Monday, March 30, 2015
Risks of Energy Drinks
Most popular with people aged 18-39, energy drink consumption has significantly increased over the last decade. Energy drinks are marketed as being able to boost energy levels, improve mental performance and aid in weight loss. These beverages can also be dangerous and can cause health problems if consumed at excessive levels.
The main ingredient found in energy drinks is caffeine. Other additives you can find in energy drinks are taurine, vitamins, herbal supplements, sugars and guarana (plant product that contains concentrated caffeine). Popular brands of energy drinks contain high amounts of these ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fails to regulate the safety of these ingredients since some energy drinks are marketed as dietary supplements instead of beverages. The lack of regulation by the FDA makes manufacturers responsible for the safety of the ingredients found in the energy drinks. Unfortunately, the majority does not have the scientific evidence to prove their safety or effectiveness.
Here are come of the potential risks of consuming energy drinks:
• Caffeine overdose. Because energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, drinking these beverages excessively can lead to experiencing symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and even death.
• Diabetes. Consuming large amounts of caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Pregnancy complications. Low birth weight, late miscarriages and stillbirths.
• Child health issues. Children and adolescents can experience neurological and cardiovascular effects.
• Addictive behaviors. The use and dependence on other substances that can be harmful to health.
The act of mixing energy drinks with alcohol has become commonplace and can be extremely risky and dangerous. Mixing high amounts of caffeine (such as the levels found in energy drinks) and alcohol decreases drowsiness without eliminating the effects of alcohol. What results is a “wide awake drunkenness” that increases the chance of dangerous and risky behavior such as violence.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Staying safe at the Hospital
Hospitals are generally considered to be safe places. At the same time, that doesn’t mean there still aren’t any risks or dangers to look out for. Each year, 1.4 million people are seriously injured in hospitals and 180,000 die partly because of medical harm.
Here are a few tips that may help you avoid becoming another statistic:
• Bring a friend or loved one. Bringing someone along while you visit the hospital is a careful move. The individual can help with the monitoring of your care and make sure your needs are tended to. In addition, this person can hold onto copies of important documents, ask questions, record answers and if any problems arise, advocate for you.
• Infection Prevention. Make sure that anyone who comes in contact with you washes their hands. Every day ask if ventilators and catheters are still necessary. The risk of getting an infection increases when they are left in place for over 2-3 days.
• Check your drugs. Compile a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take. Also include any vitamins, herbs, minerals or dietary supplements. Take to the hospital multiple copies of your drug list so doctors and pharmacists can check for duplicates or interactions with any medication you start taking in your stay.
• Stay active as possible. Moving around can help with preventing bedsores and blood clots that can form in your leg veins. In addition, it helps to get your bowels moving. Don’t hesitate to ask your nurse or a loved one for help getting out of bed (it’s better for your safety). In the event that you do have to spend a significant amount of time in bed, ask for special pads that help you avoid getting bedsores. You can also ask for “pneumatic” stockings that may help with blood clot prevention.
• Check for hospital ratings. Conduct your own research and see what others are saying about the hospital. You should be looking for how attentive the staff is with patients, communication, cleanliness; rates of infection, rate of serious complications and mortality, just to name a few.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Here are a few tips that may help you avoid becoming another statistic:
• Bring a friend or loved one. Bringing someone along while you visit the hospital is a careful move. The individual can help with the monitoring of your care and make sure your needs are tended to. In addition, this person can hold onto copies of important documents, ask questions, record answers and if any problems arise, advocate for you.
• Infection Prevention. Make sure that anyone who comes in contact with you washes their hands. Every day ask if ventilators and catheters are still necessary. The risk of getting an infection increases when they are left in place for over 2-3 days.
• Check your drugs. Compile a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take. Also include any vitamins, herbs, minerals or dietary supplements. Take to the hospital multiple copies of your drug list so doctors and pharmacists can check for duplicates or interactions with any medication you start taking in your stay.
• Stay active as possible. Moving around can help with preventing bedsores and blood clots that can form in your leg veins. In addition, it helps to get your bowels moving. Don’t hesitate to ask your nurse or a loved one for help getting out of bed (it’s better for your safety). In the event that you do have to spend a significant amount of time in bed, ask for special pads that help you avoid getting bedsores. You can also ask for “pneumatic” stockings that may help with blood clot prevention.
