City of Taunton to Conduct Outreach to All Local Long-Term Care Facilities Following Fall River Tragedy

TAUNTON — In the aftermath of the devastating fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Fire Chief Steven Lavigne, and Taunton Emergency Management Agency Director Todd Castro are announcing a coordinated outreach effort to all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the City of Taunton.

As part of this initiative, representatives from the Taunton Fire Department and the Taunton Emergency Management Agency will proactively contact each facility to review their emergency preparedness protocols, offer guidance where needed, and ensure they have the necessary support to meet rigorous fire safety standards.

“In the wake of the tragic fire in Fall River last weekend, the City of Taunton is redoubling its efforts to ensure that all of our local nursing homes and assisted living facilities are adequately prepared for emergencies,” said Mayor O’Connell. “Our most vulnerable residents deserve the highest level of protection, and we are committed to working closely with these facilities to ensure they meet safety standards and have prepared emergency plans, and to provide guidance and offer support where needed. I extend my sincere thanks to the Taunton Fire Department and Taunton Emergency Management Agency for their continued vigilance and dedication. Their proactive outreach and commitment to safety play a critical role in protecting every member of our community — especially those who rely on us the most.”

The outreach campaign includes direct communication with administrators and scheduled in-person visits. Fire and emergency management personnel will review existing fire prevention measures, evacuation procedures, and staffing protocols, and will be available to answer any questions and offer expert advice.

This proactive outreach builds upon the Taunton Fire Department’s ongoing inspection and fire prevention programs.

“The Taunton Fire Department conducts annual inspections at long-term facilities and quarterly inspections of all nursing homes. Additionally, the TFD routinely assists with fire drills, reviews emergency preparedness plans, and coordinates table-top exercises to prepare for large-scale emergencies,” said Chief Lavigne. “These facilities are required to have up-to-date fire alarm and sprinkler systems, unobstructed exits, and clearly documented emergency plans. Our role is to enforce these standards while also being a resource for training, prevention, and education.”

In addition to the immediate outreach effort, the City would like to remind families and facility staff of key fire safety practices compiled from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association:

• All nursing homes and assisted living facilities should have adequate fire prevention systems, including up-to-date smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and sprinkler systems. Fully functioning sprinkler systems are crucial for preventing the spread of fires and minimizing damage and injuries. All fire safety systems should undergo regular maintenance and inspection.
• All nursing homes and assisted living facilities should have actively practiced emergency evacuation plans in place, and all staff members should be familiar with their roles in implementing these plans. All facilities should conduct regular fire drills to ensure that both staff and residents are aware of the actions to take in the event of a fire.
• All exits and entrances from buildings that house vulnerable residents should be free from obstructions. Good housekeeping practices that limit combustible storage and keep exits and entrances clear are critical to saving lives.
• Interior doors, including fire doors, corridor doors, and doors to individual units, should be kept closed and in good working order. Whenever possible, buildings should be constructed with adequate fire barriers made from fire-resistant materials that can slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• All facilities should have an appropriate number of fire extinguishers readily available, and staff should be trained on their use.
• All facilities should also maintain adequate policies regarding smoking and hazardous materials, including those to safely regulate the use of medical gases, such as oxygen.

For additional information about fire safety in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, visit the National Fire Protection Association at: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/building-and-life-safety/nursing-homes.

###