Legislature Passes Housing Emergency Evacuation Plan Bill

A bill that would establish new housing emergency evacuation plan requirements for certain providers serving disabled individuals passed both houses of the Legislature this year and is anticipated to be delivered to the Governor for action, despite opposition from LeadingAge NY and its membership.

The legislation would require the owners of high-rise properties throughout the state – defined as a property with an occupied floor more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access – to develop an emergency evacuation plan for residents with disabilities. As part of the plan, the bill would require affected property owners to ensure the presence of accessible and clearly identifiable “areas of rescue” throughout the building. In addition, the bill would require clear, in-building posting of all individuals – including the floor and number of their unit – in need of evacuation assistance.

While this legislation would exclude high-rise properties in NYC if similar guidelines were already in place at the local level, LeadingAge NY remains concerned with the potential impact of the bill on housing providers and their residents outside of the city who have already established evacuation plans under the advisement of local emergency response teams. We also have concerns regarding the implications for resident privacy, given the bill’s posting requirements.

LeadingAge NY will continue to track the bill and its anticipated delivery to the Governor for action, to weigh in with the Governor and her team, and, ultimately, to urge a veto or chapter amendments to reconcile the bill’s requirements with currently accepted best practices. Members with distinct concerns about how this legislation might affect their housing property or any evacuation plans already in place are encouraged to contact Annalyse Komoroske Denio (akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org).

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