Home Inspection: Not every state requires a home inspection at the time of the sale. Resulting in a failure at your ho!me; if you do not have an Insepection done at the time of the sale

1. Introduction: About me and why you need a home inspection. I am a retired firefighter; I currently work in the EMS field still today and still hold my EMT License. my EMT license. I am a home inspector trying to tell potential home buyers the need to get an home inspection done. As well as any renovations, remodels, rebuilds. From design to finish products. So many steps should be followed. 

Did you know not every state requires by state law an home inspection, nor is there a requirement in every state for an home inspector to be certified/licensed and required CEU. Nor does all the states require a home inspector to sit for a national license exam. 

• The most relevant national surveys focus on homeowners, not specifically recent buyers, but they still give a good sense of repair‑related surprises:

• A 2025 national survey found about 25% of homeowners delay major repairs, often due to cost.

• Another 2025–2026 survey reported nearly 60% of homeowners are postponing repairs because of rising costs.

• A home inspection matters because it protects buyers, sellers, and current homeowners in different—but equally important—ways. Your draft page is already pointing in the right direction, and expanding it into a clear, authoritative explanation will strengthen your blog post and reinforce your expertise as Emberton Home Inspections. FYI:*** An notice that a book is forth coming from me, possibly book title. I will keep you aware of the release date, possibly in March of 2027. It will be thick and is written as a firefighter seeing the home as the firefighter does the home inspection filled with valuable knowledge!

2. What Is a Home Inspection?

• Definition & purpose: A full inspection of the home's interior, exterior, roof, attic, and much more. The purpose is to seek and find potential hazardous like asbestos, mold, outdated wiring like knob and tube, to Electrical Panel not code compliant and still in use today. 
• Who performs them:(licensed home inspectors, specialized engineers, etc.). Some home inspectors will bring in 3rd party Contractors for roof inspections, HVAC, Plumbing for sewer and lateral line inspections, septic/leach field, inground pool, to pest removal, electrical. We may have to close the home due to, lead paint asbestos, mold/mildew, air flow, to radon testing. 
• Typical duration & format of the inspection report. It should contain hundreds of pictures, hundreds of pages of explanation, a very detailed report will not be short and sweet and not written onsite in minutes. A home inspector is not doing a home inspection if they are doing 2 a day with report writing on the site. A factual report written shall be very long/lengthily, with pictures, placed in a 3-ring binder. Not emailed only. You as the potential home buyer needs it in their hand. ***** Do not accept the seller's inspection! Some non-licensed inspector can be bought off, or they just overlook items, their report is not conclusive and written well! Remember Missouri is a state that does not require an home inspector to be licensed, or have any formal training, experience. The elected leaders in the majority (republican party keeps voting against this. They say it will not allow those who want to be a home inspector, to do the job and form a company. It is not business friendly. But any real estate agent must attend a class. But not a home inspector, nor will the elected leaders mandate a license, national home inspector exam, nor any required continuing education. This puts your home and your lfe in danger.  

3. When Should You Schedule a Home Inspection?

Situation	Ideal Timing	Key Considerations
Buying a home	After an offer is accepted (contingency)	Protects your investment
Selling a home	Before listing (pre‑listing inspection)	Helps price accurately & negotiate
Homeownership (maintenance)	Every 2–3 years or after major events (storm, renovation)	Prevents surprise repairs
Mortgage financing	Lender‑required before loan approval	Ensures property meets safety standards

4. The Home Inspection Process – Step by Step

1. Pre‑Inspection Prep – homeowner clears access, provides utility info
2. Exterior Walk‑Around – roof, siding, drainage, foundation, landscaping
3. Interior Examination – structure, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, appliances
4. Specialized Checks (optional) – radon, mold, termites, sewer camera, pool, solar panels
5. Report Delivery – written findings, photos, severity ratings, repair estimates
6. Post‑Inspection Review – discuss findings with inspector, prioritize repairs

5. Core Areas Inspectors Evaluate (with Common Red Flags)

Category	What Inspectors Look For	Typical Red Flags
Roof	Shingles condition, flashing, gutters	Curling, granule loss, leaks
Foundation & Structure	Cracks, moisture, level floors	Large horizontal cracks, sagging beams
Plumbing	Pipes, water pressure, drainage, water heater	Corrosion, low pressure, leaks
Electrical	Service panel, wiring, GFCI, grounded outlets	Double‑tapped breakers, outdated knob‑and‑tube
HVAC	Furnace, AC, ductwork, thermostats	Dirty filters, noisy operation, lack of maintenance
Exterior	Siding, windows, doors, grading	Rot, broken caulking, improper drainage
Interior	Walls, ceilings, floors, insulation	Stains, mold, missing insulation
Safety Items	Smoke/CO detectors, railings, egress	Missing detectors, loose railings

6. How to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection

• Declutter and provide clear access to attics, basements, and crawl spaces
• Ensure utilities are on (water, electricity, gas)
• Replace burnt‑out light bulbs, test GFCI outlets
• Provide manuals/receipts for recent repairs or upgrades
• Quick “DIY” fixes (tighten loose handrails, replace cracked caulk, etc.)

