Hurricane Preparedness Offers Peace of Mind for Eagle's Trace Residents

Texas is no stranger to severe weather, but at Eagle's Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in West Houston, Tex., sturdy building construction, dedicated staff, resident volunteers, and extensive emergency protocols keep everyone safe and secure.

"I feel safe here at Eagle's Trace," says Harry Whitington, who leads the Resident Emergency Assistance Team (REAT).

With a background in chemical engineering, a career in the petroleum industry, and two years of service in the U.S. Navy, Harry understands the need for planning and protocols.  

"The main thing we tell people is that they may have to face an emergency, but they don't have to face that emergency by themselves," he says. "Between staff and volunteers, someone will come in and check on you during any emergency."

Preparation matters

Since moving to Eagle's Trace, Harry has witnessed several emergency weather events, including Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Beryl, and the Great Texas Freeze of 2021--events that caused little damage to the campus.

"Each building is constructed under Houston's strict codes to withstand specific wind loads," says Jorge Otero, the community's general services director. "Our roofs are built with wood framing and hurricane straps, required in Houston's high wind zones. Our windows are wind rated as well."

Eagle's Trace also has emergency generators that supply energy to select parts of the community. This includes emergency pull cords in residents' homes and on-campus restaurants, so chefs can continue serving meals even during the heaviest downpour.

"Before the start of each hurricane season, we make sure that our generators are full of diesel, our emergency equipment is tested, and the community is ready to act in the event of an emergency," adds Otero.

Eagle's Trace is also equipped with its own "command center," providing community leaders the ability to stay connected to local news and garner guidance from authorities.

Springing into action 

"Once it is announced that severe weather is approaching, we spring into action," says Otero. "Before, during, and after a significant weather event, we communicate with residents often, sharing any relevant updates."

Updates are sent via call and text, and printed copies are delivered directly to residents' front doors.

"We monitor conditions closely until it passes our area," notes Otero.  

Depending on the severity of the storm, Eagle's Trace employs a number of emergency protocols to ensure the safety of its 1,250 residents and 600 team members.

REAT and the Ride Out team, comprised of staff members from each department, remain on campus to support residents as needed and keep daily life running smoothly.  

‘A calm voice'

REAT, totaling an impressive 130 resident volunteers, works closely with Otero, Executive Director Stephen Aigner, Associate Executive Director Muhammadali Farooqi, and on-campus security personnel to execute the community's emergency protocols.  

"We first formed as an extra pair of hands and feet for team members who shelter in place during an emergency," Harry says. "In an emergency, we are given a specific assignment from the incident command team. They tell us exactly what they want us to do."

According to the Resident Emergency Preparedness handbook, REAT provides a reserve of people power providing assistance with communication between management and residents, offers a voice of assurance during extended emergencies; and educates residents on safety awareness and emergency preparedness.

"REAT volunteers help us if we need to go door-to-door to check on residents or to communicate with residents quicker," Otero says. "With building ‘majors' and multiple floor ‘captains' already elected, REAT can efficiently cover the entire campus with news."

"We're here to offer a calm voice, reassurance, knowledge, and information," explains Harry. "REAT also advises residents throughout the year, facilitating a mindset of safety awareness and pre-emergency        preparedness."

Peace of mind

As a result of all these carefully planned efforts, Eagle's Trace residents feel safer now than they did in their former houses.

"Residents no longer have to worry about securing windows and roofs, dealing with damage following a storm, or purchasing costly hurricane or flood insurance," says Otero. "We offer real peace of mind."

Perhaps best of all, the buildings at Eagle's Trace are connected by enclosed, climate-controlled walkways and skyways, making it easy for residents to maintain their busy schedules, if they'd like to.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Eagle's Trace, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.