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AUDIT FINDS A NUMBER UNCLEAN AND IN DISREPAIR
THOMPSON CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS

Senior centers overseen by the City's Department for the Aging (DFTA) in the five boroughs have "numerous" fire safety problems, such as blocked exits, a lack of smoke detectors and inadequate evacuation plans, according to a report released today by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. More than half of the 39 centers visited by the Comptroller's Office had fire safety problems. Additionally, some of the centers were in poor physical shape and two had unsanitary conditions in their kitchens.

"We cannot allow the safety of our senior citizens to be placed in jeopardy," Comptroller Thompson said. "Senior citizens across the City count on these centers, but they cannot always count on safe conditions."

Of immediate concern is the fact that 21 of 39 sampled centers' designated fire exits were partially or completely blocked because of locked doors, piled boxes, or other items that would hinder exit in case of a fire. In addition, more than half had unilluminated fire exit signs, two thirds could not provide any evidence of conducting the two, required annual fire drills, and 18 did not have smoke detectors. The visits took place from December 14, 2001 to February 14, 2002.

"The Department for the Aging must improve the safety of its centers and make sure the problems are fixed immediately," Thompson said.

Of additional concern are the cleanliness and physical conditions at 14 of the 39 sampled centers. Auditors noted missing ceiling tiles at six centers, ceilings and walls needing to be painted or wallpapered at five centers, floors or steps requiring repair at five centers, cracked windows at two centers and a broken entrance door at one center.

Thompson's audit discovered myriad physical problems: missing ceiling tiles, floors and steps in disrepair, cracked windows, and a broken entrance door. Additionally, several centers did not have exit signs, lacked inspections for automated wheelchair lifts, and could not document fire drills.

The audit made 16 recommendations to DFTA about the centers, including:

· Immediately remedy problems concerning the safety, cleanliness, physical condition and accessibility.
· Conduct fire drills at least twice yearly and document the drills.
· Regularly inspect and test emergency safety systems.
· Maintain well-lit and unobstructed exit passageways and provide adequately illuminated exit signs.

Additionally, Thompson recommends that the DFTA continue to monitor, through its Program Assessment System, whether centers actually correct the problems.

The DFTA plans, administers, and coordinates services that help many of the 1.3 million senior citizens in the City participate in their communities and maintain independence. DFTA has contracts with 338 centers to provide services, such as home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, legal assistance and home care. DFTA receives Federal, State and City funds, as well as private grants and contributions.

In its response, DFTA generally agreed with the audit's recommendations and stated it "will send more reminders to center staff of their responsibility for the safety of their participants." DFTA added: "There is no reason why senior center staff cannot maintain a clean and sanitary site and we will continue to enforce these requirements."

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