It’s been six months since the Gabriel House assisted living facility’s fatal fire in Fall River. A special state commission, charged with making recommendations to improve the assisted living industry, released its final report with public safety suggestions in response to the fire.
Robin Lipson, secretary of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, chaired the commission, which began its work about a year ago. It was given an extension to complete its work following the fire in July that killed ten residents and injured many others.
The secretary says the public safety recommendations in the report reflect changes to policy that will help in handling any future emergencies at assisted living facilities.
The secretary says cities and towns in Massachusetts have begun taking notice of deficiencies within their public safety protocols regarding assisted living residences.
Secretary Lipson says by standardizing public safety policies and regularly updating resident information at assisted living facilities, municipalities will be better suited to handle emergencies.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan says the city played a direct role in providing evidence in the formulation of the commission’s recommendations.
In the meantime, the city is moving forward on plans to increase minimum staffing levels within the fire department.
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