Rural Housing Service Clarifies Emergency Pull Cord Requirements

(Oct. 7, 2024) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued guidance to clarify the agency’s emergency call system requirements for federally subsidized rural Multifamily Housing (MFH) communities.

The guidance clarifies that the Rural Housing Service does not require the use of emergency call systems, including pull cords, in any MFH units. The guidance explains why many properties may have the systems in place, including an emergency, such as a fall, fire, or medical issue. The Unnumbered Letter goes on to describe scenarios in which call-for-aid systems may not be properly maintained and create a false sense of security for residents or have become obsolete due to the use of cell phones and other life alert equipment used by residents.

While Rural Development does not require emergency call systems, the agency provides recommended best practices for the systems, including to properly maintain the systems, provide clear instructions and expectations for their use, and removing the systems once no longer operational.

By contrast, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires emergency notification systems for properties designated to serve older adults.

Read more from LeadingAge National here.

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