[renee-albright]

Ok we just got the paperwork for our homestudy agency and they have send a letter to the fire department for them to come out and give us a fire inspection. I have no idea when this is going to be. Didnt even know we needed this. We also apparently need a health dept inspection. Can someone tell me what I should expect from these inspections. I havent heard anyone talk about these and I would really like to be prepared.

[shellysarita]

We didn't experience that with our adoption from Guat.. Our SW did check to be sure we had smoke detectors.

Shelly

[hunterfamily]

The only time I have seen those done for a home study is if you are doing foster care.

[renee-albright]

Ok now you guys have me thinking I should contact our adoption agency and check with them to make sure this is something the homestudy agency should be requesting? Could it possible be a state or county requirement?
Has anyone needed the health dept inspection?

[frankiegirl]

We live in WA and did not have to have either of them done.

[renee-albright]

Anybody out there in maryland??

[JenC]

Renee,

We just had to have working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Oh, we also had to have escape plans. I would double check and make sure that they actually need to come out and inspect. Since there's not a lot of people on here, I would ask on the big Yahoo Ethiopia adopt group. (PM me if you need the link)

Jenny

[ocracoke]

In NC the home study was simple. I had a fire extinguisher -- not that they noticed. I have smoke alarms -- not that they checked. However, I have heard of others needing the fire department and health department inspection in other states -- can't remember which states off the top of my head. It is not an Ethiopian requirement. It is the state of county requirement. When I ran a shelter I had to go through early insepctions by these places. The fire department one was easy. They checked for working alarms and easy exits in each room -- I think we also had to have an exit plan posted but I think that was because we were a shelter. They also checked the basement to make sure there were no fire hazards (fuels, exposed wires, etc). The health inspection was harder for us but may not be that hard for you. It checked food storage and cleanliness. Because we were a shelter they also checked for handicapped accessibility (counters right height, ramp, enough room for a wheel chair). Presumably you would not need to do those things. It may be possible to contact both of those agencies and ask if there is a check list they can share with you so that you can get your home properly prepared before the inspection.

Good luck,
Samantha

[sakelley]

Our state (Ohio) requires a fire department inspection for a homestudy. Basically, the inspector comes out and makes sure that you have working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher near your stove, a carbon monoxide detector (required if you have natural gas), a fire escape plan drawn out with 2 exits from each bedroom and the exits aren't blocked by anything, checks that you don't have anything stored too close to your furnace or hot water tank. We only need a health department inspection if we have well water/septic tank.

[renee-albright]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm assuming this is a state/county requirement then because it definetly says that the health dept and the fire dept will be calling to make appointments Guess I better go out and buy a fire extinguisher. Figures I would live in a state that is more complicated.

[cnmhenry]

We are in Maryland and we also had to have the fire and health departments come out as part of the homestudy when we started our Daughter's adoption from Guatemala. The fire department wasn't a big deal at all.ALthough they did bring the fire truck!! That brought some neighbors out!! Make sure that you have a working smoke detector on each level of your home and one near the baby's room. Also make sure that you have a working fire extinguisher on each floor. Now the health department they were really not that bad that either. They check to make sure that your hot water is in the correct range, that if you have stairs that your hand rails are correct. If they find anything you have to fix it isn't a big deal, they will come back out and check. We are in Anne Arundel Co if you go to your county's web site look under I think Foster Care, you can more detailed info. HTH

[renee-albright]

We are also in AA county. I actually called the fire inspector and he said the only thing they can inforce is working smoke detectors and house #'s so we are good with that. Our house is only one floor. We will be getting a fire extinguisher next time i see my parents because my dad has one for us but its good to know I dont have to run out and get one before they come to inspect. Still waiting to here from them and the health dept on when they are coming.