A fire this week that killed nine residents at a Fall River assisted living home has raised new questions about whether the 273 such residences in Mass. are properly staffed and equipped.

Gabriel House had seen better days. But for residents and their families, it was the center of a caring community.

All 273 assisted living facilities in Massachusetts must send letters to all residents and families detailing fire safety protocols, evacuation procedures and key points of contact, the state announced Friday.

It’s very important in a crisis that people stay in contact,” Mayor Paul Coogan said in a wide-ranging interview from his office Friday.