HOME INSPECTIONS WILL START MONDAY

Inspections start Monday under the city of Cape Girardeau's new "Operation Safe Home" program.

So far, five people have signed up to receive the free home safety inspections, which will be offered throughout the months of January and February, said Rick Murray, director of the city's inspection services.

Registration for Operation Safe Home is limited to 40 people because of scheduling constraints, Murray said.

City inspectors will check for a variety of potential safety hazards and will make recommendations on how to correct them.

The inspections will focus on flues, vents, exterior foundations, proper exits, roofs, chimneys, electrical systems and storage of flammable and combustible items.

The inspection results are non-binding, and participation in the program is voluntary.

"This is not an enforcement program. It's a means to offer our expertise to the citizen who is not building or remodeling," Murray said.

The city already has inspection programs for rental property reported in violation of minimum property standards, business property and for new or substantially renovated housing.

City inspectors performed about 6,200 inspections in 1996.