7. Interpreting the Inspection Report

• Understanding severity ratings (minor, moderate, major)
• Differentiating “repair” vs. “replacement” recommendations
• Using the report for negotiation (buyer) or pricing (seller)
• When to bring in specialists (structural engineer, electrician)

8. Cost of a Home Inspection: What to Expect

• Typical price ranges by region & home size ($300–$600 for a single‑family home)
• Additional fees for specialized inspections (radon, mold, pest)
• Value‑based comparison: cost vs. potential savings from avoided repairs

9. Choosing the Right Home Inspector

First Questions to Ask: How long have you been doing home inspections, do you write the reports on site, do you email the report or is it printed off in a 3-ring binder? How well are your reports written? Do you describe what the picture is and how many pictures are usually included in the report. If they write the report onsite and emails the report, is a key to you. They did not do a good inspection, and by emailing it saves them money. But when you are asked by family you will not remember most of the time and when they ask to take home with them the report to see how well it is structured. They will not be able to physically hold it. Paper and printer ink is nominal and should not be a factor it is the cost of doing business and is already figured in to the cost of the inspection, unless they are cheap. Also be aware I have seen home inspectors in their vehicle drinking a beer or doing a 99-cent shot bottle. I have personally seen a local inspector go into a gas station bought a24 pack of beer, put it in the cooler of his labeled vehicle in the trunk, had an ice cold one in his hand. I followed him, he went to a home down the street and put up his ladder to the roof and started his inspection. Yes, I made the phone call to police of a driver consuming beer and told them what happened. I drove on by; I do not know if the police caught the inspector or not. But be aware. Also ask if they smoke. The inspector should not smoke on your property or consume any alcoholic beverages while conduction of said inspection. Keep a cooler of ice-cold water bottles or sports drinks that are no sugar, available for them to consume.

• Licensing & certification (e.g., ASHI, NAHI, state boards) > not all states require a license or certification. There are some who are not part of these associations. But have experience, have gone thru home inspection course and are State of Missouri Certified Firefighter, like me
• Experience with the property type (older homes, new construction), some use their fire education, certification and experience in inspections on how to do an inspection. 
• Sample report review (clarity, photos, detail). The report should be a minimum of 75 single pages, a minimum of 75 photos that are detailed. The more pages, the more photos the deeper the inspector went to find out the potential dangers. How is it worded. Is it written that "you should" replace should throw up a red flag! The report should state words like highly dangerous, dangerous and needs to be replaced as soon as possible, you attention is needed. These words and the description should be bold, in italics, underlined and in a bold bright color to draw attention to the reader (potential home buyer) as it is highly needed to correct to protect life and property!
• References & online reviews: The report should have citations > IRC Building Codes, local area having jurisdiction over the property.

10. Common Myths & Misconceptions

• “A home inspection is a code compliance check.” No its not! Yesa home inspector may refer to a code, but code is minimal and makes the structure safe to live in. 
• “If the inspector says ‘good,’ the house is flawless.” RUN! Run away from the inspector and contact the following a lawyer, electriacal contractor, plumber, hvac, roofer, get a radon, air sampling tests. Get an asbestos contractor to ensure that the home that was built in the 1970 and before does not contain this dangerous material. Have the home checked for lead, mold, and hire another independent home inspector, do not let the home inspector that told you it is flawless. As I can find many problem issues with a brand-new custom-built home. 
  
• “You can skip a home inspection on a new build.” DO NOT DO THIS! A brand-new home should have inspections done at every step, from foundation, to waterproofing, to framing. From electrical, plumbing, hvac rough in (this is what is known as pre-drywall inspections) to roof truss, roofing, interior finishes, finish plumbing, bath/kitchen, GFCi, AFCI, exterior outlets and much more. 
• Can burned wall studs, roof trusses be reused: Yes, as long as the char depth is not deeper than 1/4" deep. I note this as an issue and write in my report to have a licensed bonded contractor to address the problem, buy sistering the wood, painting of the wood with pink fireproof paint. Local Paint Stores, Lowes, Home Depot carries the paint or can order it. 
• What is blue paint on wood for. The blue paint is a special paint is applied to the wood structural members that are near areas of concern such as basements walls, walls in the kitchen/bathrooms it will not allow mold, mildew to grow. You can get this paint at the same locations. Just ask at the paint counter. 

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I attend the inspection? Some inspectors allow this, to show them where the electrical panel, attic access, help with running water in the bath and shower. 
• What if the inspector misses something? A great reason to have the homeowner onsite. Sometimes, a new home will not have anyone there, have your cell phone in case of an emergency. 
• Do I need a separate inspection for a condo? No
• How long does a typical report take to arrive? usually in 72 hours or less
• Are there any “inspection‑free” states? Not that I am aware of. The home inspection fee can be paid onsite, can be figured to be paid at the sale and the fee given by the loan company. If it is a brand-new home, there may be in a series of inspection fees.
• Wood Deck Inspection Fee. Home Inspector will charge a nominal fee for this. It's usually about $100 +/-. Yes, you need a home inspector to do this inspection, because they also need to look at the home that the wood deck is attached too. 
• Do I need to provide my Insurance Agents name and number? Yes, this is why, so the agent gets a copy and knows the extent of the home's structure/wood deck for insurability.
• Can this affect my homeowner's policy? Yes, it will reflect how the insurance agent handles and writes the policy, to ensure enough coverage. Yes, the agent can force you the homeowner to correct a problem or loose the homeowner's policy

12. After the Inspection: Next Steps, The Inspection report is used to lower the home price, it needs to be:

1. Before signing, get a contractor to give an itemized cost breakdown of the repairs, this is your leverage point. Use it to lower the price of the home final price. 
2. Obtain repair estimates (contractors), get licensed bonded contractors with insurance
3. Review & prioritize repairs. 
4. Insurance needed: General Liability of $1 million dollars minimum, Work Compensation, Errors and Omissions
5. Negotiate credits or price adjustments with the seller
6. Schedule follow‑up inspections if needed (e.g., after major repairs).

