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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 31, 2019 03:01 PM |
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| From: | Representative Robert E. Merski and Rep. Patrick J. Harkins |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Smoke Detectors in Child Care Facilities |
| On Sunday, August 11, 2019, a fire at a day care in Erie claimed the lives of five young children. Early news reports after the fire stated that there was one smoke alarm on the premises, which was in the attic of the home. This tragic loss of life could likely have been prevented if there were additional smoke detectors located throughout the building. Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can alert people to fire in their homes quicker and can help save lives. To prevent tragedies like the one that happened on August 11, we will be introducing a package of legislation that would require the Department of Human Services to check all smoke detectors and make sure emergency procedures and equipment are in place during their annual inspection of childcare facilities. Family child care homes would be required to have audible alarms and smoke detectors on each floor. As lawmakers, one of our most important responsibilities and duties is to ensure the safety of the children of this Commonwealth. We ask that you join us in supporting this legislation and in making certain that tragedies like this do not happen again. |
Document #1
| Description: | The first bill would require the Department of Human Services to check all smoke detectors and make sure written emergency plans, fire log drills, and posted evacuation notices are in place during their annual inspection of childcare facilities. | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #2
| Description: | The second bill would require family child care homes to have and maintain technologically connected smoke detectors located on each floor of a facility, including the basement. Alarms are required to sound when activated which must be audible to everyone within the space, even with intervening doors closed. | |
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| View Attachment | ||