Fire Safety Training

North Dakota Century Code (50-11) mandates fire prevention and safety training during the initial licensure and each renewal period thereafter. In addition, each foster care provider is required to complete and sign a fire safety self-declaration indicating compliance of their home specific to fire safety topics recommended by a local fire inspector, state fire marshal, or building code.

Initial Licensure

Prospective Foster Care Providers must complete:

1. Initial fire prevention and safety training; and
2. SFN 1037 "Licensing Packet-Foster Care for Children" including fire safety checklist and requiring signature by each foster care provider, if applicable. 
3. Under certain circumstances, a fire inspection by the local fire department or the state fire marshal may be required. NDAC provides for this to occur if indicated. (NDAC 75-03-14-03)

Ongoing Maintenance

The foster home must comply with the requirements of NDAC 75-03-14-03 related to checking and maintaining fire extinguishers, smoke detectors/alarms, carbon monoxide detector/alarms. 

The family foster home for children shall develop a written emergency preparedness plan, maintain and post a list of emergency contact, including poison control and have first aid supplies on hand while a foster child is in placement.

Annual Renewal Licensure

Foster Care Provider(s) must complete:

1. A one-hour training for fire prevention and safety; and
2. The SFN 1037 “Licensing Packet” including fire safety checklist and requiring signature by each foster care provider, if applicable.

Training Options

• Initial Foster Care Provider Fire Safety Training (2024)
• Renewal Options:
  • Holiday Fire Safey Training (2024)
  • Outdoor Summer Fire Safety Training (2024)
  • Juvenile Fire Setters Safety Training (2024)

ND Fire Safety Handout

Ongoing Home Maintenance

Fire Extinguisher/Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide

The home must comply with the requirements of NDAC 75-03-14-03 related to checking and maintaining fire  extinguishers, smoke detectors/alarms, and carbon monoxide detector/alarms.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms are to have batteries changed every year and the alarm unit replaced when expired. Many units expire within seven to ten years, providers must replace units when expiration occurs.

Fire extinguishers must be accessible and maintained with a minimum of one 2A-10BC fire extinguisher on each level of the home. Kitchen and laundry rooms are priority areas. It is highly recommended that purchased fire extinguishers are "serviceable" to ensure proper functionality. Serviceable fire extinguishers must be “serviced” annually. If not serviceable, replacement of the extinguisher must be made in accordance with manufacturer expiration date. If the unit is not serviceable, and there is not an expiration date, then fire extinguishers must be repurchased every three years.

Heating Systems

Furnace (gas, propane, or coal), chimneys, and boilers must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. No initial or ongoing inspection required. Maintenance is the responsibility of the provider. In efforts to minimize the risk of a fire, special attention must be made to remove items from touching the heat source.

Receipts

The Foster Care Provider must provide verification of purchase for all purchased extinguishers or alarms, when applicable, for the licensing file.