Fire Safety In Early Care and Education Environment

Experts recommend that no more than

20% of wall space be covered in paper. If possible, use flame retardant paper as backing for wall coverings or bulletin boards. Ceiling hangings are discouraged or should be minimal and must not interfere with or obstruct the operation of the sprinkler system.

The minimum safe distance for an outdoor assembly area is often listed as

50 feet from the building, but that may vary from place to place. For example, your program may have a primary and a secondary outdoor assembly area. Be sure you are familiar with both locations.

smothered and deprived of oxygen.

A grease fire must be

contained fires

About two-thirds of school fires are known as

Emergency Evacuation Plan which includes all the policies and procedures. Your ability to respond quickly and calmly can help children remain calm.

All staff members should be thoroughly trained to follow an

grease fire, which can occur when cooking oil is overheated. All cooking oils have a smoke point and a flashpoint. It is easy to detect when oil reaches a smoke point because you will see it and smell it. This means it is time to turn down the heat. Medium heat on the stove (between 4 and 6 out of 10) will eventually bring most oils to their smoke point.

Any time you fry food (in the pan or a deep fryer), there is a risk of a

The attendance list: to ensure that every child present has been evacuated. Children′s emergency contact information: place copies in the emergency bag. Emergency bag: This bag should include any necessary medicines or other emergency information for children′s health and safety if you cannot return to the facility. A child could need these medications within hours to avoid illness, injury, or death, such as rescue medication for a child with severe epilepsy.

At the start of the evacuation process, a designated staff member secures the following:

Fight a grease fire

Baking soda, Class B, and Class K fire extinguishers are the only other ways to

Stop, drop, and roll is intended to be used after a person has exited a

Burning structure

where they go and what they do during drills. Make an entry after every drill. This is also an opportunity for children to express their feelings and understanding of the issue, including any fears or misconceptions they may have.

Caregivers and directors keep fire drill logs, and children can, too. Reinforce important concepts using fire drill journals with stories and pictures about

openable from the inside.

Closet doors should be

The top 3 causes of fires in elementary schools are:

Cooking (36%) Intentionally set (23%) Heating (12%)

The top 3 causes of fires in other types of schools are:

Cooking (46%) Heating (21%) Intentionally set (11%)

The top 3 causes of fires in child care centers are:

Cooking (73%) Heating (6%) Electrical Malfunction (5%)

Many fire departments as well as health and safety agencies, have education

Coordinators and programs in place

Just to reiterate basic procedures:

Do a headcount to double-check numbers against the attendance record before leaving the classroom. Take face-to-name attendance upon arrival at the assembly area. Report the headcount to the director.

splash burning oil over you and everything else in your path.

Do not attempt to move the pot outside. Although your first instinct may be to get that pot out of the facility, moving it will likely

From ceilings

Do not hang bedsheets, linen curtains, or other flammable materials

water heaters, furnaces, stoves, or other ignition sources.

Do not store flammables or combustibles (such as paint, chemicals, or fuel) anywhere near

A burning dish towel!

Do not try to smother it with a dish towel, or you could end up with a grease fire and

other similar hardware for easy exit. A crash bar is a device used to open a locked door from the inside. Facilities for larger programs are typically required to install crash bars on outside doors.

Doors to the outside should be unlocked or equipped with crash bars or

4,000 school fire incidents.

Each year, fire departments respond to about

Free from obstructions. At least 32 inches in width. No more than 150 feet from the classroom. This number accounts for the length of corridors in a large elementary school; the primary exit for an ECE classroom is likely to be much closer.

Exit doors from the classroom and to the outdoors should be:

If the door is hot

Find another way out

Microwave ovens

Follow all manufacturers′ guidelines and use microwave-safe dishes when using

If in doubt

Get out

water causes flaming droplets of grease to spread.

Grease fires are oil-based, and water and oil do not mix; they separate on contact. As a result,

What do fires need to spread quickly? Does my room arrangement and décor increase the risk that a fire will spread?

Here is what you need to consider when you decorate your room:

stop using the associated outlet and contact a master electrician immediately.

If a circuit breaker repeatedly trips during normal usage,

Into another

If necessary, an extension cord to a lamp is okay, but never plug one extension cord or power strip

do not open the door until it is cool. According to the regular evacuation plan, if the smoke triggers the alarm, ensure the oven is off before evacuating with the rest of the building occupants.

If the oven starts smoking or flames appear, turn off the heat and

Noncombustible materials or fire-resistive construction should be used:

In all interior corridors. In all hazardous areas such as furnaces or storage rooms. In all wall finishes and ceilings.

The top 3 causes of fires in middle/high schools are:

Intentionally set (40%) Cooking (25%) Heating (7%)

Should be avoided

It is important to be aware that certain chemical materials once common in children′s toys, furnishings, and accessories have been deemed hazardous and

be used in the ECE environment. Modern-day electrical heaters are generally much safer than the old direct-fire kerosene heaters, but they still pose a burn risk and easily overload an electrical system. Using a portable heater of any type increases fire risk and should be avoided.

