This month for training we worked witha a local assisted living facility (like an apartment complex for 55+). It is a 3 story ordinary construction facility with F/R trusses and a basement. There are 3 wings with 14 rooms per wing (42 per floor) total of 126 apartments. We worked with the property manager to have all non-ambulatory residents on the 1st floor. The attic space is a full walk-thru attic with wood truss construction. The attic area is separated in 10-12 foot sections with self-closing doors down each wing. The building has an automatic alarm system and sprinkler system.

We (the members of the fire dept) met with the residents in the community hall for a Q&A and to review the fire plan. The fire marshal also took this opportunity to put on a short presentation on fire safety. We also talked about the issues that came up about 2 weeks ago when we had a call in the facility and the residents all evacuated into the main lobby, which is where we make access to the facility. Try moving around a 20x20 area with 30 elderly people.

After our review of the fire plan we viewed the two style apartments located in the facility. We went into the basement to see the main power disconnects, fire pumps and elevator power disconnects. We also did a walk around of the exterior to see the FDC and other possible hazards. Our plan for next month is to visit a similiar facility and review the fire plan and meet with the residents.

This is a great opportunity to build some pubic relations and inform the public on fire safety.