[LadyBugz]

I know it is different for every area, but can you give me some tips in advance. I'd hate to fail and have a re-do on things we could have had in place up front.

• 5+ lb fire extinguisher
• outlet covers for every single one of the unused outlets in the house
• Locking box for medications

What else? For some reason I know to ask about chemicals. Are child locks enough? Is height enough? Can chemicals be on a shelf 6' high in the laundry room, but not locked? Can they be under the sink but with child locks? Can they be on a shelf in the garage? What other things might be good to think about?

[MsPoppy]

If you have a 2 story house, A fire escape ladder, you can buy them at Wal-Mart for around 30$

[pinkpoodle]

Here is a great checklist:
http://www.fosterparents.com/articles/index52fcs.html

[NCnewMom]

Each state has their own fire code, etc. I found my state's info after some digging on the DSS website. Usually you can get a link to the foster parent manual online (NC's is in an Adobe reader file) I would get your county's official rules before you spend much money - it varies so much state to state. Good luck!

[kathyandmark]

My parents were foster parents in RI and they had to have an emergency ON/OFF switch installed on their boiler in the basement and also a carbon monoxide detector. I am sure you already know you need working smoke detectors on every floor.

[LadyBugz]

Thanks so much with the info! So far, so good!

[lakin11]

Hey Lady,
I know (repeat) that every state is different. In IN, we were only required to have 1 extinguisher per floor, (we are one story), but we put one in the kitchen, and one in the hall closet. We also put smoke detectors in every bedroom, even though it was not required. I know I read somewhere that new building codes here in IN are now automatically requiring a detector in every bedroom.
As far as chemicals, I put most of my stuff in the laundry room on a high shelf. I also had a few things that I used on a daily basis under the sink w/ child proof locks.
Really, a lot of it was common sense stuff. We weren't required to have lock boxes for meds, but I know some people do require that. (some require one for refridgerated meds too). I asked, and as long as it was out of reach, no problem. So ours are all in the cabinet above the stove, and we've only had one refridgerated med, and that was on the top shelf in the back wehre the kids couldn't reach.
I'll tell you this....DON'T flip out cleaning and making sure the house is sparkling.....they won't look/care! They will look to make sure you have adequate beds, bedding, working bathrooms, running water, some look in fridge and pantry just to make sure you have food. Otherwise, they don't seem to be too picky. Sometimes I think they need to be a little more picky, but I guess they don't have time to check out everything! It will be fine!
Shannon

[Arnden]

Here in Colorado we cannot have cleaning products in the same room we prepare food in (the kitchen) also depending on age you might need baby gates for stairs.

[twinflana]

In our state all chemicals and medications must be locked. It does not matter how high you have them up. I just bought a big plastic bin (the type you would store yard supplies in outside) and put a key lock on it.

[LadyBugz]

Very interesting. Thanks for all the ideas so far!

[blessedbybug]

Piggybacking on this informative thread with a question, if no one minds. We are working to get our fostering license and one requirement is a written fire evacuation plan. We have already drawn floor plans and possible exits. Did anyone have to do a written plan? If so, what did it look like? Do you have any resources to get started? I'm just not sure what all is required.

TIA!

[twinflana]

do not stress yourself out about it it just has to be a floor plan with lines and arrows showing how you would exit the house.

[blessedbybug]

twinflana ~ Thanks! Just have to draw a few arrows and I'm good to go and ready for inspection tomorrow. Thanks again!

[twinflana]

Good Luck and dont worry to much. It usually is alot easier than you would expect.