Sunny Hills Assisted Living Facility Homestead

Homestead, FL – An emergency evacuation is underway at Sunny Hills Assisted Living Facility following a critical power failure early this morning. Residents are being relocated due to safety concerns and lack of essential services.

The facility, located at 123 Main Street, Homestead, experienced a complete power outage at approximately 3:00 AM, triggering an immediate response from local emergency services and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

Immediate Evacuation

The primary concern is the safety and well-being of the 65 residents, many of whom require specialized care and rely on electrically powered medical equipment.

The evacuation process began at 6:00 AM and is being coordinated by Homestead Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade County Emergency Management, and AHCA officials.

"Our priority is to ensure the safe and orderly transfer of all residents to appropriate facilities," stated Fire Chief Michael Anderson at a press conference this morning.

Facility Conditions and Challenges

The power outage has impacted essential systems including lighting, heating/cooling, refrigeration for medications, and life support equipment.

Backup generators failed to activate, exacerbating the situation and necessitating the urgent evacuation.

Temperatures inside the facility are rising, creating an unsafe environment for vulnerable residents.

Resident Needs and Placement

Residents are being assessed on-site by medical personnel to determine their individual needs and appropriate placement.

Ambulances and transport vehicles are being utilized to transfer residents to nearby hospitals, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities with available capacity.

Family members are being notified and provided with information regarding their loved ones' locations and condition.

Investigation and Accountability

AHCA has launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the power failure and the failure of the backup generator system.

"We will thoroughly investigate this incident to determine if there were any violations of state regulations and to prevent similar occurrences in the future," said AHCA spokesperson, Maria Rodriguez.

The investigation will focus on maintenance records, emergency preparedness plans, and compliance with safety standards.

Community Response

Local hospitals and assisted living facilities are working to accommodate the influx of residents from Sunny Hills.

The American Red Cross has established a temporary shelter for family members seeking information or assistance.

Volunteers are providing support with transportation, communication, and comfort to displaced residents and their families.

"The community's response has been overwhelming. We are grateful for the support and cooperation in this challenging situation," said Mayor Steven Clark.

Affected Individuals

The affected population includes elderly residents with varying degrees of physical and cognitive impairments.

Many residents require assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and specialized medical care.

The evacuation is particularly stressful for residents with dementia or other cognitive impairments, requiring extra care and attention from staff and emergency responders.

Current Status and Next Steps

The evacuation is expected to be completed by 5:00 PM today.

AHCA will provide regular updates on the investigation and the status of displaced residents.

Family members seeking information can contact the Miami-Dade County Emergency Information Hotline at (305) 468-5900.