Alaska Daycare Fire Safety Requirements

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Alaska's child care facility regulations under 7 AAC 10.1000–1095 set specific detector requirements that go beyond standard residential code:

Smoke detectors: At least one working smoke detector must be installed in each bedroom: either a primary-powered (AC) detector with battery backup or a monitored battery-powered detector. For multi-level homes, at least one smoke detector is required on every level.

Carbon monoxide detectors: If your home uses wood, oil, natural gas, or propane for heating or cooking — which covers the vast majority of Alaska homes — a functional CO detector must be installed within each sleeping area, or no more than three feet from the entrance to every sleeping room.

The CCPO inspector will verify that each detector is installed, powered, and functional during the pre-licensing visit. Test all detectors before the visit and correct any problem you find.

Fire Extinguishers

At least one fully charged 2A:10BC dry-chemical fire extinguisher must be mounted on each level of the home. The 2A:10BC rating means it handles ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, fabric), flammable liquids, and electrical fires — the three categories most likely in a residential child care setting.

Extinguishers must be wall-mounted, accessible to adults, and out of reach of children. They must also undergo certified annual inspections. Ask the service provider for the current inspection cost and keep the certification or tag with your records.

Don't wait until the month before your CCPO inspection to get your extinguishers serviced. The tag dates need to be current, and a lapsed inspection is a common and avoidable correction item.

Monthly Evacuation Drills

Every licensed child care home must conduct and document at least one evacuation drill per month. Your records must show that all occupants — staff, children, and any household members present — can successfully evacuate the home within 150 seconds (2.5 minutes).

What the documentation needs to include:

• Date and time of the drill
• Number of children and adults present
• Evacuation time (start to all-clear at the assembly point)
• Any issues encountered and how they were resolved

The CCPO licensing specialist will review your drill log during every monitoring inspection. Missing months or drills that show times consistently over 150 seconds will trigger a compliance discussion.

Your written emergency evacuation plan (Form CC67 — "Get Out Alive!") must detail primary and secondary escape routes from every room used for child care, plus specific procedures for evacuating infants, toddlers, or children with limited mobility.

Fire Marshal Inspections

The state requires a fire safety inspection for programs serving six or more children. That includes child care group homes (9-12 children) and child care homes serving 6-8 children.

In Anchorage, the Anchorage Fire Department conducts pre-opening fire inspections for programs serving six or more children. In Fairbanks, fire marshal clearances go through the FNSB Fire Department. Juneau offers cost waivers through AEYC Southeast covering annual Fire Marshal inspection fees — a significant recurring savings.

Schedule your fire inspection early in the application process. Scheduling can add time to your timeline, and you cannot open until the required inspection is cleared.

The Alaska Home Daycare License guide includes the complete fire safety preparation checklist with the specific equipment specs, placement rules, and documentation templates that CCPO inspectors verify.

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