Many Florida nursing homes still without generators after tragedy that killed 12
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Twelve nursing home residents died in sweltering conditions, after Hurricane Irma knocked-out power to their facility.
Then-Governor Rick Scott signed an order that all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the state have permanent backup generators. State lawmakers at the time said it was critically important.
"These individuals, at the time in that nursing home, were voiceless. We need to make sure they have the right resources and adequate protections to make sure this doesn't happen again,” said State Sen. Rene Garcia.
A year-and-a-half later, the Agency for Health Care Inspection said only 35 percent of Florida’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities had permanent generators.
Kristen Knapp, a spokesperson for the state's senior living facilities said all nursing homes are following the law, either getting generators or taking the required steps in the meantime.
“If you don't have your permanent generator installed, you have a temporary generator that can kick in should the power go out, or you're going to evacuate your residents,” Knapp said.
This was all in an effort to avoid tragedies, that the one that happened during Irma.