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firesprinkler.tv Fire sprinkler |
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It’s been five years since a fire at the NHC nursing home led to tougher laws requiring sprinklers in the name of safety, but some care facilities in Nashville may soon be off the hook.
At House of Hope, there is preparation for the best and worst of times. Adric Lane said while his two group homes are ready for fire, he was set to possibly shut down, due to a Metro ordinance requiring all group homes have sprinklers.
“This is home,” Lane said. “A lot have no family and we are their family.”
Lane estimates the cost to around $20,000 or more.With dozens of group homes unable to foot that bill, Metro has a legal issue on its hands. A recent analysis of the ordinance concluded demanding sprinklers for small group homes could shut many down, reducing housing for the disabled, violating the fair housing act and leading to lawsuits.Chief Stephen Halford said the fire department was originally all for sprinklers in every group home, but legal challenges could prove too much, so small group homes will instead likely have to prove themselves. The fire department will have surprise visits to homes, timing residents to see if they can get out in about three minutes.”Some will maybe be able to do that, and some will not,” said Halford.Homes that fail will have to get sprinklers.Lane said he is confident in his homes and now hopes Metro will spare him a huge expense.There is a meeting Tuesday afternoon, in which Metro Council will discuss easing the sprinkler requirement on some group homes. Even if they decide to do so, it will only affect existing homes. Any new group home of any size that’s built will be required to have sprinklers.The less stringent sprinkler ordinance Metro will be considering does still meet state and federal fire safety standards for group homes.
Tags: Less Stringent Sprinkler Ordinance Considered