Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has announced measures to enhance safety at assisted living facilities in the state in the wake of a fire that killed nine people in Fall River.

"This is a moment to make sure that every assisted living residence is prepared to respond to emergencies and to protect the safety of their residents," said Healey in a statement.

Outlining fire safety protocols

Starting July 21, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence will launch an initiative to make sure all 273 assisted living facilities in Massachusetts are prepared for emergencies. All facilities will be required to send a letter to residents and families outlining fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures. The facilities also have to post evacuation instructions and exit routes in each residential unit and common area.

The regulation changes come after a fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River on July 13 killed nine residents and injured dozens more. WBZ I-Team sources said investigators are looking into a number of issues, including the possibility that the fire was caused by smoking near an oxygen tank.

Survey to show they're in compliance

Under the governor's order, assisted living facilities will be required to complete a survey from the Office of Aging and Independence confirming they are in compliance with fire safety requirements. This includes sprinkler systems, fire drills and maintenance of fire-rated doors and walls.

"We are engaging every assisted living provider in this process. By requiring clear communication with residents and detailed reporting to the state, we are making sure resident safety is front and center – today and every day," said Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson in a statement.

Currently, the state does not require a minimum staffing level in assisted living homes, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs. According to Fall River's mayor and a worker at Gabriel House, there were just two staff members working at the time of Sunday night's fire, caring for 70 residents.

Advocates tell WBZ the new measures are a step in the right direction. 

"I would hope that most of the 273 providers would be able to satisfy these fairly quickly by just submitting the documentation," said Paul Lanzikos of Dignity Alliance Massachusetts. "There probably are a number that need to get caught up." 

Dignity Alliance Massachusetts says all the information about safety should also be shared online for future residents, to help them choose the assisted living facility that's right for them.

• Massachusetts