Beyond Compliance: How Senior Care Providers Elevate Fire Safety and Emergency Readiness

Fire safety in senior care communities involves more than meeting local, state, and federal fire code requirements. Communities that strengthen their fire safety measures beyond the minimum standards demonstrate a deeper commitment to protecting residents and staff. To learn how providers strengthen their fire safety programs, I Advance Senior Care spoke with senior care leaders about the strategies they use to improve preparedness and create safer environments.

Read on to learn how senior care providers build stronger emergency preparedness programs through training, collaboration, and resident-centered planning.

Why Compliance Alone Isn’t Enough

Gary Gonzales, director of corporate project management at Masonicare

For Gary Gonzales, director of corporate project management at Masonicare, compliance should serve as a starting point rather than the end goal. Since residents often have mobility limitations, cognitive challenges, or complex medical needs, communities must take a proactive and collaborative approach to fire safety. “Fire safety in senior living must go far beyond regulatory compliance,” says Gonzales.

At Masonicare, that commitment includes meeting all state and federal fire safety requirements while regularly partnering with local fire departments. During biannual meetings across all communities, and quarterly meetings at some facilities, fire department personnel review emergency action plans, building access points, evacuation procedures, and response protocols.

These ongoing partnerships help ensure that first responders are familiar with each campus before an emergency occurs. “It also strengthens communication between our teams and local emergency personnel, which ultimately enhances resident safety and staff readiness,” says Gonzales.

Training Staff to Respond in Emergencies

Effective emergency response depends on preparation and repetition, particularly in senior living settings where staff may need to assist residents who require physical support, emotional reassurance, or additional guidance during an evacuation. To keep teams prepared, Masonicare conducts monthly fire drills and provides ongoing emergency preparedness training.

“The goal is to make emergency response second nature,” Gonzales says. “Frequent practice helps staff react calmly and efficiently while minimizing fear and confusion for residents. It also reinforces teamwork, communication, and resident-centered care during high stress situations.”

Brandon Ayala-Montelongo Executive Director at Saddle Ridge Senior Living

At Saddle Ridge Senior Living, fire drills have evolved from compliance exercises into resident-focused care activities. Executive Director Brandon Ayala-Montelongo says the community recognized that traditional fire drills can be especially distressing for memory care residents. Working with Memory Care Director Betsy Ross, the team developed calm, routine-based evacuation rehearsals that align with residents’ daily schedules.

“The response feels less like an emergency and more like a practiced, supported movement,” says Ayala-Montelongo.

How Operational Changes Can Improve Fire Safety

Collaboration with local fire officials has also led to meaningful operational improvements at Masonicare. After working with a local fire marshal, one community revised its emergency response procedures to improve resident accountability and staff coordination during emergencies.

“In one of our communities, we changed our response procedure from having residents remain in their apartments under a shelter in place approach to gathering residents in a designated common area within the building,” explains Gonzales.

Bringing residents together in a designated location improves visibility, communication, and coordination for staff. It also makes it easier to account for residents and provide reassurance during both drills and real emergency situations.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Fire Safety and Preparedness

One of the most common challenges Ayala-Montelongo sees is the disconnect between a written evacuation plan and staff members’ understanding of individual resident needs during an emergency. Successful evacuations require staff to know exactly who needs assistance and what type of support they require, regardless of the time of day. “We address this by making mobility and cognitive needs part of every care plan conversation, not a separate safety document that gets dusted off during inspections,” he says.

Building strong relationships with local fire departments can also significantly improve emergency preparedness. Ayala-Montelongo encourages communities to invite first responders to walk through their buildings, not for formal inspections, but to develop familiarity and open communication. “Our relationship with local first responders in the Clovis area has been one of the most underrated parts of our preparedness,” he says. “They know our layout, we know their approach, and that shared knowledge matters enormously when seconds count.”

Gonzales echoes the importance of collaboration and continuous training. “You can never do too much preparation in senior living environments,” he explains. “Frequent drills, resident involvement, and ongoing partnership with local fire officials help create a culture of readiness and safety.”

Too often, organizations view fire preparedness as a compliance obligation rather than an operational priority. Gonzales believes emergency readiness should be integrated into daily operations and organizational culture. “Emergency preparedness should be woven into the daily culture of the organization, not viewed as an annual task or checklist,” he says.

He also recommends involving local fire marshals and emergency responders in major building projects, renovations, and major operational decisions. “Their expertise can help identify potential risks early, improve emergency access, and strengthen overall safety planning before challenges arise,” Gonzales explains. “The strongest fire safety programs are built through continuous collaboration, consistent training, and a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.”

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a contributing writer to i Advance Senior Care.