General Fire Prevention
- Clearance of combustibles from ignition sources (12-18 inches).
- No open flame (decorative candles not allowed).
- No combustible storage located in mechanical / electrical rooms.
- Live Christmas trees are not allowed. Artificial trees only.
Emergency Planning, Employee Training
- Develop an Emergency Evacuation Plan.
- Create an Emergency Escape Route Map. Post on each level of child care.
- Emergency evacuation drill conducted quarterly. Keep a written record of date, time, participants, etc.
- Check smoke detectors monthly. Replace batteries twice a year. Keep a written record of monthly smoke detector checks.
Fire Access, Fire Lanes, Fire Hydrants
- Keep fire hydrants free of obstructions or debris - 36” radius around fire hydrants.
- Address numbers need to be visible from the street. 4” numbers that contrast with the background.
Electrical
- Heating appliances are “listed” and guarded against accidental contact.
- Maintain a 36” clearance around electrical service equipment.
- Extension cords cannot be used in place of permanent wiring.
Fire Protection Systems
- Smoke alarms required in all hallways, living areas and sleeping areas.
- Fire sprinklers are required if the size of the home exceeds 4,500 sq.ft.
- Fire alarms are required if the size of the home exceeds 4,500 sq.ft.
- Portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2a10bc required.
- Portable fire extinguisher needs to be mounted, serviced and tagged annually.
- Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
Exiting
- Two separate means of escape, arranged so that if one is blocked, the other will be available on each level occupied by clients.
- Daycare and preschools located in the basement or on the second story shall provide two means of escape, one of which shall discharge directly to the outside. With 5-8 children, a rescue window is allowed. 9-16 children will require a door that leads directly to the outside.
- Children under the age of 2 ½ shall not be located in a basement or above the main level of the home unless there is a door that exits directly to the outside or the home has fire sprinklers.
Number of Occupants
- The maximum number of infants or toddlers under the age of 2 ½ is (4).
- The fire department allows a maximum of 16 children