The Pointe held a Fire Safety/Emergency Management training seminar for the entire staff on Friday, Oct. 28th. Presented by Crestwood Fire Marshall, Kevin McAuliff, the training was mandatory. McAuliff not only quizzed the staff on proper procedures in a variety of emergency situations, but also reinforced, state regulations that need to be followed. After the program, McAuliff toured the building, performing the annual, life safety inspection. The Pointe is proud to announce that we passed with a perfect score. "Even though the building was built with every fire safety precaution measure available, it’s important that our staff know how to handle any situation if it arises.” said Executive Director, Zoe Espitia. “Everyone is issued an employee manual upon hiring and the guidelines are all outlined there. We really appreciate Fire Marshal McAuliff taking the time to answer all questions and present the information in a clear and concise manner.”

On a more specific level, The Pointe has compiled additional information to use along with the existing guidelines. For example, the need for all visitors to sign in and out, as well as the residents themselves, is not just to keep records of who is in the building, but most importantly, who needs to be accounted for in case of an emergency. Knowing who is not in the building helps rescue crews to focus on those who are inside and may need assistance. McAuliff could not stress enough the importance of “accountability”. “Knowing where everyone is during a crisis is crucial for emergency personnel.” McAuliff said more than once. “This gives us the chance to organize the most affective plan for dealing with a situation.”

The Pointe is also prepared for a variety of emergencies, such as weather related ones that don’t necessarily require the fire department or paramedics. The Pointe has a 24-hour weather radio that alerts the staff to possibly severe weather. In a case such as the blizzard last winter, there was ample warning for the administration to implement a plan. It was decided that several extra staff members would plan on spending up to 72 straight hours at The Pointe, covering the expected duration of the storm. Knowing what to do ahead of time, made for an easy and less stressful execution of the plan.

In addition to the staff, residents are also given the emergency procedures during orientation when they first move in. They are also given handouts to keep, so that the information is always available. Executive Director, Zoe Espitia will hold the next “Town Hall” meetings on November 9th. Emergency preparedness and procedures will be the main topics. “It is important that the residents and their families have full understanding of our procedures. The biggest lesson is to not panic and stay in place. All doors are fire rated and the building is fully sprinkled. If you are not in immediate danger you are to remain in your apartment. Everything is in place to make sure that the residents are safe, first and foremost.”

For a third year, The Pointe at Kilpatrick received a Crestwood Beautification Contest award. Issued by the Village of Crestwood Recreation Commission, the award is given to both private residences, as well as businesses, for maintaining their property and adding to the aesthetic value of the community. The award was presented on Thursday, October 6th during the Village Board Meeting at the Civic Center. Representing The Pointe at Kilpatrick was Marketing Director, Shirley Camacho. 

As always, a special thanks is in order for Dan Oganovich, Environmental Services Director for The Pointe, who oversees general maintenance of the building as well as the lawns. Zoe Espitia, Executive Director, said, “Dan always does an amazing job keeping The Pointe looking great, inside and out. Several of our residents also take part in keeping the grounds tended and looking their best.” One of these residents is Rita Heidinger who personally has planted several varieties of her prized, hybrid irises as well as other flowers. Thanks again to Dan for not only keeping our community at The Pointe a beautiful place to live and work, but for all of Crestwood as well.

The Pointe at Kilpatrick recently hosted the SAPA (Suburban Activity Professionals Association) meeting. The group meets on a regular basis and is a creative forum for sharing ideas of events and activities for residents in senior living communities. Program Director, Angie Garbaczewski helps maintain the groups goal, which is to implement activities that are not only fun, but mentally, physically and/or socially stimulating. Read more at our blog.