13. The Long‑Term Benefits of Regular Home Inspections

• Early detection of hidden problems → lower repair costs
• Increased home resale value & marketability
• Enhanced safety for occupants (fire, CO, structural hazards)
• Documentation for insurance & warranty purposes

14. Conclusion

• Why a home inspection is a smart investment? Because will help you keep the value of the home resale price. 
• Review & prioritize repairs
• A sample of my inspection form, it can be short due to a condo/apartment, or it can be short and not fully explained. If there are just checks but nothing other noted, this is a red flag! Get another inspection.
  
  
  

  Emberton Home Inspections

  Residential Home Inspection Checklist

  Inspector: Roy Poteete Company: Emberton Home Inspections Phone: Email: Rpoteete06@outlook.com Website: under construction Address: St. Charles, Missouri

  Property Information

  • Client Name:

  • Inspection Date:

  • Property Address:

  • Weather Conditions:

  • Occupancy:

  • Type of Structure:

  Exterior Evaluation

  Roofing

  • ☐ Roof covering condition

  • ☐ Flashing and penetrations

  • ☐ Chimney condition

  • ☐ Gutters and downspouts

  • ☐ Roof drainage performance

  Exterior Walls & Trim

  • ☐ Siding material condition

  • ☐ Trim and fascia

  • ☐ Caulking and sealants

  • ☐ Exterior paint or finish

  Foundation & Grading

  • ☐ Visible foundation surfaces

  • ☐ Settlement or cracking

  • ☐ Grading slope away from structure

  • ☐ Drainage patterns

  Decks, Porches & Steps

  • ☐ Structural integrity

  • ☐ Guardrails and handrails

  • ☐ Surface condition

  Interior Evaluation

  General Interior

  • ☐ Walls and ceilings

  • ☐ Floors

  • ☐ Doors and hardware

  • ☐ Windows and locks

  • ☐ Stairs and railings

  Fireplace

  • ☐ Firebox condition

  • ☐ Damper operation

  • ☐ Hearth and surround

  Safety Devices

  • ☐ Smoke detectors

  • ☐ CO detectors

  Kitchen & Appliances

  • ☐ Cabinets and countertops

  • ☐ Sink, faucet, and drainage

  • ☐ Dishwasher

  • ☐ Range/oven

  • ☐ Refrigerator

  • ☐ Vent hood (vented/unvented)

  Bathrooms

  • ☐ Sinks and faucets

  • ☐ Toilets (stability, leaks)

  • ☐ Tubs/showers

  • ☐ Ventilation

  • ☐ Tile and grout condition

  Mechanical & Utility Systems

  Electrical

  • ☐ Main panel (amp rating, labeling)

  • ☐ Breakers and wiring

  • ☐ GFCI/AFCI protection

  HVAC

  • ☐ System type and condition

  • ☐ Filter condition

  • ☐ Distribution performance

  Plumbing

  • ☐ Supply lines

  • ☐ Drain lines

  • ☐ Water heater (age, condition)

  Attic & Insulation

  • ☐ Insulation depth and coverage

  • ☐ Ventilation

  • ☐ Roof sheathing condition

  Inspector Summary

  Overall Condition: Safety Concerns: Recommended Repairs: Maintenance Items: Further Evaluation Needed:

• Next Blog will be over Wood Deck Inspections and Wood Decks. Enjoy the reading I have included in the report my email address.

Professional Transport Driver Fire Safety

What do commercial/professional drivers know about

fire extingushers?

 

 

 We know that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration stated in Section393.95 with a 5BC rated extinguisher for all cargo loads except for HAZMAT LOADS and then a minimum of 10 BC or more. All FIRE EXTINGUISHERS must be LABELED WITH THE UNDER WRITERS LABEL ON IT "UL" 

 

The only problem with a BC Rated Extinguisher it will not put out the following type of fires:

1. Paper
2. Tire
3. Brakes
4. Rubber Hoses/air lines
5. Plastic(s)
6. Fiberglass
7. Seating Materials
8. Matteress
9. Clothing
10. Carpet
11. Aluminum
12. Magnesuim

 

These are a few too name that this style of EXTINGUISHER WILL NOT PUT OUT! Oh yes these items maybe on your vehicle today in engine blocks, wheels. Lets look at Fire Extingusher and what the LETTERS and NUMBERS MEANS so you have a better understanding of what the Fire extinguisher will do and how too use this Safety Equipment.

