To be able to explain why written emergency plans are drafted
It is best to plan for the worst when it comes to an emergency.

The HCF leaders duties is to develop a written disaster plan that explains the duties of staff and making this plan available to the staff for crisis preparation.

To ensure that the safety and well being of patients are certain during emergencies.
The development plan must be assigned to personnel who are familiar with the facility. Depending of the community and location. For example, California prepares for an earthquake, Florida for hurricanes, and Montana for snowstorms. It is also required by the Joint Commission to have the HCF to have a hazard vulnerability analysis under the EC 4.10. (Environmental Control).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations an National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and standards must also be taken into account as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Strategic Plan for Preparedness and Response to biological and Chemical terrorism. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has also issued certain guidelines for design and construction of facilities in locations where there is a recognized potential for certain natural disasters.

This plans must provide a process to:
Initiate a plan
HCF role with community-wide emergency response agencies, including who is in charge,
Notify external authorities
Notifying Identify and assign personnel during emergencies
Managing the following: patients, staff, and staff and family support activities
Logistics of critical supplies
Security
Interaction with media
Evacuating and entire HCF
Having another emergency care site
Continuing or reestablish operations after a natural disaster