To the Editor:

We would like to recognize and thank Gene Porter, fire marshall for the City of Madison, for the class he taught all of our staff at Kiddy Land. The course is mandatory for childcare professionals and must be renewed every three years. Most families are not aware of the training and facility requirements to be in compliance with the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner in the State of Georgia. Mandatory fire drills must be done monthly and documented. All exit signs and emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, sprinkler system, and kitchen vented hood must be in working order and inspected regularly with documentation of the inspections by certified professionals.
One of the most important pieces of information provided by Mr. Porter was that smoke alarms are less common than we think. Too many people die or suffer from burns needlessly.
Take a moment and check your home. Take a moment and check your work place. Take a moment and check your school. Take a moment and check your childcare provider. It could save a life.
Sincerely,

Marie Singleton, Shasta Tillery and Kathy Bleau
Kiddy Land, Madison
Hand delivered

Printed in the May 10, 2012 edition.