Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
211
Practice Fire Safety
To promote fi re safety, check the center
regularly for fi re hazards. The best protection
against fi res is prevention. For instance, store
matches where children cannot reach them and
accidentally start fi res. As a teacher, you need
to fi nd and correct fi re hazards. A fi re safety
checklist is shown in Figure 11.5. Study this
list so you will be able to spot hazards and take
action quickly.
Check smoke alarms at least once each month
to make sure they are working. If smoke detectors
are battery powered, change batteries when
indicated. Most states require smoke alarms to be
hardwired into the electrical system.
Fire Extinguishers
Each child care center needs several fi re
extinguishers. One fi re extinguisher should
be placed in or next to the kitchen. Place an
extinguisher in or near each classroom. Another
extinguisher is needed in the laundry area. Check
your state’s licensing regulations and insurance
company recommendations for the placement of
fi re extinguishers.
The director is often in charge of buying fi re
extinguishers for the center. Most states require
early childhood facilities to use the ABC type of
fi re extinguisher. Before buying extinguishers,
contact your local fi re department. The fi re
marshal can tell you which extinguisher is best
Figure 11.5 Fire Safety Checklist
Yes No
1. Exit passageways and exits are free from furniture and equipment.
2. Locks on bathroom and toilet stall doors can be opened from the outside and can be
opened easily by center staff.
3. Protective covers are on all electrical outlets.
4. Permanent wiring is used instead of lengthy extension cords.
5. Each wall outlet contains no more than two electrical appliances.
6. A fire evacuation plan is posted.
7. Fire drills are conducted at least monthly, some of which are unannounced.
8. Flammable, combustible, and other dangerous materials (including hand sanitizers) are
marked and stored in areas accessible only to staff.
9. Children are restricted to floors with grade level exits (no stairs).
10. The basement door is kept closed.
11. There is no storage under stairs.
12. Smoke detectors are in place and checked regularly.
13. Smoke alarms, fire alarms, and emergency lighting are checked at least once a month.
14. Matches are kept out of the reach of children.
15. Toys, chairs, tables, and other equipment are made of flame-retardant materials.
16. Carpets and rugs are treated with a flame-retardant material.
17. Emergency procedures and numbers are posted by each telephone.
18. Evacuation cribs fit easily through the doors.