Unit Two Creating a Safe and Healthful Environment 212 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. contact your local fi re department. The fi re marshal can tell you which extinguisher is best suited for your center’s unique needs. You will want one that fi ghts the types of fi res your center is most likely to have. In addition, ask the fi re marshal how to maintain the extinguisher and recharge it after use. Schedule a staff in-service on fi re extinguisher use prior to the opening of the center. Some directors prefer to have a local fi refi ghter conduct this in-service. After this orientation, update all staff members yearly (and newly hired members) on fi re extinguisher use. Check the condition of each fi re extinguisher monthly. Note any problems you fi nd. Replace immediately any extinguisher with any of the following conditions: • pressure gauge indicating the higher or lower pressure than recommended • blocked nozzle or other parts • missing pin or tamper seal • dents, leaks, rust, or other signs of damage Fire Drills and Evacuation Procedures Most state licensing rules and regulations require fi re and disaster drills. Most states also require drills to be scheduled at least once a month. Vary the time of day (including nap time) and day of week. These drills will prepare staff and children for a real fi re or other emergency. During drills, use the daily class roster to take roll. It is an important tool for checking on the evacuation of all children and their safe return indoors. In addition, most states require monthly inspection for fi re hazards by trained staff and monthly checks of the emergency lighting system. Documentation must show that these inspections occurred. Every center needs to have well-planned evacuation procedures. A fi re inspector from the local fi re department must approve changes. This approval occurs on an annual basis during the observation of a fi re drill and building inspection for fi re hazards. The procedures should include escape routes (and alternate escape routes), planned meeting places outside of the building, staff assignments, and location of alarms and emergency lighting. The evacuation procedures should be posted in every room where they can be easily seen. Emergency phone numbers should also be posted. In case of blocked routes, alternative evacuation routes should be planned. An example of procedures to be used is shown in Figure 11.6. If a fi re is discovered in the center, sound the alarm immediately. Stay calm. If you panic, the children will panic as well. Evacuate children from the building at once, even if you do not see fl ames. Smoke, not fi re, is responsible for more deaths. Leave the classroom lights on and close the doors. Do not lock the doors, however. Lights allow fi refi ghters to see better in a smoke-fi lled structure. Figure 11.6 Evacuation Procedures 1. Sound fire alarm. 2. Evacuate the building. 3. When leaving the building, leave lights on and close doors. Do not lock doors. 4. Call the fire department after leaving the building. 5. Take roll as soon as the children are together in a safe, predetermined place. 6. When the firefighters arrive, report whether all children and staff are out of the building. SAFETY FIRST SAFETY FIRST Emergency Lighting All early childhood facilities are required to have emergency lighting approved by a local authority. This lighting is placed in hallways, stairwells, and building exits. Some communities require fixed, mounted security lighting in these locations. For family child care homes, battery-powered emergency lights that plug into wall outlets to remain charged may be acceptable. Always check with the local fire marshal and state licensing rules to determine the type and location of emergency lighting. No early childhood facility should use candles or fuel-operated lanterns for emergency lighting because they are not safe.