[MyColony]

My house was built around 1900. The only source of heat we have is the old, very large, very heavy, cast iron radiators.

We were told in PRIDE that it probably won't matter. But our resource worker told us yesterday that it might.

we will be having licensing come soon to do our inspection and i am hoping to get some actual feedback as if this was an issue for anyone.

Covers are expensive and have been proven that they restrict a lot of the heat.

And replacing them is obviously out of the question.

Anybody have these and it was or was not a problem???

[QueenEsther]

Hi MyColony, I asked a very similar question not too long ago - the answers might be useful to you. The thread is here. I'm still waiting for my inspection, so I don't know how this is going to work out for me - inspection is 12/31, I'll try to remember to come let you know what (if anything) is said about radiators.

[mamala]

I have them and don't have them blocked. In fact, one is in the playroom that DYFS approved as a foster bedroom last year during our annual inspection.

Was never an issue. Family room, bathroom, kids rooms, kitchen--they all have them uncovered and it's been fine.

[QueenEsther]

We had our inspection this week and they never even glanced at the radiators.Even though I stressed about them a bunch, we never got around to blocking or covering them. You should be fine.

[momof9wantingmore]

We also have them, our licensor never even mentioned them.

[MyColony]

Thanks ladies - my home inspection is next week and I am glad to know that I should STOP stressing.

Thanks again

[QueenEsther]

Good luck! Mine was last week, and it went smoothly. The inspector was very kind. Relax! (easier said than done, I know).

[MyColony]

We had our first inspection today (pre inspection from dyfs before licensing comes)

My worker was VERY specific that the radiators will be a problem. I brought up "some people I know said it would be OK" based on the above and she thinks you guys just got lucky.

She wants me to put covers on all 11 of them. Um, yeah, I priced them out - a cheap (ugly) one cost about $250.

She said we might be able to apply for a grant and DYFS would pay for it. I told her "why not just call my inspector and flat out ask her about it? Wouldn't that save time and money?"

She said she would have to talk about it with her supervisor again.

It got me so upset. I just wanted to give everyone an update

[Joei_in_NJ]

That sucks - I too would definately ask the inspectors before they come so that it'll give you enough time to get them - or even better reach out to her supervisor - 250.00 a pop is very very expensive especially if you don't have to incur it - My thoughts and prayers are with you - when our RFW came out for our first homestudy she told us we would have to take the lock ( uses a key) off our french doors that lead to the deck - technically you need 2 ways to get out in a fire (window and door) and the closes door to the spare bedrooms is the front door -so it is not a fire hazard to children - (our bedroom is above garage and the french door are the closes to us) also downstairs in the family room there is a door that leads to the back yard and the door that leads outside the garage all have keys ( we moved from Newark hint hint lol) mind you we just put them on when we moved here - DH said he will not remove until the inspector tells us- sorry for hijacking you're thread

[MyColony]

It just sucks because if we really do need them, we dont have the $3K to shell out and then get reimbursed. So, we would have to wait for the approval from dyfs and the funds. God know how long that would take.

It is just upsetting because we are so anxious to get started.

I will keep everyone updated

[QueenEsther]

MyColony, that's disappointing. Can I tell you what I'd do in your shoes? You have to understand that I'm always on top of things - if something MIGHT be an issue, I'm already fixing it. That said, here's what I've seen with DYFS: Half of the things I was told to worry about didn't get a glance. If I were you I'd move forward, try not to stress about the radiators, and see what your inspector says when the time comes. I know this advice would have killed me, but I now see that it's the way to do business w/ DYFS. Just deal with things as they come up. If you'll be allowed to do your classes, etc, without fixing the radiators, go for it.

I can try to look in the inspection manual they gave me to see if there's anything about radiators in there.

[Joei_in_NJ]

Hey -I looked in the manual that was given to us- I dont see anything specific to radiators - the closes thing I found was on pg 26 10:122c-4.3

4. Working fireplaces and electric space heaters shall be protected by screens, guards, insulation or any other suitable, non-combustible protective device.
5. When a wood-burning stove is in use, the resource family parent shall ensure that either:
i. The stove is protected by a screen or guard; or
ii. Age-appropriate supervision is provided at all times when children are present.

6. No portable liquid-fuel-burning heating appliance shall be used in the home.

[MyColony]

Thanks ladies - when should I get this manual? The only "manual" we have is our PRIDE book.

We have already done all the classes, all our references, all indiv interviews, everything, the inspection is the last piece.

QueenEster - Yeah, I was thinking I would just schedule the inspection and hope for the best. And, if it comes up then deal with it then. I know it is not a fire issue or a burn issue.

Joei - Thanks for looking it up in the manual - from what is written, it seems like we should be OK.

I have to call my worker tomorrow anyway, I am going to ask about getting a copy of the manual.

Thank again

[Joei_in_NJ]

Hope I don't get in trouble for posting link- we got a physical manual at the end of our pride class

N.J.A.C. 10:122C
Manual of Requirements for Resource Family Parents
Resource family homes
N.J.S.A. 30:4C-27.3 et seq.
Resource Family Parent Licensing Act

[MyColony]

Thank you for posting the link - quite a bit of info. Like you said, I could not find anything other than what you posted. Since they are not electric nor portable, I think I am fine