Did you know that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends inspecting electrical appliances and products in your home every 6 months?

Many of us regularly check our smoke detectors but all electrical items should be given equal consideration, after all approximately 400 people are electrocuted in the U.S. each year and there are more than 51,000 electrical fires in the home. Here are some basic safety checks you can do to prevent electrocution and fire.

In all rooms, check each light is fitted with the correct wattage for the fixture. A bulb with a higher wattage than recommended could cause the light fixture to overheat leading to a fire. Check any portable heating equipment; the heater should be at least three feet from anything that can catch fire such as drapes or paper. The heater should of course be in good working order with no strange smells, sparks or smoke and be placed in a stable location where it will not be tipped over. We all have quite a lot of entertainment equipment, TVs, DVD players, games consoles, computers and these should all be checked to ensure the cord is not frayed, cracked or damaged. In the kitchen make sure that all counter top appliances are unplugged when not in use and that all cords are positioned so that they will not come in to contact with a hot surface and lastly ensure that all appliances are located away from the sink, you don’t want to mix electricity and water!

If you have been injured in a serious automobile accident,  you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For an immediate and cost-free case evaluation and consultation please immediately call Hastings, Cohan, and Walsh, LLP –(888) 244-5480. We are here to help.