• Check for hospital ratings. Conduct your own research and see what others are saying about the hospital. You should be looking for how attentive the staff is with patients, communication, cleanliness; rates of infection, rate of serious complications and mortality, just to name a few.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Unsafe Foods for Young Children
Not all foods are suitable for young children. In the United States, one of the leading causes of unintentional death for children under the age of 5 is choking. In addition to certain foods being choking hazards, some foods can also cause internal damage because the undeveloped systems of young children cannot process them. A great deal of caution should be exercised when selecting foods to give children.
Some of the most hazardous foods for children are found in this list:
Honey- Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism (poisoning caused by toxins). The intestinal tract of adults can prevent the growth of the spores but for a baby, the spores may grow and produce toxins that are life threatening.
Soy Milk/Cow’s Milk- For children under the age of 1, it’s best that they drink breast milk or formula. Babies aren’t able to digest the protein found in soy or cow milk for at least the first year of their lives. In addition, these forms of milk don’t have the adequate nutrients a baby needs and contain minerals in amounts that could cause damage to their kidneys.
Chunky foods-Vegetable foods like green beans, carrots and celery should always be cooked and cut up or shredded. A piece of food larger than a pea can get stuck in the throat of a child. Fruits like grapes, melon balls, and cherry tomatoes should be cut into pea-sized pieces. Meats and cheeses should be shredded or cut into very small pieces.
Hard, small foods- Popcorn, hard candies, cough drops and nuts are all potential choking hazards. Seeds are generally too small to choke on, but they can get stuck in the airway of a child and cause infection.
Sticky, soft foods- Beware of foods like marshmallows and gummy or jelly candies. These foods run the risk of getting lodged in a child’s throat.
Peanut butter- Peanut butter and other nut butters have a sticky consistency that can make it difficult to swallow for a young child.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Some of the most hazardous foods for children are found in this list:
Honey- Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism (poisoning caused by toxins). The intestinal tract of adults can prevent the growth of the spores but for a baby, the spores may grow and produce toxins that are life threatening.
Soy Milk/Cow’s Milk- For children under the age of 1, it’s best that they drink breast milk or formula. Babies aren’t able to digest the protein found in soy or cow milk for at least the first year of their lives. In addition, these forms of milk don’t have the adequate nutrients a baby needs and contain minerals in amounts that could cause damage to their kidneys.
Chunky foods-Vegetable foods like green beans, carrots and celery should always be cooked and cut up or shredded. A piece of food larger than a pea can get stuck in the throat of a child. Fruits like grapes, melon balls, and cherry tomatoes should be cut into pea-sized pieces. Meats and cheeses should be shredded or cut into very small pieces.
Hard, small foods- Popcorn, hard candies, cough drops and nuts are all potential choking hazards. Seeds are generally too small to choke on, but they can get stuck in the airway of a child and cause infection.
Sticky, soft foods- Beware of foods like marshmallows and gummy or jelly candies. These foods run the risk of getting lodged in a child’s throat.
Peanut butter- Peanut butter and other nut butters have a sticky consistency that can make it difficult to swallow for a young child.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Safety Tips for Riding the Bus
As with any mode of transportation, there are risks involved in regards to your safety. When it comes to riding a city bus, you can prevent accidents from happening even before you board the bus.
Here are a few safety tips that may help you avoid injuries and make your commute on the bus safer:
Boarding
• When you’re waiting for the bus to arrive, stay away from the curb and wait on the sidewalk instead.
• Never approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
• Make sure that children aren’t playing near the bus. Pushing and shoving can lead to a serious accident.
• When boarding, use the handrails. This will decrease the chance of you slipping and falling.
• If you’re using the bike rack, make sure to say in clear view of the bus operator at all times
Riding
• Once on the bus, use the handholds to get to your seat.
• If you must stand, stay behind the yellow line and never on the steps.
• Keep your arms, hands, legs, and head inside the bus at all times.
