After a fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Governor Maura Healey announced new safety actions for Assisted Living Residences in Massachusetts. Starting July 21, the state will launch a Fire and Life Safety Initiative covering all 273 Assisted Living Residences. “What happened in Fall River is a horrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and to the first responders who saved so many others,” Governor Healey said, according to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Executive Office of Aging & Independence now requires Assisted Living Residences to send a letter within five business days to residents and families explaining fire safety and evacuation plans. ALRs must also complete a fire safety survey within a month, including details about the building’s age, safety systems, and whether they follow rules like having sprinkler systems, holding fire drills, and maintaining fire-rated barriers, as reported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Assisted Living Residences in Massachusetts are required to submit updated, site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plans to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. This is part of efforts to update safety regulations, which already include requirements like building and fire code compliance and staff training under 651 CMR 12. Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson said, “We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process. By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day,” as stated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
