Dec. 14--ALBANY -- Changes including increased scrutiny of fire drill records and inspection of safety equipment have led to a safer environment for disabled New Yorkers who live in state- or privately run residences, according to an audit released Friday by state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The review was prompted by a 2009 fire in a residential center operated by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities in Wells, Hamilton County.
Four people died in the blaze, including two who were members of the "Willowbrook class" of New Yorkers who sued the state over conditions at the infamous disability center that was the subject of a 1970s expose.
"Auditors found OPWDD is in compliance with applicable fire prevention, safety and control requirements that help ensure the safety of the vulnerable populations it serves and has significantly improved its fire safety procedures and practices since a 2009 fire in one of its residences that resulted in the death of four individuals," reads part of the audit.
Inspectors for the comptroller visited 20 state-operated and three private facilities, all under OPWDD's purview.
The Times Union reported that there were questions about the type of fire sprinklers as well as fire drills at the Wells facility. It has since been torn down.
Copyright 2013 - Times Union, Albany, N.Y.
