The home should be a place of comfort and security. You can adjust the thermostat to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer, prepare nutritious meals in your kitchen, read in your favorite armchair, take hot baths after a long day, and sleep peacefully in your cozy bed at night. But don’t let these comforts of home fool you into thinking accidents can’t happen. Serious injuries and fatalities occur at home all the time. Especially homes with little children running around – take a minute to look around to make sure that your keeping your house as safe as possible. Kids have a knack fro getting into the most obscure places and spaces. Safeguard your house by being aware of these most dangerous household items.
Cleaning Supplies
Harmful chemicals in cleaning supplies, such as bleach, can be extremely toxic. Unfortunately, curious youngsters can’t distinguish a deadly chemical from the juice or milk in their sippy cup. Make sure that bottle tops are screwed on tightly and that all harmful cleaning solutions are kept on high shelves, well out of a child’s reach. In addition to being dangerous if ingested, cleaning supplies can also be flammable, and can explode under certain circumstances. To prevent combustion and explosions, store chemicals at the proper temperature.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Young children love to hide in small places, including refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, and walk-in or deep freezers. Newer models often lock from the inside, which helps a child escape. But many older models do not have this feature. When not in use, make sure all appliances are locked, and always do a quick interior check before using a washing machine or dryer.
Sheds
The inside of a shed is often quite messy, filled with toxic chemicals, paint supplies, and dangerous tools. Guests see the inside of your house, but rarely the inside of your shed. Therefore, keeping it clean and throwing out old chemicals, rusty tools, and rotting wood isn’t usually a priority. However, young children may see your shed and think it’s perfect for a game of hide-and-seek, or for playing house.
To avoid serious injuries and death, keep your shed organized. Paint and toxic chemicals should be stored as they are in your home, safely out of the reach of children. The same goes for tools. Discard rotten wood, rusty tools, and anything else that presents an unnecessary risk. It is also important to use caution when placing items on shelves. Overstocking shelves, and allowing items to hang over the edge can spell disaster for someone walking or playing underneath.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Law Firm Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured due to a dangerous household item, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We will analyze the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will ensure that you understand your rights and options before moving forward. If you’ve been harmed because of another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Don’t go through this alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.