Leaving
• Prepare ahead of time to exit so you’re not rushing to get off the bus.
• Always try exiting through the rear doors, if possible.
• When getting off, use the handrails.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve,
Here are a few safety tips that may help you avoid injuries and make your commute on the bus safer:
Boarding
• When you’re waiting for the bus to arrive, stay away from the curb and wait on the sidewalk instead.
• Never approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
• Make sure that children aren’t playing near the bus. Pushing and shoving can lead to a serious accident.
• When boarding, use the handrails. This will decrease the chance of you slipping and falling.
• If you’re using the bike rack, make sure to say in clear view of the bus operator at all times
Riding
• Once on the bus, use the handholds to get to your seat.
• If you must stand, stay behind the yellow line and never on the steps.
• Keep your arms, hands, legs, and head inside the bus at all times.
Leaving
• Prepare ahead of time to exit so you’re not rushing to get off the bus.
• Always try exiting through the rear doors, if possible.
• When getting off, use the handrails.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve,
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Dangers of an Overheated Laptop
Many people aren’t aware of how potentially dangerous an overheated laptop can be. Unlike a desktop PC, the hardware components of a laptop are in close proximity to each other and so there’s little room for air movement, causing it to overheat. An overheated laptop can cause serious injury, damage to its internal hardware, and can even be a fire hazard.
One of the dangers with having an overheated laptop on your skin is that over time you could develop what’s scientifically known as “erythema ab igne” or toasted skin syndrome. The area that is affected develops a red or blotchy pink rash that can have an unpleasant appearance depending on the severity. The condition is mostly aesthetic and can fade away by preventing further exposure.
The most serious risk associated with overheated laptops involves male infertility. Men who use their laptops frequently on their laps are at an increased risk. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of heat exposure can cause issues. It’s recommended that men avoid using their laptops on their laps.
Signs your laptop is overheating:
• Fan is making loud whirring noises and is constantly running
• Computer struggles to perform basic tasks (like opening a browser window)
• The appearance of lines on the screen (indication that video card is overheating)
• Odd error messages appearing in random programs
• The system freezes or a blue screen appears
• The laptop shuts down suddenly on its own
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
One of the dangers with having an overheated laptop on your skin is that over time you could develop what’s scientifically known as “erythema ab igne” or toasted skin syndrome. The area that is affected develops a red or blotchy pink rash that can have an unpleasant appearance depending on the severity. The condition is mostly aesthetic and can fade away by preventing further exposure.
The most serious risk associated with overheated laptops involves male infertility. Men who use their laptops frequently on their laps are at an increased risk. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of heat exposure can cause issues. It’s recommended that men avoid using their laptops on their laps.
Signs your laptop is overheating:
• Fan is making loud whirring noises and is constantly running
• Computer struggles to perform basic tasks (like opening a browser window)
• The appearance of lines on the screen (indication that video card is overheating)
• Odd error messages appearing in random programs
• The system freezes or a blue screen appears
• The laptop shuts down suddenly on its own
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Signs of a Head Injury
Receiving a blow to the head can potentially be very dangerous. Injuries to the brain are particularly dangerous because they can sometimes go undetected. A head injury involves trauma to any area of the head including the scalp, skull or brain. In the United States, 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur annually, causing 52,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Here are a few signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury:
• Worsening headache. Experiencing a headache after a head injury is normal. If you notice the headache getting progressively worse, it’s a sign that you might have a serious brain injury and should seek medical attention immediately.
• Nausea/vomiting. Usually vomiting follows an impact to the head. However, if you notice that you experience repeated vomiting with or without nausea, it’s probably a sign you have a serious head injury.
• Vision problems and slurred speech. Experiencing double vision, blurred vision or any other vision problem is an indication that you have a serous brain injury. Unequal pupil size is also a dangerous sign and requires immediate medical attention. In addition, slurred, incoherent speech is also a huge red flag.
• Difficulty awakening or drowsiness. Generally people who have sustained some form of head injury sleep more than usual. If it becomes a challenge waking up someone that has experienced a blow to the head or they have persistent drowsiness, this could indicate a serious problem.
