Posted By Gordon Thelwell
Anygood?
http://www.derby.gov.uk/...homesafetyinspection.htmhttp://dcfswebresource.p...ienet.org/downloads/cfs/Foster Care Safety Checklist
This checklist is a guideline for those applying for or renewing their
foster care license/certificate. By going through your home with this
list prior to a home inspection or renewal, you not only keep children
safer, you will help to speed up the inspection and renewal process.
HOUSEKEEPING •Are traffic patterns and stairways free of clutter? Are
the attic, closets, garage and yard free of rubbish? •Are screen and
windows in good repair? •Do you check your yard daily for hazards such
as broken glass, sharp objects, toadstools, and dog droppings? •Have you
had your woodpile sprayed for black widows, or have you re-stacked in
the wood in the last 6 months? Is wood safely stacked? •Is your fence in
good condition? Are there any protruding nails or loose boards? Does
your yard-gate latch securely? Are tools safely stored?
ACCIDENT HAZARDS •Are all cleaning solutions, disinfectants or poisons
stored where children do not have access to them? •Are all medicines and
razor blades out of the reach of children? Check especially for
prescription drugs, aspirin, oil of wintergreen, alcohol,
antihistamines, iron pills, and vitamins. Preferably store these in a
locked cabinet. •Are all guns unloaded and in locked cabinets? If on
display, are the firing pins removed or trigger guards employed?
If caring for toddlers: •Are there gates at the top of bottom of stairs?
•Are pencils, pens, needles, scissors, or other sharp, small objects out
of reach? •Do you have safety covers on electrical outlets? •Are floors
free of tripping hazards (e.g. electric cords, throw rugs, toys)? •Are
there guard rails on stairs? •Do you have decals on glass doors and
windows at children's eye levels? •Do you have lead-free paint for
refinishing toys and children's furniture? •Are freezers or other large
chests locked or inaccessible? •Is your pool properly fenced for
protection of pre-school children? Is appropriate supervision and
instruction in water safety provided? Is pool properly maintained for
sanitation? •Are fish ponds and lily ponds fenced off or covered? •Have
you checked play areas for poisonous plants? Examples are Foxglove,
dieffenbachia, rhubarb and potato leaves, laurel, azaleas,
rhododendrons, castor beans, lantana and oleander. Are you dealing with
this danger? •Have your dogs and cats and other pets, as appropriate,
had their shots? •Do you have First Aid Supplies, including a First Aid
Manuel? •Have you a list of emergency numbers by your telephone? •Are
your window blind and/or drapery cords save?
Fire Safety •Are the numbers on your house easily seen from the street?
•Have you developed a fire-drill and/or emergency exit plan for your
children? •Do you have a smoke detector device and a fire extinguisher?
A can of baking soda near the kitchen stove will help. •Are matches,
lighters, candles, and other tempting fire hazards out of reach of
children? •Do you keep flammable liquids, such as gasoline and paint
thinner, in appropriate containers, away from both heat and children? •
Are all flammables stored at least 18" away from the water heater and
furnace? •Are fireplaces and open-faced heaters protected by screens? Is
gas heater vented and installed with a permanent connection? •Have you
had your furnace and water heater checked within the last year? •Do you
know how to shut off the gas electricity and water in case of emergency?
•Do your window bars have "quick release?"