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The New Bedford Fire Department began quarterly safety inspections at the city’s only assisted living facility this month, one week after The Light reported that the facility had not received a formal inspection in at least 18 years.
According to a copy of the inspection report, Lt. Kevin Pedro inspected Whaler’s Cove on Sept. 17 and found no fire safety issues, including no issues with the facility’s alarm, heating, and sprinkler systems.
“The results of the inspection are consistent with the Department’s assessment that Whaler’s Cove is a safe, clean, well-run facility with a professional, compassionate management team and staff,” Fire Chief Brian Medeiros said in a statement Friday. “The NBFD has had a strong partnership and maintained a frequent presence at Whaler’s Cove, with NBFD units on site regularly responding to calls for medical assistance.”
Medeiros added that in July, he and two inspectors had also performed an informal inspection at the privately owned facility at the request of executive director Laura Sousa. She had also invited the department to participate in an emergency training exercise at the facility, which will take place in October.
The lapse in formal fire safety inspections came out of confusion between the city and the state agency in charge of regulating assisted living facilities. Earlier this month, the New Bedford Fire Department said the responsibility for inspecting assisted living facilities lay with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE). An AGE spokesperson said all fire code inspections fall on the local fire department.
Officials at the Fall River, Mattapoisett, Taunton and Fairhaven fire departments each told The Light that they inspect their assisted living facilities on an annual or quarterly basis.
On Sept. 10, the day The Light published a story about the confusion, Medeiros released a statement on social media announcing that the department would begin inspecting Whaler’s Cove regularly. The inspection took place seven days later. The next formal inspection is scheduled for Dec. 11.
“We are grateful for the partnership with Whaler’s Cove residents and staff and look forward to our next visit,” Medeiros said.
Brooke Kushwaha can be reached at bkushwaha@newbedfordlight.org.
Thanks to the New Bedford Light for bringing this issue to our attention. Looks like the city and state agencies are finally getting their act together and doing the right thing, completing these inspections.
Great improvement in leadership in the fire department. Thank you for keeping our friends and families, safe!