Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Children and Families
DCF 021-99 - Safety and Permanence
Chapter DCF 57 - Group Homes
Subchapter V - Physical Environment and Safety
Section DCF 57.42 - Fire safety

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง DCF 57.42

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) SMOKE DETECTION.

(a) Each group home shall have a smoke detection system. The system shall be an electrically interconnected system listed by Underwriter's Laboratory or a radio signal-emitting system which has at least one centrally mounted alarm horn which, when activated can be heard throughout the premises.

(b) A smoke detector shall be located at each of the following locations in the home:
1. Head of every open stairway.

2. Next to doors leading to every enclosed stairway on each floor level.

3. Every hall. Smoke detectors located in a hall shall not be spaced more than 30 feet apart nor more than 15 feet from any wall.

4. Common use rooms, including living rooms, dining areas, lounges, family rooms and recreation rooms, except the kitchen.

5. Bedrooms.

6. Basement.

7. Attic, if accessible.

(c) The smoke detection system shall be tested at least monthly and results documented and kept on file at the group home.

(d) A smoke detector that is located in a room used as a bedroom may be battery operated, free-standing and separate from the interconnected system.

(2) FIRE EVACUATION.

(a) There shall be a diagrammatic floor plan of the group home posted on each floor level of the group home clearly indicating the direction of each exit for emergency evacuation.

(b) Evacuation drills shall be conducted with residents at least monthly and documented, including the date and time of the drill, the evacuation time and any problems encountered during the drill. An evacuation drill shall be conducted during sleeping hours, or which, simulates sleeping hours at least once every 6 months.

(c) Staff members shall personally evacuate each resident with limited mobility or having limited understanding regarding evacuation procedures from the group home. If the group home population includes a hearing impaired resident, there shall be written procedures specifying that a staff member shall immediately alert the resident in case of fire.

(3) FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.

(a) Each group home shall have a fire extinguisher in the size, type, and location specified by the local fire department. At least one fire extinguisher shall be located in the kitchen and on each floor level of the group home.

(b) Each extinguisher shall be operable at all times, inspected at least once a year by a qualified fire safety expert and have a label indicating its present condition and date of its last inspection.

(4) FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION. The licensee shall have an annual fire safety inspection. The results of the inspection shall be reported to the department field office that serves the group home as required under s. DCF 57.13(9).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin 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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