TX HHS Form 7263. Emergency Practices

Form 7263 is a critical tool for childcare providers in Texas to document emergency preparedness practices. This form ensures that providers regularly conduct drills for fire, severe weather, and lock-down scenarios, and that safety equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are inspected. Proper use of this form helps protect children, staff, and visitors while meeting state licensing requirements.

Purpose and Overview of Form 7263

The form serves to track and verify the completion of emergency drills and safety checks throughout the year. By maintaining accurate records, childcare centers demonstrate compliance with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) minimum standards. The form covers:

• Fire Drills – Monthly practice for safe evacuation.
• Sheltering/Severe Weather Drills – Quarterly practice to protect against tornadoes or other hazardous situations.
• Lock-Down Drills – Quarterly practice for incidents involving volatile persons on the premises.
• Testing of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
• Inspection of Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits.

Detailed Section Explanations

Fire Drill

This section records the monthly evacuation of children and staff to a designated safe area. Each drill must be completed within three minutes, and staff initials verify participation. Common mistakes include failing to record exit times or skipping months.

Sheltering/Severe Weather

Here, the provider documents quarterly drills to protect children and staff from tornadoes or other hazards. Abbreviations S (Shelter) and SW (Severe Weather) are used to indicate the type of drill. Missing or incomplete records may result in licensing citations.

Lock-Down Drill

This section documents quarterly drills for securing children and staff in place during emergencies involving volatile individuals. Proper recording includes date, time, staff initials, and exit times. Mistakes often include inconsistent notation or incomplete staff participation records.

Battery-Powered Lighting, Fire Extinguishers, and Relocation Sites

Providers must verify that emergency lighting is operational and fire extinguishers are in the correct locations. Relocation sites for children and staff after evacuation should be documented to ensure clarity in case of real emergencies.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Testing

Monthly testing of CO alarms and smoke detectors is mandatory. The form requires documenting test dates, ensuring accountability and compliance. Common errors include forgetting to record the date or neglecting monthly tests.

First Aid Kit and Operation Inspections

The location and contents of the First Aid Kit must be documented. Providers also record inspections for fire, health, and gas safety. Accurate and up-to-date records ensure that the facility meets HHSC safety standards.

Practical Recommendations for Providers

• Maintain consistent monthly and quarterly logs.
• Verify all safety equipment before drills.
• Use initials and exit times for staff accountability.
• Attach any supporting documents, such as maintenance receipts for detectors or extinguishers.
• Ensure all staff are trained on emergency procedures.

Real-Life Examples of Usage

• During a monthly fire drill, the center discovered blocked exits and corrected them before a real emergency occurred.
• After a tornado warning, the sheltering drill ensured all children and staff moved safely to designated areas.
• During a lock-down drill, new staff were trained on secure room procedures, improving readiness for potential threats.

Required Documents

• Records of all drills and inspections
• Maintenance logs for smoke and CO detectors
• Fire extinguisher inspection certificates
• Staff training attendance sheets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should this form be completed?

Monthly for fire drills and inspections; quarterly for severe weather and lock-down drills.

Who is allowed to fill out Form 7263?

Designated childcare staff or the safety officer responsible for emergency preparedness.

What happens if a drill is missed?

Missing drills can result in licensing non-compliance and may trigger follow-up inspections.

Do I need to attach any supporting documents?

Yes, including inspection logs for detectors, extinguishers, and training records for staff.

Where should relocation sites be recorded?

All relocation sites for children and staff must be clearly documented in the designated section of the form.

What are common mistakes?

• Failing to record exit times or staff initials.
• Incomplete or missing monthly/quarterly entries.
• Not checking emergency lighting or fire equipment before drills.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers for Quick Reference)

• Purpose: Document emergency drills and equipment checks.
• Who files: Childcare staff or safety officer.
• Deadline: Monthly and quarterly, depending on drill type.
• Attachments: Inspection and maintenance logs, staff training records.
• Submitted to: Licensing inspectors during scheduled inspections.

Related Forms

• Texas Childcare Licensing Safety Checklist
• Fire Drill Record Form
• Severe Weather Drill Log
• Lock-Down Drill Documentation Form

Form Details

Name: Emergency Practices Form

Number: 7263

Region: Texas

Date of Revision: May 2018-E

Authority: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)