Many nursing home residents are unable to protect themselves in the event of an emergency. As such, it is crucial that nursing home owners and staff prepare by implementing proper fire detection and protection measures as well as a detailed emergency evacuation training program.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released nursing home fire safety tips for families and staff to plan and prepare for an emergency:
NFPA Message to Families: Are Your Loved Ones Safe?
Having a loved one in a nursing home can be stressful and can often make people feel somewhat helpless. Worries can intensify when you hear of the tragic nursing home fire that occurred in Hartford, Connecticut. You can play a role to increase the safety of your loved one. Here are a few things to consider when either choosing or checking on someone already in a nursing home.
- Is the building well maintained? Make sure that paper and other storage items do not block doors or hallways needed for escape.
- Check to make sure there is an evacuation plan in place that involves all staff and is practiced regularly.
- Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exits, smoke detectors, and sprinklers?
- Check on the staff-to-patient ratio. How many staff per resident during the day and especially at night or on weekends and holidays? Is supervisory staff available to carryout an escape plan if there is a fire?
- Are there guidelines for people who smoke such as a separate room or staff supervision?
- Does nursing home management take your questions regarding safety seriously and are they forthcoming with information?
You have a right to get answers regarding the safety conditions that effect your loved one. Make sure you take the time to ask.
NFPA Message to Nursing Home Staff: Planning and Practicing Fire Safety
Most people think the danger from fire is the flames, however, it is the smoke that can travel quickly to areas far from the fire. It is important to realize that people living in nursing homes may not be able to evacuate because of mobility or other disabilities. Proper planning, training, and practice of all staff are essential in order to provide for the safety of residents. It is important for staff to know that patient safety is their number one priority.
Adequate planning
- Every facility should have written fire procedures that are understood and practiced by all staff. Staff should be responsible for knowing and carrying out their part of the plan. That includes doctors, nursing staff, kitchen staff, maintenance, volunteers, and others.
- Response procedures should be practiced regularly
- There should be a clear “code word” agreed upon beforehand for the facility to alert other staff in case of fire.
Quick response
- Call out the code to alert staff.
- Activate the fire alarm.
- Evacuate everyone in immediate danger.
- Close doors to contain smoke and fire.
- Once the fire is contained to the room of origin behind closed doors, never reopen the door or reenter the room to extinguish the fire.
- Close all doors to patient rooms.
- In evacuating, make sure no patient is left behind.
Elderly Rights
Advocates for elderly rights and nursing home negligence attorneys at The Murray Law Firm encourage nursing home owners to implement comprehensive fire preparedness programs and training, according to NFPA codes. By implementing fire detection and protection safety measures, training nursing home staff to recognize and report fire hazards, and frequently practicing evacuation procedures, many fire-related injuries and fatalities may be prevented.
By law, property owners and managers are required to protect residents legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. This responsibility is paramount when overseeing the health and care of elderly and/or disabled residents who may not be able to care for themselves. Should a nursing home owner or manager fail in this duty, the victim and their family may elect to hold the facility civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths, which occur as a consequence.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Property Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of property negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”
The Legal Herald
Residents of independent and assisted living facilities have a right to be safe and secure in their homes and on the grounds of the property where they are living.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.