Kerosene heaters or other portable heaters should not

A grease fire

Never throw water on

surge protectors. Since you are not likely to have two wall outlets next to each other, the safest, most convenient way to run a computer, monitor, and desk light in the same location is by using a surge protector.

Only use approved outlet strips with built-in circuit breakers, also known as

Items that can and often do catch fire in the vicinity of a stove include:

Oven mitts Towels and rags Food packaging Wooden utensils (Never leave these items within 3 feet of the stove)

Maps with evacuation routes should be posted in every classroom or other common meeting area for staff members and children. Maps should also include:

Primary and secondary evacuation routes. Locations of assembly areas. Locations of fire alarm pull stations. Locations of fire extinguishers.

are far more likely than girls to play with fire.

Research and statistics confirm that boys

18 inches below ceiling level in an area with sprinklers and 24 inches below ceiling if there are no sprinklers. This helps prevent the spread of fire. In addition, storage units of any kind (including stackable shelves or portable units) should never be placed in front of exit doors or walkways.

Storage units should be at least

alternate exits when practical.

Teachers and children should also learn to evacuate using

do not risk your life fighting a kitchen fire..

The building will be evacuated once the smoke alarm or pull-station is triggered. Better safe than sorry! In the meantime, kitchen staff members should extinguish the grease fire if it is manageable, but

All exit doors are unlocked and accessible. All exit and emergency lights are working properly. All corridors and doors leading to exits are clear. No items are hanging from sprinkler heads or fire alarm devices. Fire alarm devices, extinguishers, and sprinkler heads are not obstructed. All evacuation maps are in place and current.

The director or a designated safety coordinator should inspect the following every morning:

a timed event. Do you know how quickly evacuations should be for your program? Speak with your director to find out. The director is responsible for documenting the date, time, number of children/staff members, and the length of time of the evacuation

The drills should be a

polyurethane foam.

The easiest way to reduce exposure to TDCPP is to avoid furniture and baby products with

Everyone needs to evacuate at

The same time

emergency lighting in all areas, including stairwells and hallways on exit routes. Power outage is common during a serious structural fire, so battery-powered backups are essential for illuminating escape routes and exits.

There should be adequate lighting in all rooms, halls, and stairwells. Larger programs are typically required to install

produce sparks or flames within children′s reach.

There should be no materials that can

recommended best practices and minimum standards for fire safety in the early care and education (ECE) environment. Course participants will learn about the dangers of school fires, evacuation policies and procedures, practices for preventing and responding to fires, strategies for teaching young children the dangers of fire, and other fire safety issues.

This course covers

rare. Injuries do occur, but serious ones are also very rare. Overall, today′s schools and childcare facilities do an excellent job of keeping children safe from fire, because teachers, administrators, and public safety officials are trained and prepared!

Today, fatalities related to school fires are exceptionally

you do not need it for the recipe you are using.

Turn off the heat for a small pan fire and cover the pan with a heavy metal lid. Always keep a large lid handy, even if

it takes time to secure infants in a stroller or other device, and cribs are the fastest and safest.

While strollers may seem like a plausible alternative to wheeled cribs,

It does help extinguish flames on clothing or hair. That does not mean a person will not be burned, but rolling on the ground does help deprive the fire of oxygen. It is most effective when combined with other firefighting measures, such as a fire extinguisher or a heavy blanket to help smother flames. It helps keep the victim calm. Stop, drop, and roll is preferable to running around in a panic.

You have probably heard the saying, "Stop, drop, and roll!" It is important for 2 reasons:

A sense of curiosity. This is why fire prevention programs are designed to target young children. The goal is to educate children about the dangers of fire before their curiosity causes any damage or injury.

Younger children are likely to explore fire because of

Once your group has safely reached the outdoor assembly area, you will conduct

a full face-to-name attendance to ensure all children are present.

"Calm and orderly" is the only way to conduct

a safe evacuation, whether it is a drill or the real thing. Mobile children should abide by the "Walk, do not run" rule without exception.

Maintain good housekeeping standards at

all times. There should never be obstructions in doorways, corridors, or other important traffic areas.

Lighted exit signs

are a must in any program outside the family care environment. They may be appropriate in some family care programs, as well.

In the infant-care environment, wheeled evacuation cribs must be

available for use during evacuations.

Small programs and family care providers should consider installing

backup lights, regardless of minimum standards; a fire is no time to be searching for a flashlight.

Firefighters are the single best resource for teaching

children about the dangers of playing with fire.

Without a clear, written evacuation plan and policies, you cannot

conduct a fire drill.

The director or assigned administrator will come to your group to

confirm that all children are present. They may conduct a second face-to-name attendance count to ensure all children are accounted for.

If a product label says "Keep Away from Fire," that is essentially a warning that the object is

considered flammable. Keep it out of the ECE environment.

Fire extinguishers should be available on

each level. At least one per level, but local code may require more depending on building size and program capacity. In addition, fire extinguishers must be regularly inspected and maintained.