 

Fire Extinguisher Ratings and what they mean too you:

 

Drivers may not be aware of the ratings and how they will effect the extinguishment of a fire.

The Ratings

A- ordinary combusitbles such as paper, seating materials, rubber, brake linings, etc

B - flammable liquids

C - energized electrical

Means the different types of fires the extinguisher will put out, the number means the amount in general.

So do you really know how too use the fire extinguisher?

 

 So you just pull the pin and squeeze the  handle at the fire? Well not exactly! Can you remember:


P. Pull the pin
A. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S. Squeeze the handle to start eh discharge of the extinguisher powder
S. Sweep side to side >> WHILE BACKNIG AWAY FROM THE FIRE, never turn your back to the fire <<


You must also know the type of load you are carrying, the size of your extinguisher and classification of said extinguisher. you must know that when you pull this and start to use the extinguisher you'll deplet the system in about 20 secondes.

Fire Extinguishers are useless on Tire Fires and any combustible metals such as Magneisum. So you need to make yourself aware of the DOT Hazard Material Response Guide if you are hauling hazardoous materials and your unit should catch on fire.


If your unit catches on fire.......and you can safely use the fire extinguisher remove it and use it as you back away from unit and stay safely away from the unit. Remain in/near the unit till the fire department arrives. the Fire/Police dispatcher may ask you common questuions such as What are you hauling, is ther anyone trapped, how much product do you have on/in the trailer. Make sure that when you leave the unit that you take the Bill of Lading with you. The Police and Fire Dept will appericate this as they can tell what you are hauling and how to proceed to extinguisher the fire. They may need to call for several more fire truck or water tanker if you have a trailer full of recyled paper/roll stock paper or cardboard.

Drivers it is your responsibality to ensure that you know what you are doing when hauling anything in the trailer including to promote the general safety of the public in the time of an emergency such as a fire.

If your unit catches fire, safely pull the unit to the side of the road, grab the BOL's when exiting the unit and get away from the rig......once you have exited the rig STAW AWAY > DO NOT RETRUN this is for your safety. The seats when buring will off gas hydrochloric gases as well as other chemnicals that will kill you in seconds.




Driver travel safe, be safe and always look out for the public safety!


Roy



 





Small Fire Safety Ticket Items are bign overlooked in Hotels and Motels across the USA

 

Small Fire Safety Ticket Items are beign overlooked in Hotels and Motels across the USA.

 

 

Why yes, even the smallest of things that you may think that will not matter much in a fire safety inspection may just cause the life of a guest!

 

As a traveler and I travel about 300 days a year and stay in Hotels/Motels about 100+/- days a year I see a host of things that have caught my eye. The power too makes sure that the business operators correct the potential LIFE-THREATENING FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS in their business is up too you thru aggressive measures, such as repeated attempts of code enforcement, letters to the business operator's insurance agent, the agent supervisor, then the corporate office of the insurance company with video documented and photo documentation, State Fire Marshalls Office for their assistance. If you have the working co-operations of the County Prosecuting Attorney, use them via court order(s).

 

What are they you may ask; here are some that I have found in my travels:

1. Smoke Detectors missing from the room(s) and or hanging off the walls.
2. Inoperable smoke detectors by wire being taken off of direct wiring and or missing the battery and the detector is left open.
3. Missing Fire Extinguishers.
4. Fire Extinguisher(s) not charged but in the cabinet.
5. Safety Pins missing from the fire extinguishers and/or partially filled.
6. Storage of combustibles on and under steps deemed for EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTES.
7. Blow/burned out light bulbs in Emergency Escape Lighting.
8. Emergency Exit Signs not working and or missing in the hallways of hotel(s).
9. Lighting being spliced together by wire nuts and not in an approved electrical junction box.
10. Electrical Outlets within 8' of water in all directions not being GFCI Outlet and marked as such. Outlet/Switch Plate Covers broken and missing.
11. Electrical Outlets hanging out of the junction box.
12. Electrical Outlets with charred outlets still inside the junction box.
13. Smoke Detectors improperly installed too close to a wall/ceiling junction.

The list is endless on the violations and or potential problems in a room, meeting room, convention halls, kitchen(s), in room kitchenettes, bar area(s), storage room, pump house room, pool chemical storage. You are the person representing the fire department with your name on file that you have signed off too this location being FIRE SAFE.......you could be libel for injuries and or deaths resulted from in incident that may have occurred after the inspection. If the cause was because you failed at your inspection.....some states, you can be held libel for the injuries/deaths.....you are the SAFETY EXPERT. You have been trained to do this job; the fire department has instilled its trust in you to complete the job correctly. BY CUTTING GORNERS IN YOUR INSPECTION PROCESS YOU WILL CAUSE SOMEONE TO BECOME DIABALED AND OR DEATH. SAFETY IS THE UTMOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN REDUCTION OF POTENTIAL FIRE & OR INJURY CAUSE(S)!

As an inspector it is your job to ensure that the public is FIRE SAFE! As such its your job to ensure that the rooms are properly inspected too Fire Codes that your fire department follows such as BOCA (Building Code Ordinance Administration International), City, County, State Fire Codes, State Fire Marshalls Fire Codes.

