Remember Fire Safety When Touring Health Care Facilities

Fire officials credit an alarm and sprinkler system for preventing what could have been potentially tragic fire at an assisted living facility in Georgia. (Source: Firehouse.com)

Firefighters arrived on the scene approximately 4 minutes after receiving the fire alarm. By the time they arrived, the sprinkler system had contained much of the blaze.

"If the sprinkler system wasn't there, people wouldn't have gotten out of there. No way," said Brunswick Fire Marshal Jose Juarbe.

Fire safety is an important factor to keep in mind when looking for health care facilities like assisted livings, nursing homes, retirement communities, and intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded. When you tour the facility, don't forget to ask about smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire drills, and what happens in the event of an actual fire.