• Seizures. Experiencing seizures or convulsions after head trauma is dangerous. This is especially true for someone who doesn’t have a history of seizures.
• Numbness or weakness. It’s not uncommon for serious head injuries to cause abnormalities in the extremities (arms and legs). This may include weakness, poor coordination or numbness.
• Change in behavior. Irritability, aggression, hostility, agitation or restlessness could be an indication of a serious brain injury.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Here are a few signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury:
• Worsening headache. Experiencing a headache after a head injury is normal. If you notice the headache getting progressively worse, it’s a sign that you might have a serious brain injury and should seek medical attention immediately.
• Nausea/vomiting. Usually vomiting follows an impact to the head. However, if you notice that you experience repeated vomiting with or without nausea, it’s probably a sign you have a serious head injury.
• Vision problems and slurred speech. Experiencing double vision, blurred vision or any other vision problem is an indication that you have a serous brain injury. Unequal pupil size is also a dangerous sign and requires immediate medical attention. In addition, slurred, incoherent speech is also a huge red flag.
• Difficulty awakening or drowsiness. Generally people who have sustained some form of head injury sleep more than usual. If it becomes a challenge waking up someone that has experienced a blow to the head or they have persistent drowsiness, this could indicate a serious problem.
• Seizures. Experiencing seizures or convulsions after head trauma is dangerous. This is especially true for someone who doesn’t have a history of seizures.
• Numbness or weakness. It’s not uncommon for serious head injuries to cause abnormalities in the extremities (arms and legs). This may include weakness, poor coordination or numbness.
• Change in behavior. Irritability, aggression, hostility, agitation or restlessness could be an indication of a serious brain injury.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Dangers of Extension Cords
Extension cords are found in most homes and are convenient, but they are also dangerous when not used correctly. It’s important that you choose the right extension cord and use it as specified. If you fail to use the extension cord properly, you increase the risk of a fire occurring.
Avoid overheating. Extension cords can easily overheat at the socket, plug or even over the length of the entire cord. Hot sockets or plugs are typically caused by deteriorated connections to the wires of the cords. To prevent this from happening, always look for any visible signs of wear or damage to the sockets, plug or insulation and always replace damaged cords.
Avoid overloading. If you notice that any part of the extension cord is hot while you’re using it, it is a sign that it might be overloaded. Check to make sure that the extension cord is appropriately rated for the items that you have plugged in it. Avoid overloading it beyond its capacity by using it to power appliances. If you don’t know the capacity of your extension cord or its rating, you can usually find that information on the tag that’s attached to the cord or the packaging it came in.
Protect the cords from damage. Avoid running cords through doorways, under furniture or carpets. Only use an extension cord in an outside setting if it’s specifically marked for use outdoors. Never alter the cord to conduct inadequate repairs (such as taping up damaged insulation) or make changes to its length. Never cut or even trim the plug blades. When an extension cord is not in use, always get into the habit of unplugging it. When the cord is plugged in, it is energized and may overheat if shorted.
Throw away old extension cords. You should always discard old cords or ones that are missing safety features like polarized blades (one wider blade), safety closures (prevents shocks and mouth burns), or a large plug face that is easy to hold and unplug and also covers the outlet’s slots. Make sure your extension cord is at least 16 AWG, (unless they are 18 AWG and includes fuse protection). AWG is used to refer to the size of the wires inside the cord. The wire size can be found on the cord’s surface. To ensure that your cord is secure, check to see if its been listed by a recognized testing laboratory like, CSA-International (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or Intertek (ETL).
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Avoid overheating. Extension cords can easily overheat at the socket, plug or even over the length of the entire cord. Hot sockets or plugs are typically caused by deteriorated connections to the wires of the cords. To prevent this from happening, always look for any visible signs of wear or damage to the sockets, plug or insulation and always replace damaged cords.
Avoid overloading. If you notice that any part of the extension cord is hot while you’re using it, it is a sign that it might be overloaded. Check to make sure that the extension cord is appropriately rated for the items that you have plugged in it. Avoid overloading it beyond its capacity by using it to power appliances. If you don’t know the capacity of your extension cord or its rating, you can usually find that information on the tag that’s attached to the cord or the packaging it came in.
