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

Parking: Where the Outpatient Land Crunch Shows First

Healthcare systems that treat parking as a strategic design variable from the first feasibility pass will have more sites to choose from.


Clear Behavioral Health Opens New Outpatient Mental Health Center in Anaheim Hills

It offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for adults and teens ages 13 to 17 across east Anaheim and the surrounding communities.


Bon Secours Begins Construction on Freestanding Emergency Department in Norfolk

It is expected to open in late 2027.


The OR HVAC Puzzle: Why Individual Systems Are on the Rise

Extra penetrations, tight clearances and strict humidity needs—design experts explain what it really takes to plan dedicated units for each operating room.


Skanska Completes Renovation of Specialized Care Facility for Sutter Health

The project was delivered through a highly coordinated effort, utilizing advanced construction methodologies to maintain efficiency.


 
 


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.