In a move to protect vulnerable residents, Harris County has introduced a new regulation requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to install backup power generators for heating and cooling systems. This county-level mandate, announced Tuesday, addresses a significant gap in Texas state regulations, which currently do not require such measures.
Texas, home to the nation’s third-largest senior population and the third-highest number of seniors in nursing facilities, has no statewide law mandating backup generators for heating or cooling in these facilities. State rules only require new nursing homes to have generators for basic operations, while assisted living facilities face no generator requirements at all.
Harris County’s new amendment, which affects approximately 120 facilities, aims to prevent tragedies caused by prolonged power outages during extreme weather events. The decision follows the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, when 14 nursing homes and 30 assisted living facilities lost power. At least one senior died during the extended outage.
“These backup generators will save lives and protect our seniors and most vulnerable residents,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, whose precinct includes Katy. “We are taking proactive steps to ensure their safety.”
Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen emphasized the importance of the new regulation. “In the next heatwave or hurricane, Harris County will have backup systems in place because we are setting higher standards for protection and safety,” she said.
While the mandate has been widely supported, concerns have been raised about the financial burden it may place on facilities, particularly smaller ones. Christensen assured that the county will work closely with businesses to help them comply with the new rules. Facilities have until the end of 2025 to meet the requirements.
This regulation marks a significant step in safeguarding seniors and vulnerable residents in Harris County, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
