Winter Storm Fern: How Oaks Senior Living is Keeping Our Communities Safe, Warm, and Connected

As Winter Storm Fern approaches the Southeast, our teams at Oaks Senior Living are already in high-gear preparation. With a forecast including significant ice accumulations along the I-20 corridor and heavy snow across Tennessee, the safety and comfort of our residents in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee remain our absolute priority.

Our management philosophy has always been “family-operated,” and in times of severe weather, that means treating every resident with the same level of care and vigilance we would our own parents.

Our Proactive Preparedness Plan: To ensure our communities remain a “safe haven” during the storm, we have implemented the following protocols:

• Essential Supply Stockpiles: We have secured extra food, water, and medical supplies at every community.
• Dedicated Staffing: Many of our dedicated team members are prepared to stay overnight to ensure continuous care, regardless of road conditions.
• Grounds Safety: Maintenance teams are actively pre-treating walkways and entryways with ice melt to prevent the “black ice” hazards common in the Deep South.

Tips for Families and Seniors: While our residents are cared for by our on-site teams, we encourage our independent residents and local families to:

1. Stay Off the Roads: Travel on I-20 and I-40 is expected to be hazardous through Monday morning.
2. Layer Up: Even indoors, wearing multiple light layers is more effective at trapping body heat than one heavy layer.
3. Charge Devices: Ensure all cell phones and tablets are fully charged before the storm hits on Friday evening.

At the Oaks, we believe that preparation is the best form of compassion. We will continue to monitor local National Weather Service updates and keep our families informed.