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Electrical Appliances Safety in the Home

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.

How Should You Proceed if a Dog Bites You?

The first thing you should do if a dog bites you is to identify the owner and make sure you know where the dog is. If you cannot identify the dog or owner then you will be responsible for your own medical bills.

Secondly, you need to seek medical advice and go to hospital if there is excessive bleeding, or the wound does not heal. You should also go to a doctor if there are signs of infection, the skin is torn or lacerated, or if it was an unfamiliar or rabies infected dog. If you do not know the vaccination record of the animal you should also be tested for rabies.

Next you should file a report with the city animal control center or the police and gather the dog owner’s information such as name and address, telephone number, and the dogs medical and vaccination records and its history.

Finally you need information about the dog owner’s insurance company, the name and address, phone number, claim number and the amount payable.

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