Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has proposed a mandate requiring all assisted living facilities and residential care facilities to install sprinkler systems on their premises. The proposal comes after Blunt received a report by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH) on the state’s fire safety laws and regulations.
The report, which Blunt requested after a Nov. 27 fire in the Anderson Guest House in Anderson, Mo., killed 11 people, made 11 recommendations, one of which called for the creation of stricter standards for electrical wiring. The state fire marshal’s office believes improper wiring was the cause of the fire in the privately-run facility.
Blunt expressed a favorable opinion of the report but has thus far only articulated support for the recommendation requiring all long-term care facilities to install and maintain sprinkler systems.
According to statement released by the governor’s office, Blunt will consider the other recommendations.