Protect the cords from damage. Avoid running cords through doorways, under furniture or carpets. Only use an extension cord in an outside setting if it’s specifically marked for use outdoors. Never alter the cord to conduct inadequate repairs (such as taping up damaged insulation) or make changes to its length. Never cut or even trim the plug blades. When an extension cord is not in use, always get into the habit of unplugging it. When the cord is plugged in, it is energized and may overheat if shorted.
Throw away old extension cords. You should always discard old cords or ones that are missing safety features like polarized blades (one wider blade), safety closures (prevents shocks and mouth burns), or a large plug face that is easy to hold and unplug and also covers the outlet’s slots. Make sure your extension cord is at least 16 AWG, (unless they are 18 AWG and includes fuse protection). AWG is used to refer to the size of the wires inside the cord. The wire size can be found on the cord’s surface. To ensure that your cord is secure, check to see if its been listed by a recognized testing laboratory like, CSA-International (CSA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or Intertek (ETL).
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
Snow Blower Safety Tips
Come winter season, everybody breaks out their snow blowers to clear the snow from their driveways, walkways and sidewalks. Using these machines makes the tedious task of clearing snow easier. Unfortunately, these machines can also cause serious injuries if not used properly and carefully. In 2012, more than 3,300 emergency room visits were made due to snow blower related injuries like finger injuries and amputations. Other snow blower injuries include broken bones, sprains, cuts to the skin and soft tissue, and bruises.
Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a snow blower related injury:
• Never wear loose clothing. This includes jackets, pants, or scarves. These items can get tangled in the moving parts of a snow blower and pull you in.
• Always wear earplugs or some form of hearing protection. This especially applies to gas-powered models, which can typically run above the 85 decibels where hearing damage may occur.
• Clear the area before the snow gets too deep. Doormats, newspapers, wires, sleds and boards are things that should be removed as to avoid clogging or damaging the machine.
• Never let children operate a snow blower. Whenever you’re clearing, keep people and pets far away from the area.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by running a gas-powered snow blower outside and never in the garage, shed, or any other enclosed area. Even if the door is open, never run the machine in such areas.
• If it’s an electric model you’re using, use an outdoor extension cord that is rated for the model and connected to an outlet with GFCI (ground-fault-circuit-interrupting) protection. Be careful and keep the cord away from the spinning auger when working.
• Before clearing a clog at the discharge chute or auger, turn off the engine of a gas-powered snow blower or unplug the cord of an electric model. Never use your hands (even if you’re wearing gloves) or feet to unclog. A stationary impeller or auger is typically under sufficient belt tension to harm your hands or feet even if the electric motor or engine is off. It’s best to use a clearing tool or a broom handle.
• For gas-powered models, avoid igniting the gasoline by waiting until the engine has cooled down before refueling.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in
Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a snow blower related injury:
• Never wear loose clothing. This includes jackets, pants, or scarves. These items can get tangled in the moving parts of a snow blower and pull you in.
• Always wear earplugs or some form of hearing protection. This especially applies to gas-powered models, which can typically run above the 85 decibels where hearing damage may occur.
• Clear the area before the snow gets too deep. Doormats, newspapers, wires, sleds and boards are things that should be removed as to avoid clogging or damaging the machine.
• Never let children operate a snow blower. Whenever you’re clearing, keep people and pets far away from the area.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by running a gas-powered snow blower outside and never in the garage, shed, or any other enclosed area. Even if the door is open, never run the machine in such areas.
• If it’s an electric model you’re using, use an outdoor extension cord that is rated for the model and connected to an outlet with GFCI (ground-fault-circuit-interrupting) protection. Be careful and keep the cord away from the spinning auger when working.
• Before clearing a clog at the discharge chute or auger, turn off the engine of a gas-powered snow blower or unplug the cord of an electric model. Never use your hands (even if you’re wearing gloves) or feet to unclog. A stationary impeller or auger is typically under sufficient belt tension to harm your hands or feet even if the electric motor or engine is off. It’s best to use a clearing tool or a broom handle.
• For gas-powered models, avoid igniting the gasoline by waiting until the engine has cooled down before refueling.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in
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