Step 2
Plan Your Visit
Initial Meeting
Once you have made contact, it is time to visit the shelter. Plan on meeting with the the Shelter Director for 30-60 minutes to discuss the needs of the shelter. Together, you will determine shelter priorities and other safety concerns. This is the time to reinforce the importance of child-proofing items and the injuries they can prevent. Confirm the number of residents as well as ages of the children living in the shelter.
Walk-Through
Following the discussion, you will walk-through the shelter with the director. This is the time to use the Home Safety Checklist form to track the supplies needed for each room. Use this form as a conversation guide and fill out as you move along, taking as many notes as you can, especially if you will not be returning for the actual installation. All carpentry needs should be indicated on this form as some of the safety supplies require tools for installation, such as baby gates and cabinet latches. It is helpful to see all kitchens, bathrooms and common areas as each one may differ slightly. For the bedrooms, seeing one or two usually provides enough insight. We highly recommend having the shelter director ask permission to the residents before entering their personal space so we do not invade their privacy.