This is an utmost important value that you should instill in the Hotels/Motels that you inspect that they are compliant with regulations for Guest safety. It is also your job to ensure that all fire extinguishers are charged Smoke/Co Alarms are properly working, Fire/Smoke Alarm Panels are working properly. Sprinkler heads are not blocked with a clear 36" in all directions from the head no blockage and a minimum of 18" under the head of clear path space. proper storage of chemicals, no storage Infront of the electrical panel, all hazardous materials are properly stored and marked in proper storage cabinet.

That all employees are trained on what to do in the event of a fire, how to get the motel/hotel evacuated in a proper orderly fashion too the assigned meeting place. That the employees have proper training in fire extinguishers & how to use them. What to do for chemical spills and how handle the spill including clean up. Propre storage of Pool/Hot Tub Chemicals and handling procedures.
Help the business operator understand their business is not only important to them but as a Fire Marshall it's your job to prevent a major catastrophe from happening at the location that you have inspected. Furthermore, your name is on file that you are being of sound mind and sound body attest to this place being FIRE SAFE. Failure shall not fall back upon you but too the owner for their carelessness mistakes. You need to make sure that all avenues that could lead back to you and or the fire department is migrated and extinguished and ends with the Business Operator/Owner being negligent in their operations and compromised the guest's safety.

Hopefully you have taken a Certified Commercial Building Inspectors course that is NFPA backed and State Compliant. In most states the State Fire Marshalls Office has a Fire Inspector Course. Check for the next availability. If you state does not have on then take the NFPA Fire Inspectors Course, Some Colleges also offer this course. I took the course way back in the late 80's thru University of Missouri, Fire Rescue Training Institute when NFPA was in the development stage of the program, and it opened my eyes.....so I pass on my knowledge and hopefully you will also see the potential problems as soon as you walk into the business.

Finally,


COVER YOUR REAR BUTT.......BE FIRE WISE, BE FIRE SMART, BE FIRE SAFE! A WELL DOCUMENTED BUSINESS INSPECTIONS WITH VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY WITH A DETAILED INSPECTION REPORT WILL ASSIST YOU IN THE COVERING OF YOURSELF AND OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN ANY POTENTIAL LEGAL AQCTIONS BROUGHT AGAINST YOU.

BE FIRE WISE, BE FIRE SMART BE FIRE SAFE!

ROY

 

 



LIGHT WEIGHT CONSTRUCTION KILLS POLICE CAPTAIN

I have previously BLOGGED about the use of Lightweigh Construction material in home construction. Just last month at the end of JUNE 2012 an emergency Response Worker was killed due to the collapse of a structure made of LIGHWEIGHT CONSTRUCRTION MATERAIL. Here is the link too the story.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/06/27/in-wake-of-fire-that-killed-larchmont-police-captain-light-weight-construction-homes-under-scrutiny/

Chilling.....to think that there cannot be a standard established too mandate some type of marking on the exterior of the building too notify the responding crews that the structure is made of lightweight material and failure of the building is more likely too happen suddenly then older convential building materials used from solid #1 Southern Yellow Pine and a minimum of 2x12 with a burn thru time of about 90 minutes too what is currently being used and open web floor truss with a burn thru time of about 15 minutes or less for floor failure.

COMMERCIAL TRACTOR TRAILER REPAIR SHOP FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS CAN YOU SPOT THEM?

In this article I will post some pictures of a place I use too work at. These pictures were taken with premission of said employeer and I took these pictures the same night the fire inspector came and did his so called fire inspection and pass the building as being compliant with State, Local, County Building and BOCA Building Codes. Just look at the gross neglect and how careless the inspector was! Allowing storage of Caustic, Paint Thinners, Paint, Caulk, gallon of WD40, combustibles and several packs of steel wool......you are asking for trouble. These are stored in a plactic storage locker and about 25' away is a marked flammable storage locker. But look at the pictures.....from NO SMOKE DETECTOR TO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS NOT MARKED, SERVICED, INSPECTED AND IMPROPER PLACEMENT OF SAID EQUIPMENT TO THE USE OF AN OIL TRANSFEER PUMP THAT IS NOT FOR THE USE ITS BEING USED FOR. THE PUMP DOES NOT HAVE APPROVAL FOR HAZARDS LIQUIDS OR FOR IN HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT!

EPIC FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE FIRE CHIEF, THE FIRE INSPECTOR AND THE BUILDINGS OWNER AND THE MECHANIC THAT IS SUPPOSE TO PLACE THE SAID FLAMMABLES AND CAUSTIC IN THE PROPER PLACE.

MISSING SMOKER DETECTOR, THIS IS THE ONLY LOCATION IN THIS FACILITY FOR SMOKE DETECTOR.

 TOP LEFT IMPROPER STORAGE UNDER WOOD STEPS, TOP RIGHT FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS STORED IN A PLASTIC STORAGE CABINET >BRAKE FLUIDS, BRAKE CLEANERS, WINDOW CLEANERS, BUFFING COMPOUNDS, THINNERS, TURPENTINE, AIR LINE ANTIFREEZWE, ANTI-FREEZE, DEISEL FUEL ADDITIVE.

 IMOPROPER UNSECURED STORAGE ON A WOOD COMBUSTIBLE MADE SHELF, ABOVE A TANK OF OIL.

ABOVE IS A STORAGE TANK FILLED WITH DIESEL FUEL NOT MARKED, ABOUT  2' AWAY FROM THE ELECTRIC CIRCUT PANEL

STORAGE UNDER THE STEPS OF COMBUSTIBLE FORM CARBURATOR/BRAKE CLEANER TOO A DIESEL ELECTRIC POWERED STEAM WASHER THAT IS IN USE EMITTING HOT GASES INTO THE BUILDING CAUSING A CO INCREASE AND NO EXHAUST SYSTEM TO EXTRACT THE CO FROM THE BUILDING.

 

STORAGE OF MIXED PARTS WITH FLAMMABLE COMPRESSED CLEANERS IN THE CARDBOARD BOXES ON THE SHELF

STORAGE OF PAINT, PAINT THINNERS, CAUSTIC ACIDS, CAULKS, WD40 AND OTHER COMBUSTIBLES IN A PLASTIC STORAGE LOCKER.

OIL DUMP AREA....THE PUMP IS NOT MARKED FOR HAZARD OR FLAMABLES LIQUIDS. LOOK AT THE PLACEMENT OF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IF A FIRE WAS TOO HAPPEN IN THE AREA YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RETREIVE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.

ANOTHER LOOK AT THE OIL DUMP AREA.

NO EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTS ANYWHERE IN THE BUILDING. THE DUAL LIGHTS ON THE MOTION DETECTOR ONLY WORKS ON MOTION AND WHEN NO LIGHTS ARE ON.....NOT APPROVED FOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTS.

STORAGE OF COMBUSTABLES UNDER WOOD STEPS, WITH A PARTS WASHER SITTING AGAINST THE STAIR RAILINGS.  UNDER THE STEPS IS BRAKE CLEANERS, GALLONS OF OIL, TUBES OF GREASE, PAPER, AND WORK CLOTHES......NO STORAGE CONTAINER FOR WORK/SHOP TOWEL IN THE BUILDING.....THE MECHANIC TOSSES THE TOWELS IN WITH HIS WORK CLOTHES.

ALUMINUM LADDER LEANING AGAINST A BANK OF BATTERIES....WHAT YOU CANNOT SEE IS THAT THE LADDER IS TOUCHING ONE OF THE POSTS ON THE BATTERY.

Additional note: This building has outside electric oultlets that are not GFCI Protected nor is the Electric panel and they lay electric cords on the ground not waterproofed plugs. Make sure  when you inspect the building that at least the panel is GFCI portected on the panel if the outlets are not GFCI protected.

Note: the fire inspector completed this building in 15 minutes and it passed.....complete failure on his part too allow this to pass.

Be Fire Safe, Be Fire Wise and do a complete thorough inspection, as well as a complete fire building pre-plan include that they (business operators) have a complete MSDS for all chemicals that they use.

VARIOUS PICTURES OF GROSS NEGLECT AND POTENTIAL FIRE AND ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

LOOK PRETTY HARMLESS DOES IT NOT? BUT LOOKS ARE DECEIVING, THERE IS HIDDEN DANGERS THAT ARE VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC EYE AND WITHIN REACH OF A HUMAN THAT WANTS TOO HURT AMERICANS, WEATHER ALSO COULD EFFECT THE SAFETY OF ALL THAT CLIMB ON OR ABOUT THE DISPLAY!

 EXPOSED WIRE ENDS RAIN AND WATER AND WATER CAN ENTER THE PLUG END IF THE END IS ENERGIZED THE WHOLE STATIC DISPLAY IS ENERGIZED!

 ABOVE  AND TO THE RIGHT: ONE OF MANY MULTI OUTLET PLUG NOT

MADE FOR THE ENVIORNMENT THAT ITS USED IN AND NOT CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTED ON THE OUTLET STRIP.

EXPOSED WIRE ON STATIC DISPLAY, MISSING WIRE NUT. NOT IN AN APPROVED ELECTRIC CONDUIT WEATHERPROOF CASE

MOWER CASUALTY OF WIRES. IF THE WIRES WERE ENERGIZED THE PERSON

THE GRASS WOULD OF BEEN INJURED OR KILLED! 

 MORE WIRES EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS AND THIS IS FACING DOWN NOT IN AN APPROVED CONDUIT AND ENCASED TO PROTECT THE WIRES AND HUMANS.

 THIS WIRE NUT IS WITHIN 4' OFF THE GROUND A YOUNG KID COULD TAKE OFF THE WIRE NUT AND EXPOSE THE WIRES......LOOK CLOSELY THE SECOND WIRE NUT HAS BEEN REMOVED AND THE WIRES ARE TOUCHING THE TRAIN ENGINE. IF ENERGIZED THE DISPLAY IS ELECTRIFIED AND WILL INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE.

EXPOSED "BROWN/BLACK EXTENSION CORD" THESE ARE KNOWN TO START FIRES! THESE ARE COMMONLY USED TO POWER ALARM CLOCKS, CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT, ETC.

 WIRE NUTS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS OF WEATHER
THESE ARE ABOUT 5' OFF THE GROUND. EASE OF ACCESS TO ANYONE TO REMOVE THE NUTS AND ENERGIZE THE TRAIN ENGINE.

