Genesis Valor
Emergency & Crisis Procedures
Know what to do before an emergency happens. These procedures exist to protect every resident, staff member, and visitor at Genesis Valor.
All residents are required to familiarize themselves with these procedures as a condition of residency. Review this document during your first week and keep it accessible for reference. If you have questions about any procedure, speak with your case manager.
Section 1
General Emergency Principles
In any emergency, the safety of people comes before property. Follow these principles in every situation:
Call 911 First
For any emergency involving immediate risk to life — fire, medical crisis, violence, or criminal activity — call 911 before doing anything else. Do not assume someone else has already called. Give the dispatcher your address, the nature of the emergency, and your name. Stay on the line until instructed to hang up.
Notify Staff
After calling 911 (or if the situation does not require 911), notify Genesis Valor staff as soon as it is safe to do so. Staff can be reached at 919-587-7808. If staff are on-site, alert them in person. Do not leave the scene of an emergency without notifying staff unless your safety requires it.
Do Not Intervene Physically
Do not attempt to physically intervene in a violent situation, restrain another person, or put yourself in danger. Your safety is the priority. Remove yourself from danger, call 911, and wait for trained emergency responders.
Follow Staff Instructions
During any emergency, follow the instructions of Genesis Valor staff and emergency responders immediately and without argument. Staff are trained in emergency procedures. Compliance with instructions protects everyone.
After the Emergency
All emergencies must be documented. Staff will complete an incident report following any emergency event. Residents who were involved or witnessed the event may be asked to provide a written statement. Cooperation with post-emergency documentation is required.
Section 2
Medical Emergencies
A medical emergency is any situation in which a person's life or health may be at immediate risk, including loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, suspected overdose, seizure, stroke, or serious injury.
Immediate Steps
1. Call 911 immediately and describe the situation clearly. 2. Stay with the person and keep them calm and still unless moving them is necessary for safety. 3. Do not give the person food, water, or medication unless directed by emergency dispatch. 4. If trained in CPR or first aid and it is safe to do so, begin appropriate care while waiting for emergency services. 5. Notify staff immediately. 6. Meet emergency responders at the entrance and direct them to the person.
Suspected Overdose
If you suspect a resident has overdosed on drugs or alcohol: call 911 immediately, do not leave the person alone, place them in the recovery position (on their side) if they are unconscious and breathing, and notify staff. If naloxone (Narcan) is available on-site and you are trained in its use, administer it as directed while waiting for emergency services.
First Aid Supplies
First aid kits are located in common areas of each Genesis Valor property. Ask staff to identify the exact location at your property during orientation. First aid supplies are for minor injuries only — for serious injuries, call 911.
Medical Information
Residents are encouraged to share relevant medical information (allergies, chronic conditions, current medications) with their case manager so that staff can relay this information to emergency responders if the resident is incapacitated. This information is kept confidential.
Section 3
Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis includes suicidal ideation or attempts, self-harm, severe psychological distress, psychotic episodes, or any situation in which a person may be a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health condition.
Immediate Threat to Life
If a resident is actively attempting suicide, has seriously harmed themselves, or is an immediate danger to others, call 911 immediately. Do not leave the person alone if it is safe to stay with them. Remove access to means of harm if you can do so safely. Notify staff immediately.
Suicidal Ideation (No Immediate Attempt)
If a resident expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm but is not in immediate danger: stay calm, listen without judgment, do not leave them alone, and notify staff immediately. Staff will assess the situation and connect the resident with crisis resources. Do not promise to keep suicidal statements secret.
Crisis Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7) Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Residents in crisis may also request that staff contact a mobile crisis team, which can provide on-site mental health support without involving law enforcement in non-violent situations.
After a Mental Health Crisis
Following a mental health crisis, Genesis Valor staff will work with the resident to develop or update a safety plan, connect them with ongoing mental health support, and assess whether their current housing situation continues to meet their needs. Experiencing a mental health crisis does not automatically result in termination of residency.
Section 4
Fire Emergency
In the event of a fire or fire alarm activation, treat every alarm as real until confirmed otherwise by fire department personnel.
Upon Discovering a Fire
1. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station immediately. 2. Alert anyone in the immediate area verbally. 3. Evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit — do not use elevators. 4. Close doors behind you as you leave to slow the spread of fire and smoke. 5. Call 911 once you are safely outside. 6. Notify staff.
Upon Hearing a Fire Alarm
1. Feel your door before opening it. If the door is hot or smoke is visible under it, do not open it — signal for help from your window. 2. If the door is cool, open it carefully and evacuate using the nearest safe exit. 3. Stay low if there is smoke — smoke rises, and cleaner air is near the floor. 4. Do not stop to gather personal belongings. 5. Proceed to the designated assembly area and remain there.
If You Cannot Evacuate
If you are unable to evacuate due to mobility limitations, smoke, or blocked exits: close and seal the door with towels or clothing, signal for help from a window, call 911 and give your exact location, and stay low. Do not jump from upper floors unless directed by fire department personnel.
