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Fire Safety for Group and Family Child Care Providers

Child care providers need to keep an eye on safety. More kids to watch means additional opportunities for unsafe behaviors or actions. Here are a few safety considerations for providers:

Fire Protection Regulations: Evacuation drills must be held monthly and a written evacuation plan for each shift must be kept on file and readily available for parents’ review or posted in a conspicuous place in the home. All means of egress must be clear of obstructions, and there should be two ways to exit, remote from each other, on all floors occupied by children. Windows used for egress must be at least 24 inches wide.

Operable smoke detectors and carbon monoxide meters should be located on each floor of the home and outside the area where children sleep. Electric smoke detectors should have a battery backup. Providers should know how to use fire extinguishers and are required to locate “ABC”-rated extinguishers, in working order, in the kitchen and outside the furnace room.

If you have questions, you can contact the UFT Family Child Care Department at (212) 598-9288.