Daycare Centers

The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office (NHFMO) is providing expedited reviews and temporary approvals for childcare/daycare facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to Governor Sununu’s Executive Order 2020-04, the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office Bureau of Building Safety and Construction is responsible for ensuring NH daycare facilities comply with fire protection standards and guidelines related to construction, occupancy, fire alarm and sprinklers during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. This will remain in effect until the Executive Order expires.

We are working in conjunction with DHHS and the local fire department to process these requests.

For immediate needs related to daycare operations in support of COVID-19 care, we are conducting expedited reviews. In these cases we strive to make a decision within 24-48 hours.

Forms and Guidance

Daycare Occupancy Guidelines (emergency declaration)
Emergency Variance Requests

This situation remains fluid and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to balance their needs while maintaining an adequate level of fire and life safety during this time. Any/all questions regarding modifications to the fire or life safety code should be directed to the following:

DHHS Life Safety, Wendy Smigelski: (603) 271-9037
State Fire Marshal’s Office, Deputy State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey: (603) 223-4375

Need Help?

Please do not hesitate to contact us at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov