HAVEN, Kan. (KWCH) – As high fire danger spreads across much of Kansas this week, many rural communities are reviewing their emergency plans and making sure they’re ready to act if disaster strikes. At Haven House Assisted Living in Haven, Kansas, residents and staff have learned from past experience that preparation can mean the difference between chaos and a smooth evacuation.
A lesson learned
The team at Haven House got a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can unfold in April 2022, when an explosion erupted at a nearby gas plant just across the highway. The incident was frightening and hectic, but fortunately the fire didn’t spread and everyone stayed safe. That close call became a turning point.
“It was hectic, I mean ‘cause it was right there,” one staff member recalled. “You can see it from here, it was right across the highway is where it blew up.”
Rather than simply moving forward, Haven House took the incident as a wake-up call. The facility invested in developing a comprehensive emergency plan designed to handle any sudden threat—including wildfires.
A plan that works
Today, the residents at Haven House know exactly what to do if danger approaches. The operation is smooth and well-coordinated, thanks to careful planning and regular preparation…