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Congress Acts to Address Heat Safety Following Deadly Fires in HUD-Assisted Housing

Following two deadly fire-related tragedies in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted housing properties earlier this month, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Ritchie Torres have announced the introduction of legislation that would require the installation of heat sensors in all federally funded or federally regulated multifamily housing developments to allow real-time tracking of heat levels by federal, state, and local housing administrators.

The fires took the lives of several residents, including children, living in federally assisted housing in Philadelphia and the Bronx. The tragedies have once again put a spotlight on the condition, inspection, and ongoing maintenance of HUD-assisted housing.

Last week, U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters, along with several members of the Committee, including Congressman Torres, sent letters to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge as well as New York and Philadelphia public housing authorities, local officials, and property owners questioning steps being taken at all levels of administration to ensure resident safety. LeadingAge National’s article about the letters and a link to the letters can be found here.

As New York State continues to experience harsh winter weather conditions, providers may find these resources from the National Fire Protection Association useful in reminding residents about fire safety and heat-related house rules:

Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866