If, either for yourself or for a loved one, you’re considering a move to one of the retirement homes in Florida, it’s important you pay close attention to whether or not the community measures up – and even exceeds – the requirements set forth by local, state, and federal guidelines regarding fire safety. If you are the administrator of a retirement community, the obligation falls on you to do the absolute utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of both your care team and residents.
Every year, residents of retirement communities all over the US end up injured or worse because of a fire in the building or their private apartment. Sometimes this can be chalked up to pure coincidence or an unfortunate accident. Other times, unfortunately, devastation occurs – including the loss of lives – because there weren’t enough functioning sprinklers in a system, there was no evacuation plan in place, the building wasn’t up to code, and more.
If you’re looking at a move to a retirement home in Florida, you must look around for fire safety devices while taking a tour of the community. It’s also important you personally speak to someone about their emergency evacuation plan.
Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
Fire Safety Plan
If it can be avoided, evacuation is often considered a last resort in a setting such as a retirement community. There are likely fire/smoke safe compartments in which the care team and residents can await the arrival of the fire department. That said, sometimes the best move is to just get out! In this case, a plan must be in place for the relocation of residents following the incident.
An evacuation plan is a complicated undertaking. Each team member must understand their role in the process. If possible, drills should be executed on a semi-regular basis.
The elements of a fire safety plan are as follows:
- Training your care team
- Training your residents
- Detailing an evacuation plan
- Drills or practice sessions
Tools for Prevention
If you can prevent a fire completely, you’re one step closer to ensuring the safety of everyone concerned. If a fire breaks out and you can at least prevent injury and death, that’s the next best thing. To help manage and prevent fires, every community should have these simple tools:
- Kitchen fire systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Sprinkler systems
- Fire alarms
Of course, having these systems is only the first step. Not only must they be properly installed but they must be maintained and constantly kept in working order. Each of these systems or devices requires regular maintenance and testing to properly function.
Every team member must be familiar with the use of a fire extinguisher.
Codes
Not only should buildings be up to code, but the fire safety system itself also needs to be. To receive reimbursement from the government, communities must comply with the codes in place. Every several years, these codes are updated and apply to both new and existing buildings.
Check local ordinances for fire safety specifications that apply to the community and your municipality. To review a fire safety plan, feel free to discuss the situation with the local fire department.
Live In a Safe And Secure Environment At Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens
At Discovery Village At Palm Beach Gardens, we take the safety and well-being of our residents very seriously. We have fire safety plans in place and our community is equipped with all of the appropriate, recommended fire safety equipment and devices. No one wants the unthinkable happening to your loved one or to the caring team in your loved one’s new home. We do all we can to ensure the mental and physical health of our residents, as well as their safety.
For general inquiries, please phone us at 561-801-7301. For specific sales and leasing questions, call 561-316-4626. You can also fill out our convenient online form to open the lines of communication.
Better yet, schedule a tour to see for yourself all we have to offer.