ANOTHER MULTI OUTLET PLUG BARLEY UNDER THE TRAIN ENGINE. EASE OF RAIN TO GET INTO AND NOT MADE FOR OUTDOOR USE!







NONE OF THE WIRE NUTS SHOWN ARE THE SAME THESE GO FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRAIN ENGINE TO THE ENGINEER COMPARTMENT AND ALL WIRES ARE NOT ENCASED IN APPROVED CONDUIT. SO WHY HAS THIS DISPLAY PASSED A FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTION, COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTION CITY BUILDING INSPECTION MUCH LESS A STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S INSPECTION?

Vacations; is the traveling public safe? What types of hazards loom behind the hidden areas? Are you safe when you are on vacation this year? How well has the fire departments inspected the following to make sure that all fire codes are adhered too at the local levels, state level and federal levels? Each state has varying levels of building codes. Most fire departments will use one of the following codes for building: • Southern Building Code Alliance • Building s Code Administration • National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA 101, and many other specific codes) • Know your local and state building codes that pertain to FIRE PROTECTION These are merely suggested safety building codes to make sure that structures are made for safety in mind of all occupants for life, health and safety. But I ask why there are some departments that overlook simple hazards? Maybe they are in a hurry? Maybe they got distracted by a question being asked? Maybe they had to respond to a call? Whatever the reason you should always go back and recheck to make sure that there is NO UNDERLYING HAZZARDS that may loom that could come back to haunt you and your staff. Having gone thru the Commercial Building Inspection course thru the NFPA and the University of Missouri, Fire Rescue Training Institute has made me more aware of lurking hazards. So I ask you and your department just how well they investigate/do commercial building inspections. Does the inspector really look at the building thoroughly or just give it a quick over? Are the inspectors equipped with a ladder to raise the drop ceiling tiles too look for extension cords that may be hidden up there? Do they carry flashlights to check in dark areas, behind, above, below hot water heaters? Are they checking the flue areas of the duct systems of commercial kitchens to ensure that there is not a buildup of grease in the flue duct? Are the inspectors carrying a stick/probe to ensure that the emergency escape lights are working? Are the Inspectors contacting the alarm company to ensure that pull stations and the alarm system is working properly? Are they inspectors checking the stand pipes for cap and make sure that the stand pipe connections are not blocked? Are the inspectors checking the PIV valve to ensure that the PIV is in the OPEN Position? Are the inspectors checking each and every Hotel/Motel Room to ensure that there is no use of extension cords? Is the Hotel/Motel equipped with GFCI outlets and follow the NEC codes with electrical outlets and use near water? Are the inspectors checking the Hotel/Motel Sprinkler Rooms for hidden dangers? Are the inspectors checking the Hotel/Motel to ensure that storage of flammable liquids and pool chemicals are stored correctly and properly marked? Are the Inspectors checking to ensure that all flammable storage is in the approved flammable storage locker? Are the inspectors checking to ensure that the KNOX LOCK BOX are installed correctly with the proper key in the box and marked to ease of access for all Emergency Responding crews? Are the Inspectors checking to ensure that all emergency contact information and back up emergency contact information is entered as well as alternate emergency contact information is contained within? Are the inspectors checking to ensure that all fire extinguishers are equipped, proper extinguisher for the location, filled, tagged with inspection from fire extinguisher company, proper ly marked for ease of access? Are the inspectors checking to ensure that the sprinkler are proper maintained, checked for proper pressure and no storage within the designated the allotted distance from sprinkler heads? Are the inspectors checking for improper overhead storage? The list is long and endless as what needs to be inspected. How long are the inspectors taking too do an inspection? So why as tax payers do we want to cut the safety of ourselves and others by cutting the inspection of said commercial business. And we cannot forget to include Carnivals, Theme Parks, Park Pavilions, Static Displays, Portable stages used at outdoor events, food booths at carnivals…..these also present the same types of hazards as a stick/concrete built structure! In the area of where I live see a local fire department that has an inspector that travels in a SUV style vehicle. I have seen the inspector go into a commercial structure and spend less then 30 minutes in the building doing the inspection! This is a paid Fire Building Inspector of a major Fire Protection District in the St. Louis, MO, he carried with him the following, a note book! No camera, No Ladder, No Stick to push the Emergency Light Test button to see if the battery is working and light the emergency escape lights……just the notebook to inspect a commercial truck trailer repair shop….