During the late January winter storm, King’s Grant Executive Director, James Souter, shared the following message with team members to reflect on the preparation, coordination, and care that took place across campus. His words offer a behind the scenes look at what it takes to keep residents safe and supported during severe weather, and a heartfelt thank you to the many departments and families who made that possible.
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Residents and Staff,
We have all been so blessed to come out of this late January winter storm unscathed. The forecast was dismal, and at times I just knew we would be without power. Though I couldn’t be more confident in our plan, and even more so in the team executing it, the feeling is still always a bit unnerving.
I thought I would provide a glimpse into the operations of King’s Grant during a winter storm event, and do forgive me, as I am sure I am leaving some pieces out.
Well before the first snowflake fell, leadership meetings were taking place to discuss the roles of each department and to start our initial prep work.
Dining placed a larger than normal order with our supplier, ensuring not only residents were covered, but also the many team members, including dining staff, who would be staying one, two, maybe even three or four nights.
Members of our maintenance and grounds team stayed over to ensure all physical plant needs were taken care of if needed. Trucks equipped with snow plows were warming up at 5 am and ran throughout the day, ensuring our streets were navigable. This allowed us to get staff to and from King’s Grant and ensured access for emergency services if needed.
Our nursing team also had members staying overnight. Team members worked singles, doubles, and doubles plus to ensure our care areas were covered. In between resident care, they assisted with schedule updates and even gave me instructions on where to pick up and drop off staff.
Housekeeping and laundry put in extra miles to ensure not only residents were well supplied with linens and towels, but also the staff who planned to stay.
Central Supply made care bags for staff staying over that included extra toiletry items that might come in handy. They also ensured we had plenty of routine care items for all residents in the event our normal deliveries were in jeopardy.
We rented a 4×4 SUV. I wanted a pickup truck, of course, but beggars can’t be choosers. Miles were put on all the vehicles, many from each shift.
HR helped get preparatory messages out to staff, and our front desk team helped organize rooms and even rides that were needed. Marketing and the admin suite helped me keep the plan organized, communication accurate, and kept me abreast of changes that always pop up.
Wellness and Therapy opened up their spaces in the event we might need to use them, and Bonnylee sent prayers for safety and good fortune.
We also want to acknowledge the families and loved ones who made this possible. Behind every staff member who showed up during the storm was someone else holding things together at home. Spouses rearranged schedules. Grandparents stepped in. Friends filled gaps. Pets waited a little longer for walks and routines. Many of our team members left children and responsibilities behind so they could be here caring for others. That kind of support is rarely seen, but it is deeply felt. In the King’s Grant community, care extends far beyond our campus, and it is sustained by a quiet network of people who give just as generously from afar.
It takes an army, and I can’t think of one stronger. I thank the entire team for their work, and it is a privilege and a pleasure working with each of you.
