Smoke Detectors

A foster home shall have a UL approved, working smoke detector on each level of the home. Location as approved by the fire official.

Fire Estinguishers

A foster home shall have a UL approved fire extinguisher mounted and charged near the cooking area. Location as approved by the fire official. NFPA 10, 1998, Edition, Section 4-4-1. “ Maintenance – Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance at intervals of not more than 1 year . . . and “each fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed and that identifies the person performing the service.” (NFPA 10, Section 4-4.4).

A foster home shall have emergency phone numbers posted near a working phone on the main floor of the home.

First Aid Kit

A foster home shall have an acceptable first aid kit available in the home.

Emergency Exit

All exits from the foster home must be kept clear at all times. Double cylinder locksets (keyed on both sides) are prohibited on all exit doors. Note: OFC FM-608.1, 2000, “Operable: All means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key, special knowledge or effort”

Ground Fault Circuit
Interupter

All electrical outlets within three feet of all sinks, bathtubs and showers shall be GFCI protected.

Evacuation Plan

A foster caregiver shall have a written evacuation plan for evacuating the home or seeking shelter in the event of fire, tornado or other disaster. This evacuation plan shall contain a primary and alternate escape route for each floor. A foster caregiver shall provide initial orientation and ongoing instruction on the contents of this plan to each foster child in accordance with the foster child’s age and functioning level.