In most states, your home has to pass a “home inspection” in order to qualify for adoption. The guidelines for this are usually the same as for licensing a foster home.

Here are some things that you can do to get ready for your inspection and save some time during your home study.

Fire plan – Do you have a written fire evacuation plan? Most of us don’t, even those of us married to firefighters. Draw up a simple diagram of the floor plan of your home. Indicate exit paths for your home, and where your central meeting area would be. Keep a copy with your adoption paperwork, and post a copy on each floor of your home.

Emergency phone numbers – You may be required to post a list of emergency phone numbers for your child to access. Include the obvious numbers for fire, ambulance and police, but also numbers for the doctor, dentist, and nearby family members. If you are anticipating a younger child who may not be able to read, put a picture of each one next to the phone number. Have it posted in a central location, as well as by each phone in your home.

Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers – Double check to make sure that you have working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers on each floor of your home. This is a minimum requirement. For additional protection, put a smoke detector in each bedroom, and add a carbon monoxide detector on each floor.

Lead paint – If you live in an older home, have it checked for lead paint. With all the toy recalls recently, it is not hard to find a lead paint kit. You can also get them online here.

Check your locks – The locks on all doors must be able to be opened with a key. Again, this may be an issue in older homes. We live in an old farm house and the lock on the bathroom was not key accessible. It was a deadbolt style lock that locked from the inside.

Handrails – All stairs must have hand rails on them, even if they are outdoors.

Pet vaccinations – Make sure all your pets are current on vaccinations. You will be required to show proof of vaccinations. If you do not have copies of them, be sure to get them from your vet.

Chemicals – Are all chemicals or cleaning supplies out of the child’s reach? Move them from a lower cabinet to a higher one.

Simple safety measures – You can install simple safety devices to protect younger children. Outlet covers, cabinet and refrigerator latches, bath tub faucet covers and other basic products can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Get down on your hands and knees and look at things from a child’s level. What things would they want to get in to?

Doing these simple things will help keep you occupied while you are waiting and prevent delays during your home study process.

Baby proofing safety kit

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