Flashback photo: 1949 Illinois hospital fire kills 74

Tragedy leads to national fire safety improvements


For a recent "Throwback Thursday," the Hospital & Health Networks website took a look at a  1949 fire at the St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham, Ill. that killed 74 poeple, including bedridden older patients and day-old babies. It is one of the worst hospital fires in American history.

The fire reportedly started in the basement near the laundry chute.

The next day, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson inspected the ruins and ordered that all hospitals in the state be evaluated and fire safety measures adopted and enforced.

Stairwells were ordered to be enclosed so flames could not spread vertically and quickly throughout a multistory facility; an independent fire alarm system was mandated to ring in nonpatient areas and light up a visual system at each nurses’ station; regularly scheduled fire drills were called for; and improved sprinkler systems were required,the article said.

Read the article.

 



August 5, 2015


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

The HVAC Dilemma: To Repair or Replace?

Healthcare facilities that keep repairing and optimizing aging systems past their useful life spend money on a problem they cannot solve without capital investment.


Department of Veterans Affairs Signs Lease for Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Kentucky

Construction and facility preparation are expected to be completed by the winter of 2027, and the first patient should be seen by spring 2028.


Cameron Regional Medical Center Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack

CRMC is not currently aware of any evidence to suggest that any information has been fraudulently misused.


3 Pillars of Stronger Cybersecurity in Healthcare

These strategies can help healthcare facilities stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.


Meridian Acquires Medical Office Building in Pasadena, CA

The property was acquired for approximately $13.35 million.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.