Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-8-113 - Emergency and Disaster Plan

A. A provider shall develop and maintain in the home a written emergency and disaster plan on a form provided by the Department that includes:

1. Contact information for each foster child, including the name and telephone number of the primary care physician and legal guardian;

2. A comprehensive list of emergency telephone numbers;

3. An evacuation plan for the home, as detailed in this Section; and

4. A plan for relocation from the home in the event of displacement due to flood, fire, the breakdown of essential appliances, or other disasters.

B. A provider shall ensure:

1. A written emergency evacuation plan is developed and maintained in the home, to provide guidance on the safe and rapid evacuation of the home. An emergency evacuation plan shall:

a. Be reviewed with the child within 72 hours of placement in the home and posted in a prominent place in the home;

b. Identify multiple exits from the home;

c. Identify two routes of evacuation from each bedroom on every floor used by individuals residing in or receiving care in the home. At least one of the exit routes for these bedrooms shall lead directly to the outside of the home. If that exit leads into an area that serves as a pool enclosure, a child six years of age or less receiving care in the home shall not reside in that bedroom.

i. If the exit is a window, it shall be secured with a latching device located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor; or

ii. If the exit is a door, it shall be locked at all times with a latching device or lock located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor. If there is no quick release mechanism on the lock, it must comply with the provisions of R21-8-112(7), and a key for the deadbolt shall be located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor. Bedroom doors that lead into an area that serves as a pool enclosure shall comply with this Section and also be self-closing and self-latching. Such doors that are hinged shall also swing outward from the pool area.

d. Identify the location of fire extinguishers and fire evacuation equipment, including rope or chain ladders, and emergency lighting, as applicable;

e. Designate a safe central meeting place close to the home, known to the child, at a safe distance from potential danger;

f. Be maintained in the home to review with individuals residing in or receiving care in the home; and

g. Include the placement of equipment, such as a ladder, that can be safely used by the individuals residing in each upstairs bedroom that have been identified with fire exits.

2. All windows identified as fire exits, must have enough space for an adult to move through.

3. Each bedroom used by a foster child or child in a residential group care facility receiving care or services has two exits to the outside.

a. One exit shall be a path through the premises and leading to a door that opens to the outside. A garage door that opens either manually by lifting or with an automatic opener shall not be accepted as an exit.

b. Another exit shall be a window or door within the bedroom that opens directly to the outside.

4. Premises authorized to provide care or services to five or more children shall train staff and children in evacuation procedures and conduct emergency drills at least every three months as prescribed in this subsection.

a. Practice drills shall include actual evacuation of children to safe areas, outside, and beyond the home.

b. Drills shall be held at random times and under varying conditions to simulate the possible conditions in case of fire or other disaster.

c. All persons in the home shall participate in the drill.

d. Records shall be maintained for each emergency drill and shall include:

i. Date and time of drill;

ii. Total evacuation time;

iii. Exits used;

iv. Problems noted; and

v. Measures taken to ensure that a foster child or a child in a residential group home facility understand the purpose of a drill and his or her responsibilities during a drill.

C. A provider shall submit a copy of the emergency and disaster plan to the licensing agency or placing entity, as applicable.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-8-113

New section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3517, effective 1/24/2016. Amended by final rulemaking at 23 A.A.R. 3548, effective 12/12/2017. Amended by final rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 809, effective 6/6/2022.