Library: Policy

340:110-3-165.1. Safety and emergency preparedness requirements

Revised 6-1-22

This Section establishes residential child care safety and emergency preparedness requirements.

(1) Fire drills. Residents participate in fire drills at least six times annually on a bi-monthly basis with at least two drills conducted at night during sleeping hours.

(2) Tornado drills. Residents participate in tornado drills conducted each spring.

(3) Fire and tornado drill records. Facilities maintain fire and tornado drill logs.

(4) High-risk activities. When residents engage in activities, such as horseback riding, archery, gymnastics, karate, or using weapons, a written plan ensuring the residents' health and safety is maintained at the program. The plan includes:

(A) activity supervisor's qualifications;

(B) personnel qualifications necessary for supervision;

(D) conditions for resident participation, such as age and skill level;

(E) special equipment, such as life jackets or helmets, including the supply and condition; and

(F) safety practices.

(5) Water activities. When residents engage in recreational water activities, safety precautions are followed. An individual with a current water safety certificate or comparable certificate is in attendance at all times. This person is in the water or prepared to enter the water at any time.

(6) Disaster planning. The program maintains a written plan for:

(A) reporting and protecting from outside threats;

(B) fire evacuation;

(D) other natural or man-made disaster causing facility structural damage or posing health hazards.

(7) Sleep positioning. To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, infants younger than 12 months of age are placed on their backs for sleeping unless there is a medical reason documented by a licensed physician indicating the infant not sleep in this position. Documentation is maintained at the program.

(A) Infants who turn themselves over are initially placed on their backs for sleeping but are allowed to sleep in a position they prefer.

(B) Infants' and toddlers' heads and faces are not covered.

(8) Infant safe sleep environment. Infant safe sleep environments are maintained.

(A) Infants sleep in cribs or portable cribs meeting requirements, per Oklahoma Administrative Code 340:110-3-157(k).

(B) Infants sleep directly on a tight-fitting sheet covering the mattress.

(C) Only pacifiers without attachments are in rest equipment with infants. Bibs are not placed around infants' necks when in rest equipment.

(D) Infants, birth through three months of age, may be swaddled with an infant-sized, thin fabric, such as a receiving blanket, only when the infant is not mobile enough to move the fabric over his or her face.

(E) When an infant falls asleep in equipment other than appropriate rest equipment, he or she is immediately moved to appropriate rest equipment.

(F) Soft products, such as blankets, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, pillows, stuffed toys, and bumper pads are prohibited inside and on the side of the infant rest equipment.

(G) Sleep positioners and elevated mattresses are prohibited, unless there is a medical reason documented by a licensed physician.

(H) Play equipment and other items are not placed inside, above, or attached to the sides of the infant rest equipment, unless there is a medical reason for a monitor or other device documented by a licensed physician. However, mobiles may be securely attached or hung above the crib, provided no part of the mobile is within infant's reach.