Assembly Area & Re-Entry
All residents must proceed to the designated assembly area after evacuating. Staff will conduct a headcount. Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances until the fire department gives the all-clear. Re-entering a building before clearance is prohibited and dangerous.
Fire Extinguisher Use
Fire extinguishers are for small, contained fires only (e.g., a small trash can fire). Use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. If the fire does not go out immediately or begins to spread, evacuate immediately. Never fight a fire that is blocking your exit.
Section 5
Severe Weather & Natural Disasters
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar in the area. Immediately move to the lowest floor of the building, away from windows, in an interior room or hallway. Do not go outside. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or cover your head and neck with your arms. Remain in place until staff or official sources confirm the warning has expired.
Severe Thunderstorm
During a severe thunderstorm, stay indoors and away from windows. Unplug sensitive electronics if safe to do so. Do not use corded phones or plumbing during lightning. If outdoors when a storm begins, seek shelter in a substantial building immediately — do not shelter under trees or in open structures.
Power Outage
In the event of a power outage, notify staff immediately. Do not use candles — use battery-powered flashlights only. Do not open the refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily. If the outage is extended, staff will communicate next steps. Do not use gas stoves or generators indoors.
Flooding
If flooding occurs on or near the property, move to upper floors if available and notify staff immediately. Do not walk or drive through floodwater — even shallow moving water can be dangerous. Follow staff and emergency responder instructions regarding evacuation.
Evacuation Orders
If local authorities issue an evacuation order for the area, Genesis Valor staff will coordinate resident evacuation and transportation to a safe location. Follow staff instructions immediately. Bring essential documents (ID, medications, important paperwork) if time permits. Do not return to the property until staff confirms it is safe.
Section 6
Violence, Threats & Active Threat
Genesis Valor maintains zero tolerance for violence on its properties. The following procedures apply to violent incidents and active threat situations.
Physical Altercation Between Residents
If you witness a physical altercation: do not physically intervene unless your own safety is immediately at risk. Call 911 if there is serious injury or the situation is escalating. Alert staff immediately. Move away from the area to a safe location. Provide a statement to staff and law enforcement as requested.
Active Threat / Armed Intruder
If there is an active threat or armed intruder on the property, follow the RUN — HIDE — FIGHT framework: RUN: If there is a safe escape route, evacuate immediately. Leave belongings behind. Call 911 when safe. HIDE: If you cannot run safely, hide in a room, lock or barricade the door, silence your phone, and stay out of sight. Call 911 when safe and remain quiet. FIGHT: As a last resort only, if your life is in immediate danger and you cannot run or hide, use any available means to defend yourself.
Threats (Non-Immediate)
If a resident makes a threat against another person but there is no immediate danger, report it to staff immediately. Do not confront the person who made the threat. Staff will assess the situation, involve law enforcement if appropriate, and take protective action. All threats are taken seriously regardless of whether the person claims to be joking.
Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Violence
If you are experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence, or if you are aware of a resident who may be in danger, notify staff immediately. Staff can assist with safety planning, connect you with the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), and coordinate with law enforcement or shelter services as needed. All reports are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
Section 7
Utility & Infrastructure Emergencies
Gas Leak
If you smell gas: do not turn any electrical switches on or off, do not use your phone inside the building, do not light any flames. Evacuate the building immediately, leaving doors open as you go. Call 911 and the gas company from outside the building. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency personnel.
Water Leak or Flooding
Report any water leak, burst pipe, or flooding to staff immediately. Do not attempt to repair plumbing yourself. If water is near electrical outlets or equipment, do not touch the water — evacuate the area and notify staff. Staff will contact maintenance or emergency services as appropriate.
Electrical Hazard
If you see sparking outlets, smell burning from electrical equipment, or notice exposed wiring, do not touch the equipment. Turn off the circuit breaker for that area if you can do so safely without touching the hazard. Notify staff immediately. Do not use the outlet or equipment until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified electrician.
Elevator Entrapment
If you are trapped in an elevator, use the emergency call button inside the elevator to contact building management or emergency services. Do not attempt to force the doors open or climb out of the elevator. Stay calm and wait for trained personnel to assist you.
Section 8
Missing Resident
Reporting a Missing Resident
If a resident is unaccounted for and their whereabouts are unknown, notify staff immediately. Staff will attempt to contact the resident and check common areas. If the resident cannot be located and there is reason to believe they may be in danger, staff will contact law enforcement. Do not wait to report a missing person — early reporting is critical.
Residents with Special Needs
Residents with cognitive impairments, mental health conditions, or other vulnerabilities that increase their risk of becoming lost or disoriented should discuss a personal safety plan with their case manager. This plan may include emergency contact information, identifying information, and protocols for staff to follow if the resident goes missing.
Section 9
Emergency Contact Reference
Keep these numbers accessible at all times. Post them in your room.
Questions about emergency procedures?
Speak with your case manager or contact Genesis Valor directly. For any life-threatening emergency, always call 911 first.