(a)

1. (1) The currently adopted Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, does not allow the use of basements or floors above ground level by children first grade and younger unless there is a ground-level exit.
2. (2) Please be advised that the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code also does not allow wood paneling in childcare family homes.
3. (3) This will fall under the authority of the local fire jurisdiction.

(c)

1. (1) A fire extinguisher with a minimum of five pounds (5 lbs.) ABC rating shall be installed in the kitchen area of the home and shall be properly maintained.
2. (2) Caregivers shall know how to operate the extinguisher.

3. (3) Clarification.

   1. (A) These fire extinguishers are required by State Code to be inspected annually and have the approval verification tag attached.
   2. (B) An alternative to the inspection is the:

(i) Purchase of a new fire extinguisher annually; and

1. (ii) Retention of the receipt verifying the purchase.

   1. (d) A working smoke detector shall be installed:
2. (1) Near the kitchen area; and
3. (2) In the children’s sleeping areas.

(e)

1. (1) All smoke detectors in the home shall be hardwired and operate in a manner that if one (1) sounds, they all will sound.
2. (2) Homes licensed prior to January 1, 2014, are exempt from this requirement unless the home’s capacity or ownership changes.

(f)

1. (1) The home shall be maintained to be free from fire hazards at all times.
2. (2) The childcare licensing specialist shall consult with the local fire department or the State Fire Marshal when it appears hazards exist.

(g) The structure and use of the home shall permit easy entry and exit and shall comply with the following:

1. (1) A home with more than one (1) level shall have second exits on all levels used by children;
2. (2) A home shall have at least two (2) exits to the outside located on different sides of the home;
3. (3) Doors opening to the outdoors shall be constructed so the children can open them easily from the inside;
4. (4) Doors between rooms in the exit route shall not be locked while children are in the home; and
5. (5) Doors and pathways shall be clear of equipment that blocks the movement of children and caregivers.

(h)

1. (1) Wood burning stoves, gas logs, fireplaces, open-flame space heaters, water heaters, floor furnaces, or other sources of heat shall be guarded and vented when necessary for the protection of the children.

2. (2) Portable fuel-fired heaters shall not be used.

   1. (i) Cooking stoves or ovens shall not be used as a heating source in the home.

(j) Portable heaters:

1. (1) Shall not be placed within reach of children; and
2. (2) Shall be approved UL-listed products.

(k)

1. (1) The licensee shall notify the childcare licensing specialist of any fires causing damage to the home.
2. (2) This notification shall be made no later than the end of the following working day.