West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 78 - Human Services
Title 78 - LEGISLATIVE RULE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES BUREAU FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
Series 78-18 - Family Child Care Facility Licensing Requirements
Section 78-18-22 - Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans

Universal Citation: 78 WV Code of State Rules 78-18-22

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 38, September 20, 2024

22.1. Family Child Care facilities shall meet the applicable rules of the State Fire Marshal's Office.

22.2. A family child care facility shall request an inspection by the State Fire Marshal prior to beginning operation and annually thereafter.

22.3. The facility shall establish and post a written plan for evacuation in the event of fire, natural disaster or other threatening situation that may pose a health or safety hazard to the children in the facility.

22.3.a. The plan shall include, but not be limited to:
22.3.a.1. A designated relocation site and evacuation;

22.3.a.2. Procedures for notifying parents of the relocation and ensuring family reunification;

22.3.a.3. Procedures to address the needs of individual children, including children with special needs;

22.3.a.4. Instructions relating to the training of staff or the reassignment of staff duties, as appropriate;

22.3.a.5. Coordination with local emergency management officials; and

22.3.a.6. A program to ensure that appropriate staff are familiar with the components of the plan.

22.3.b. The facility shall:
22.3.b.1. Update the evacuation plan by December 31 of each year. If the facility fails to update the plan, the child care regulatory specialist shall take no action against the facility's license until notice is provided and the facility is given thirty days after the receipt of notice to provide an updated plan;

22.3.b.2. Retain an updated copy of the plan for evacuation;

22.3.b.3. Provide notice of the plan;

22.3.b.4. Provide notification that a copy of the plan will be provided upon request to any parent, custodian, or guardian of each child at the time of the child's enrollment in the child care service and when the plan is updated;

22.3.b.5. Provide the plan and each updated copy of the plan to the Director of the Office of Emergency Services in the county where the center or facility is located;

22.3.b.6. Develop, implement, and maintain a written procedure to practice with staff and volunteers moving to a safe location within the facility at least two times a year and record the dates and times when the practice sessions are conducted; and

22.3.b.7. Develop, implement, and maintain a written procedure for practicing relocation outside the facility with staff members and volunteers two times per year and record the dates and times when the practice sessions are conducted.

22.4. The facility shall prevent children from entering areas which contain furnaces and water heaters or shall install shields to prevent burns.

22.5. Water heaters shall be equipped with thermostatic controls and pressure relief valves.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. West Virginia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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