5.1.1.3: Compliance with Fire Prevention Code

Every twelve months, the child care facility should obtain written documentation to submit to the regulatory licensing authority that the facility complies with a state-approved or nationally recognized Fire Prevention Code. If available, this documentation should be obtained from a fire prevention official with jurisdiction where the facility is located. Where fire safety inspections or a Fire Prevention Code applicable to child care centers is not available from local authorities, the facility should arrange for a fire safety inspection by an inspector who is qualified to conduct such inspections using the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.

RATIONALE

Regular fire safety checks by trained officials will ensure that a child care facility continues to meet all applicable fire safety codes. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code addresses child care facilities in two chapters devoted exclusively to this occupancy – chapter 16, “New Day-Care Occupancies” and chapter 17, “Existing Day-Care Occupancies” (1).

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start