16. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Question 1

Fire Safety

Answer 1

~ all standards related to fire safety must be consistent with the rules adopted by the State Fire Marshal for child care facilities
~ child care programs are required to be inspected by the Fire Marshal once per year
~ exit areas must be clearly identified and not blocked at any time
~ in order to facilitate a calm and competent reaction to an emergency, frequent practice of emergency procedures should occur
~ at a minimum, monthly emergency drills must be conducted at various dates and times when the children are in care

Question 2

Fire Extinguishers and Systems

Answer 2

~ fire extinguishers, with a minimum rating of 2A:10BC, must be properly installed, serviced, and maintained with current inspection tags at all times
~ fire extinguishers must be checked each month. Fire extinguishers must be within 75 feet of rooms occupied by children, as well as located in the area where food is prepared
~ an automatic range-top fire suppression system is required in child care facility kitchens that deep fry food and it must be inspected by a certified food inspector

Question 3

How to communicate during a fire emergency?

Emergency Preparedness

Answer 3

In order to communicate during an emergency, the program must have at least one dedicated, operable corded phone that is accessible to child care personnel at all times during hours of operation, which excludes locked or pay phones.
The operator of the child care program is required to notify the licensing authority within 24 hours of a fire, man-made emergency, or natural disaster regarding their operational status. The notification should indicate their ability to meet the health and safety standards for continued operation.