Fire Safety Training
North Dakota Century Code (50-11) mandates a course of instruction on fire prevention and safety, and the completion of a fire safety self-declaration form to be signed by each foster care provider as recommended by a local fire inspector, state fire marshal, or building code.
Initial Licensure
Prospective foster parents must complete:
- A two-hour fire prevention and safety course; and
- SFN 1037 "Licensing Packet-Foster Care for Children" including fire safety checklist and requiring signature by each foster care provider, if applicable.
- 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. In addition, gas and propane appliance and coal/wood solid fuel appliances must have an inspection every two years to prevent fire and safety hazards. Electric heating systems do not require any inspection, however special attention must be made to remove items from touching the electric heater and panels to minimize risk of fire. The foster home must provide verification of required inspections, when applicable, for the licensing file.
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 Licensure
Foster parent(s) must complete:
- A one-hour training for fire prevention and safety; and
- The SFN 1037 “Licensing Packet” including fire safety checklist and requiring signature by each foster care provider, if applicable.
Training Options
***Please note it may take a few minutes to download the Fire Safety Trainings.***
- Initial Foster Parent Fire Safety Training (2023)
- Renewal Options:
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 7 to 10 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. Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually or purchased every three years.
Heating Systems
Furnace (gas, propane, or coal), chimneys, and boilers must be maintained in proper operating and in a safe and sanitary condition. Heating systems must have an inspection every two years. Electric heating systems do not require any inspection, however special attention must be made to remove items from touching the electric heater and panels to minimize risk of fire. Hot water boilers in apartment buildings separate from living spaces must be inspected every three years. Foster care providers must work with their property manager to receive and submit to their licensing specialist verification of boiler inspection (SFN 19585).
Receipts
The foster care provider must provide verification of purchase for any extinguishers or alarms, completion of required inspections, when applicable, for the licensing file.