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.
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