>WOW is all I can say< ! I have been out of active inspection for some time but when I can spot such hazards as indicated in the pictures I know he could also! I sent the Fire Chief a letter and well I have to say that is the Fire Chief must of thrown the letter away because the next year the Fire Inspector walked in ate lunch with the mechanic signed the inspection paper work and left. WOW such little time and such disregard to the workers and too his department that a commercial truck trailer repair shop can be inspected this quick and with disregard too life, safety and property! This is where I use too work and I got permission to take pictures of said building by a CEO and I instructed him that I was using it in an article for Inspection purposes……he stated that’s fine, do not show the name of business. So I’ll Post some pictures…….in less than 3 minutes I found several violations. Where is the SMOKE DETECTOR? GONE, but the inspector let this go and passed the building as being compliant with all NFPA CODES, BOCA BUILDING CODES. UNSECURE OVERHEAD STORAGE MADE OF WOOD ABOVE FLAMMIBLE OIL STORAGE (NOT PROPERLY MARKED FLAMMABLE WITH NFPA HEALTH HAZARD STICKER) NEXT TOO THIS DRUM IS AN AIR COMPRESSOR, NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER EXCEPT ACROSS THE REPAIR SHOP ABOUT 75’ AWAY. Improper Flammable Storage…stored in a non-approved storage locker……this locker is made of plastic and not metal and vented properly. Caustic Storage with paints, paint thinner, steel wool, WD40, Caulks, and other combustibles….stored in a plastic storage locker and not an approved metal flammable storage locker. Improper storage of flammable diesel fuel, not marked storage container, this container sits within 3 feet of an electrical panel. Improper placement of fire extinguisher; this is placed directly over a dump area for used motor oil. Oil pump is not the correct pump it is not marked for flammable liquid transfer. If there is a fire in this area the fire extinguisher is inoperable as you will not be able to retrieve it too use. These were noticeable within the first 3 minutes inside of the repair facility! Did the inspector do the job correctly or was he a friend of someone or just did not care and just wanted to get as many places inspected he can a day. Commercial Building Fire Inspections is not a hurry inspection it is a full in-depth full scale investigation to ensure that there will be NO fires or hazards that could hamper life, safety, health or bring you and your creditability into a court of law! How thorough are the Fire Inspectors doing their job on inspection of Static Displays, Portable Stages, Food Booths at fairs, parks, tourist sites Here are some pictures of a static display at a tourist destination. If I can see exposed wiring from about 20 feet away why could the fire inspector see it? A letter was sent to the fire department addressing this issue. Also if you look very carefully under the train display are about 6 multi outlet plug extension cord that are not intended for outdoor use with live electrical wiring going into said outlets. The above pictures are of a static display where children and adults can climb all over the display……these Electrical Wire are within reach of anyone……if they take off the cap they energize the whole static display. Yet, the fire inspector allowed this too continue……wiring is not NEC Approved for this type of use nor is there any GFI outlets……let uss look at the next picture. Wires cut from a mower….and the ends are exposed to any child and or adult. Followed the cut wires form the lawnmower and found them going to the building……not in a conduit and on a GFCI outlet……does this type of wiring meet NEC (National Electrical Codes for use outside?) Static Display spot light that lights up the train……exposed wiring. Easy for someone to be electrocuted! Is the outlet overloaded? Are these GFCI Protected Outlets? Where is the encased wire in a conduit? This is under the steam locomotive ease and access to anyone. Rain……yes it too can get too the plugs. If I can spot these within a few minutes just looking at the display I am sure the Fire Inspector and firefighters can as well see them as I! So is your department doing a complete inspection on business, static displays, park pavilions, theme parks & carnivals? The Inspection Vehicles should be equipped with a minimum of the following equipment:  FLASHLIGHT  LADDER 16’ COMBONATION FOLDING “A” FRAME STYLE  WOOD DOWEL ROD AT LEAST 1” IN DIAMETER TOO USE TOO CHECK EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SMOKE DETECTORS WHEN STANDING ON GROUND.  INSPECTION MIRROR TOO CHECK FOR HIDDEN DANGERS IN, BEHIND, UNDER, OVER AND IN HIDDEN SPCES SUCH AS FLUE DUCTS, EXHAUST HOOD IN COMMERCIAL KITCHENS FOR HIDDEN DANGER. MOVE DROP CEILING TILES TO CHECK FOR HIDDEN DANGERS.  CAMERA TO DOCUMENT DANGERS TO AND TAKE PHOTOS TO HELP YOU WHEN PRE-FIRE PLANNING OF COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES AND THESE CAN BE DOWN LOADED TO A LAPTOP FOR QUICK ACCESS WHILE ON FIRE GROUND IF NEEDED. THE CAMERA CAN BE A FLIP, SMALL HAND HELD STYLE THAT CAN BE CARRIED EASILY INTO AND OUT OF THE BUILDING AND FIT INTO A POCKET.  GFCI CIRCUIT TESTER  YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A HAND HELD LIGHTWEIGHT MOVIE CAMERA TO HELP DOCUMENT THE FINDINGS AS WELL. THESE ARE A FEW ITEMS TOO TAKE WITH YOU ON A BUILDING INSPECTION. Finally, when you are doing your Fire Inspection at Hotel/Motel check each room for hidden dangers of plugs behind the head board and the mattress is pushed up against the light cords…..when the protective coating is broken and the light cord is plug in and the metal frame of the mattress is pushed against the broken protective sheath on the cord you have energized the bed and an electrocution hazard as well as a potential fire hazard. If I spot these few noticeable severe fire safety hazards then why has not the fire inspector done something about having the problems corrected? >Note the train and the electric cords is at the static display at DODGE CITY, KS. I have sent the fire chief a letter and a copy of the pictures….still today there has not been any corrections made and do not know if the electric lines are energized and I am not going to climb on the display until the electric cords are brought up to NEC, State and Local fire codes to ensure public safety. The wire nuts are within reach of a normal height person standing on the ground. < Be safe in the fire service and be sure to ensure public safety…..it’s your job!