(a) Each home shall have emergency exit capacity as outlined below.
(1) All floors used for child day-care shall have a primary escape route which provides a safe path for travel to the outside of the building. When the floor is above or below ground level, the primary escape route shall be an interior stairway or an exterior stairway.
(2) In addition to the primary escape route, each floor used for child day-care shall have an alternate means of escape. This includes either of the following:
A. A door or stairway providing a means of unobstructed travel to the outside of the building at the ground level; or
B. An outside window operable without the use of tools which provides an opening large enough for a person to get through. The lower edge of the window shall not be more than 44 inches above the floor or a platform which is firmly attached to the floor or wall under the escape window.
(3) If the floor used for child day-care is used for napping or sleeping purposes, the alternate means of escape shall include either of the following:
A. A door or stairway providing a means of unobstructed travel to the door outside of the building at ground level; or
B. An exterior window operable without the use of tools which provides a minimum clear opening of 5.7 square feet in area. The lower edge of the window shall not be more than 44 inches above the floor or a platform which is firmly attached to the floor or wall under the escape window.
(4) No room or space that is accessible only by a ladder, folding stairs or through a trapdoor shall be used for child day-care.
(5) All stairs shall be lighted so that each step can be clearly seen while going up and down stairs.
(6) All hallways, corridors, ramps and passageways leading to an exit shall be adequately lighted by natural or artificial light. When artificial light is used, lighting shall be provided with at least a 60-watt bulb.
(7) Doorways, corridors and stairs which are part of the primary or alternate escape route shall be kept clear of obstructions such as, but not limited to, toys, clothing, snow, ice, accumulated trash and assorted debris.
(b) Each home shall meet the following fire evacuation requirements:
(1) The provider shall have a written fire evacuation plan which consists of a floor plan marked with a primary escape route and an alternate escape route to a designated meeting place outside the home.
(2) The provider shall practice the fire evacuation plan at least once each month at different times of the day. The date and time of day of each practice shall be kept in a written log.
(3) The written fire evacuation plan and log of practice fire drills shall be available for review by the city agent.
(c) Storage of flammable and combustible materials and substances, such as, but not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, fuel, rubbing alcohol, furniture polish and wax, rubber and contact cements, paints, thinners and strippers, shall be as follows.
(1) No gasoline, kerosene or fuels shall be stored in the home.
(2) Flammable and combustible materials and substances shall be:
A. Stored in their original containers;
B. Kept in closed storage;
C. Stored out of the reach of children; and
D. Stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters and gas appliances.
(3) Flammable and combustible materials and substances shall not be stored below the first floor.
(d) There shall be at least one UL or FM smoke detector located in the basement and on each level. The provider shall place, install, test and maintain smoke detectors in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
(e) There shall be at least one UL or FM, portable fire extinguisher in the home which shall have a minimum rating of 1A 10BC. At least one fire extinguisher shall be located in the kitchen of the home.
(f) Upon discovery of a fire on the premises, the provider shall immediately notify the local fire department to request their assistance even if a home fire extinguisher has been used to put out the fire.
(g) Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used while child day-care is being provided. When vented gas, oil or wood-fired heaters are used, a guard shall be provided for each heater, stove or fireplace to protect the children from hot surfaces and open flames.
(h) All electrical connections shall be made in junction boxes which are properly covered. Electrical extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.
(i) The provider shall install childproof protective covers for all electrical outlets in all areas of the home where children are present.
(j) The provider shall notify the city within one working day after a fire or natural disaster has occurred in the home.
(Ord. 61-90, passed 6-19-1990)