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Child Foster Care Home Safety Checklist – Guidance 4 <br />and accessible. An interior door that locks from the outside (for instance a closet or room not meant for <br />children to access), must also be able to be unlocked from the inside. This is to avoid a child being <br />intentionally or accidentally locked inside a room or closet. Under no circumstances can a padlock be <br />used on a door to an interior room. <br />7. The home is clean and free from accumulations of dirt, garbage, peeling paint, vermin, <br />and insects - the home must also be free of animal feces and urine. A walk-through of all rooms <br />of the home must be completed to assess any obvious hazards in addition to general cleanliness. <br />It is assumed that foster children could have access to all areas of the home, even if the <br />applicant or license holder indicates that the area will not be accessible to foster children. If a <br />door is locked, a licensor must inquire as to what is kept behind the locked door and request to <br />see inside the room to assess for any safety hazards. <br />8. The outside property is free from debris and safety hazards. Exterior stairs and walkways are <br />free of ice and snow - A walk-through around the property must be completed to determine any <br />potential safety hazards. Outside egress windows cannot be filled with snow. Ensure if there are items <br />stored on the property, they are not hazardous or dangerous. <br />If the home has a hot tub, wading or swimming pool discuss household rules around access and use of <br />the pool and how adult supervision will always be provided. Confirm the applicant or license holder <br />understands they will need to meet the individualized water safety supervision needs for each child <br />placed in the home. Confirm the applicant or license holder does the appropriate maintenance needed <br />to prevent infectious diseases. Document this on the home safety checklist. <br />9. Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and hot surfaces that could cause burns are protected by <br />guards when in use - discuss whether fireplaces are used and when or if there has been a change in <br />the operation or use of an existing fireplace or wood-burning stove. Determine if a fire safety <br />inspection is required according to the triggers in Minnesota Rules, part 2960.3050. A gas or electric <br />fireplace, radiator, or hot water baseboard may still need a guard to avoid exposure to a hot surface. <br /> <br />10. The heating system in the home is maintained and in good working condition – licensors <br />must observe furnaces or other heating systems for any obvious hazards and discuss with the <br />applicant and license holder how it is checked and maintained. A furnace inspection is not required. <br />If the heating system is not inside the unit or apartment, it does not need to be observed, as the <br />building would have its own inspection process. <br />Home Safety and Health <br />1. Knives, tools, matches, and other potentially hazardous materials are not accessible – <br />check countertops, drawers, etc. for these items to ensure they are safely stored, considering the <br />ages and behaviors of children that are being placed. Examples of potentially hazardous materials <br />may include propane or lighters. <br />Page 193 of 379