready Ahead of Time
- Charge eMAR devices regularly
- Keep a backup battery or power bank if using tablets
- Train all staff on emergency medication procedures
- Prepare a small emergency folder with:
- Blank MARs or paper logs
- Pharmacy phone numbers
- Emergency contact info or procedures
🚨 If You Need to Evacuate
- Take all medication packaging with you
- Bring at least a 3-day supply if you can
- Continue documenting meds given even if on paper
- Contact the pharmacy and your supervisor once it’s safe
⚠️ Caution: Only give medications you can confirm. If you’re not sure, call Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy.
🏥 How Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy Prepares for Disasters
Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy is ready to support your team during emergencies or disasters that disrupt access to medications.
- Each pharmacy location maintains backup inventory and can dispense emergent medications
- Multiple wholesalers are used to ensure continued access across different regions
- Pharmacy systems are backed up locally and regionally
- Patient profiles can be accessed remotely if needed
- Medications can be dispensed from any Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy location in case of local disruption
📁 Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy Emergency Disaster Recovery Plan
📞 Questions or Need Help?
Call your Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy location. We can help you plan for outages, emergencies, or anything else that might disrupt your eMAR access.