Friday, December 29, 2006
Contact: Rich Chrismer, 573-751-0290
Blunt Accepts Report on State Safety Requirements; Calls for Sprinklers in All Long-Term Care Facilities
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today called for sprinklers in all long term-care facilities upon receiving a report and recommendations from the Departments of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and Mental Health (DMH) regarding required safety protections in those facilities. Blunt requested a full review of fire safety and related laws and regulations following the Anderson Guest House fire in southwest Missouri that killed 11 people.
“The tragedy at Anderson is a tragic reminder that we must do everything possible to help protect Missourians who cannot always protect themselves,” said Blunt, who saw first hand the devastation left by the fire. “I asked for a comprehensive report from the agencies and encouraged them to recommend additional sprinklers in all long-term facilities. Today I am calling for enhanced regulations to require sprinkler systems as a first step to improve safety for vulnerable Missourians. I commend the Departments of Health and Senior Services and Mental Health for their comprehensive review and recommendations to improve safety in state licensed facilities to minimize the possibility of another tragedy like Anderson.”
The report recommends all residential care facilities and assisted living facilities install and maintain sprinkler systems. The governor is directing DHSS to develop a timeline to implement the new sprinkler regulations to allow care facilities time to meet the requirement.
Among other things, the report also recommends facilities be equipped with only an approved fire alarm system. Currently facilities may use various types of fire alarms, and there is no specific requirement for heat detection.
Blunt appreciates the departments’ report and in addition to calling for sprinklers in all long-term care facilities he will consider the remaining recommendations.
The Departments of Health and Senior Services and Mental Health report is available online at www.dhss.mo.gov.
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