Fire Marshals Shut Down Home For Disabled

Fire marshals shut down an unlicensed home for disabled adults in Clayton County Friday, calling it too dangerous for the residents to live there.

Clayton County firefighters said the home near Riverdale did not have a license or the required fire sprinklers.

A neighbor filed a complaint, according to Clayton County firefighters.

When fire marshals investigated they found the conditions acceptable for a normal home, but there are extra requirements for a facility for mentally disabled patients.

"We have an unlicensed personal care facility that's being out of this home," said Landry Merkison of the Clayton County Fire Department.

The residents were upset when they arrived home from their daytime care to find firefighters, police officers and code enforcement officials at the house.

Firefighters said two caregivers were living at the home along with five adult clients.

"There are certain code upgrades you need to do when you house residents of this nature so like fire sprinklers need to be in the home, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers," said Merkison.

The house had none of those things.

The home operators will get a notice of violation and a chance to install the proper equipment if they want to keep operating. They could also be fined.

"That whole process is geared toward making sure the home is safe for these residents and that the proper authorities know they are indeed here," Merkison said.

Firefighters called in the Clayton County Adult Protective Services to find new housing for the residents.

The husband and wife who were living in the house and acting as caregivers will be allowed to stay in the house, as long as they aren't housing any disabled adults.