ECE professionals should work to

entertain and calm children in the assembly area. For example, you can sing songs or tell stories to the children until you are granted access to the building.

When the fire alarm or smoke alarm is triggered

evacuate the facility.

have a role in fire drill procedures. If present, family volunteers or other non-staff members should be directed to evacuate in an orderly manner with the children.

family volunteers and other adults who happen to be present during a drill or emergency do not

The director or designated administrator(s) should be responsible for a

final search of all classrooms and other areas in the center to ensure the building is completely evacuated.

Regarding window treatments, some localities or programs may require

fire-resistant blinds and curtains. Because of strangulation and suffocation concerns, long drapes and blinds with cords are already excluded as options for the early childhood environment.

Nonconfined fires are those larger

fires that spread outside of the original container. They cause millions of dollars in damage to school property each year.

A designated staff member should conduct a

headcount to ensure all children are lined up to leave the room.

Use the attendance list to find each child and identify them by face. This is preferable to a headcount because evacuations can be

hectic and confusing for children. In addition, you want to be sure you have all of the children assigned to your group

Outlet covers are not just for keeping little fingers away from high voltage. They also protect against the

introduction of foreign metal objects, like paper clips or bobby pins, which can produce a spark and ignite a fire.

The sound of a fire alarm always means

it is time to evacuate the building.

Furnace, ducts, and chimneys must be regularly

maintained and inspected by a certified professional.

Experts recommend that evacuation drills be conducted

monthly (although state/local requirements may vary). This ensures that children and teachers have plenty of practice; it also ensures that new staff members and children who enter the program during the year have a chance to practice evacuation procedures.

Practice walking the evacuation route with children before an actual evacuation drill. Make this part of the orientation you conduct when

new students join your group. Talk with the children about the loud alarm to help them understand what to expect when the alarm sounds.

Due to tripping and strangulation hazards, extension cords are

not recommended in the ECE environment. If used in office areas or other places where children are not normally present, do not use it to power more than one item.

Staff members should plan to use primary routes and assembly areas for drills unless

notified beforehand or via loudspeaker to use alternates. In a real emergency, staff members will use primary routes unless otherwise directed or unless the primary route is too hazardous.

Once the building has been cleared, you will be

notified that it is safe to return to the classroom.

Bathroom doors should be

openable from the outside.

Support staff members should be assigned to assist in the infant room or with

other non-ambulatory children requiring assistance.

Use primary routes and assembly areas during a drill unless

otherwise instructed by the program director or fire safety official.

Regular fire drills should always involve an

outdoor assembly area.

Staff members should not attempt to secure or collect

personal items during an evacuation. Nothing in your wallet, bag, backpack, smartphone, or laptop is irreplaceable. Children are the first concern.

Requirements normally vary depending on

program size. Smaller programs may not be required to have sprinklers or emergency lighting.

Alarm pull stations in the ECE environment should have

pull station guards installed to deter curious young hands. Children are never expected to pull the alarm, so there is no reason to show them how to operate it. "Do not touch!" is all they need to know.

If the fire does not self-extinguish and cannot be immediately covered with a heavy lid,

pull the fire alarm or direct someone else to do so while you contend with the flames. Again, do not risk your health or safety fighting the flames, but also stay calm and remember that most minor kitchen fires can be extinguished using very basic firefighting methods.

Automatic sprinklers (if applicable) should be

regularly maintained and inspected.

Ask families to refrain from

removing their child from care during a fire drill. Thank families for their patience while you conclude the drill and return to the classroom. Once the drill is over, they can sign their child out for the day. This will help you maintain accountability from start to finish.

Baking soda can effectively smother a

small grease fire on the stove surface or pan, but only baking soda will do the trick.

Contained fires do not

spread beyond the location where they originate, either because they are relatively easy to extinguish or because they run out of fuel. For example, it is difficult for a fire to spread beyond a restroom trashcan in a structure built and maintained according to fire code.

If you smell smoke but cannot see it or any other signs of fire, and everything else in the environment seems normal

stay calm and gather critical information before you act. Then, report the smell to the front office and await instructions or an alarm.

Families should be aware of center policies in a real emergency, including how

the center will notify families and the location of assembly areas. In addition, today′s communication tools make it easier than ever to reach all or most families quickly via text message, email, or a robocall service.

Never leave anything unattended on

the stove or in the oven!

Young children will need extra preparation and practice initially, but eventually,

they will treat drills as just another school routine.

The flashpoint is considerably higher, but all oils will ignite eventually if you

turn the heat up too much or leave the pan on too long.

During an actual emergency, staff members may need to make a judgment call about

using the primary or secondary route; for example, if the classroom door is hot to the touch, do not open it; use an alternate exit.

All ECE programs (not to mention all other businesses and residences) should have

well-maintained smoke detectors in hallways, stairwells, and sleeping areas. In addition, mid-sized programs (50+ children) are normally required to have hardwired alarm systems with pull stations. Manually pulling the fire alarm triggers a full building evacuation. However, the smoke detector may trigger the alarm system before anyone pulls an alarm in an actual fire.