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Fire Prevention Day Care Requirement
As defined by the 2000 International Fire Code, day care facilities fall under two occupancy types:
- Educational – The use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, for educational, supervision or personal care services for more than five children older than 2 ½ years of age shall be classified as an E occupancy.
- Institutional – A facility that provides supervision and personal care on less than 24-hour basis for more than five children 2 ½ years of age or less shall be classified as Group I-4.
- Emergency Planning and Preparedness: Day care facilities are required by Chapter 4 of the Code to adopt and maintain an evacuation plan. Evacuation drills are required at defined intervals and records must be maintained. Training of employees is also required in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety.
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings: Chapter 8 of the Code defines the materials and interior finishes which may not be used in day care facilities. This includes furnishings, wall decorations and decorative vegetation.
- Fire Protection Systems: Chapter 9 of the Code deals with sprinkler systems and alarm systems. This includes requirements for installation and type of system. Also covered are the requirements for fire extinguishers.
- Means of Egress: Chapter 10 of the Code covers the requirements for means of egress and its components. Means of egress includes doorways, stairs, emergency lighting and exit signs.
The above is not comprehensive and for more information, you should contact the Fire Prevention Office, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at (816) 271-4604 or 271-4623.
