Fire inspectors focus on day care safety

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter

July 17, 2008 11:56 am

— jeff.waters@gaflnews.com

The death of a four-year-old in a fire at a Tallahassee day care center Friday has prompted Lt. Paul Haas of Suwannee County Fire/Rescue to take action to prevent such an occurrence here.
Gracie Chen died in a fire at the Stepping Stones Child Care Center when caregivers failed to notice she had not evacuated the building with her classmates. Haas said the incident focuses attention on day care fire safety regulations. Under state law, explained Haas, day care centers must conduct a fire drill every 30 days.
Haas has taken it upon himself to assist county day care centers with proper escape and evacuation drills. He and SCFR fire inspector Johnny Howard visited Peppers Little Helpers Childcare on CR 136 (Newbern Road) Monday to test the fire safety skills of the kids and their caregivers alike.
Haas said the kids did an "outstanding job." He also commended the staff for their knowledge of fire safety and their work in providing a safe environment for the children.
"We take it very seriously," Evelyn Peppers, operator of Peppers Little Helpers. "We talk with the children about fire safety all the time." Peppers thanked Haas and Howard for their services, which they provided free of charge.
Haas will be visiting two day cares in Branford, one in Dowling Park and Suwannee Valley 4 C's when it reopens in August.

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