Thursday, April 30, 2015

Childproofing your Home

To many, being in your own home is the safest place to be.  Although generally true, this can’t always be said for children. There are many dangers around the home that pose a threat to young children. Each year many become injured by hazards in and outside the home.

Here are a few home childproofing tips that may help prevent an accident or injury:

Safety latches. For bathrooms, kitchens and other areas, safety latches prevent children from having access to household cleaners, medicines, knives and any other sharp objects.

Safety gates. Prevent a nasty fall down the stairs by installing safety gates. For the top of the stairs, only use gates that screw into the wall. You can also install them to keep children from entering a room or area of the home with potential dangers.  Replace older style safety gates that contain ‘V’ shapes large enough to entrap the head or neck of a child.

Door knob covers. Another method to prevent children from entering a certain room that may be hazardous is by placing doorknob covers and door locks.

Anti-scald devices. Install these devices on showerheads and faucets and set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help prevent burns from hot water.  Anti-scalding devices that are used to regulate water temperature may help reduce the chance of sustaining burn injuries.

Safety netting and window guards.  Installing these products may help prevent falls from windows, decks, balconies and landings. These devices should be checked frequently in order to ensure that they are properly installed, secure and maintained.

Corner and edge bumpers.  Furniture and fireplaces tend to have sharp edges. In order to help prevent injuries from falls on sharper edges, install these devices on your furniture.

Outlet covers and plates. To help prevent electrical shock and electrocution, install these on all the outlets of your home. Young children might stick their fingers in outlets or try to place objects in them, which could be extremely dangerous.

Pool and spa covers.  If you have a pool or spa in your home you should place a barrier completely over it. In addition to the cover, install a 4-foot tall fence with self-closing and self-latching gates to further decrease risk.

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: Firearms in the Home

Nowadays, having a firearm in the home as a means for protection is becoming more commonplace. Unfortunately, not everyone exercises the best storage practices leading to accidents and fatalities. Studies have shown that a firearm in a home is more than 40 times as likely to injure or kill a loved one as to stop a crime.

If firearms are going to be in the home, it’s extremely important to stow them away properly. This holds especially true if there are children living in the home.

Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a firearm-related accident:

Keep firearms unloaded and locked up

Store and lock ammunition separately from firearms

Hide the keys of the locked up firearm and ammunition in a place where children won’t be able to find them

Frequently check to make sure that the stored items remain secure

Talk to children about what they should do if they encounter a firearm or weapon. You can teach them a system such as: “Stop, Don’t Touch, Get Away, and Tell a Trusted Adult”

Have everyone in the home receive training from a certified instructor in firearms safety and make sure it’s kept current

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.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Dangers of Lifting Weights

Weightlifting can be very beneficial for a number of reasons. For instance, helping someone effectively manage their weight, gain muscular strength, and overall be a healthy addition to their physical activities. Not only does weightlifting make people look better, it also makes them feel better. At the same time, like any physical activity, there are risks and dangers involved. It is not uncommon for people to sustain injuries from weightlifting.

Common weightlifting injuries include muscle strains and bone fractures. Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a weightlifting-related accident or injury:

Overloading. During a workout session, excessively overloading the muscles with too much weight can lead to soreness. Sometimes muscle soreness can also be an indicator of a more serious injury like a muscle strain. It’s important to rest between sets for at least 60-90 seconds and gradually increase the amount of weight you lift.

Wrong form. Exercising with improper form can cause short-term back pain and long-term nerve damage. It’s best to start working out with a training machine until your body is ready for free weights. Lift lighter weight for longer instead of heavy weights.

Less is sometimes more.  Overtraining may lead to physical and mental health problems. Some of the symptoms of overtraining are sleeplessness, moodiness, fatigue, and chronic muscle pain. In addition, your immune system’s performance becomes affected and thus, increases your chances of contracting infections. Always rest for at least three days between exercise sessions to avoid overtraining.

Minimize risk. Before starting any type of exercise program, it’s best to consult with your doctor first. You might be on medication that could affect your performance. Try investing in weight training accessories like exercise gloves, which can improve your grip and reduce the chance of dropping weights on your feet. Whenever attempting a new exercise, consult with a personal trainer or experienced weightlifter. If you feel pain, stop exercising.

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.

Wheelchair Safety

Proper maintenance and operation of a wheelchair is crucial in order to prevent accidents from happening. Unsafely maintaining and/or operating a wheelchair, or any mobility device, puts the individual and their caregiver at risk for serious injury.

Some of the risk factors that can cause injury:

Broken or missing parts
Faulty brakes
Worn wheels & tires
Missing anti-tip bar
Slippery floors & uneven pavement
Ramps, curbs, stairs & inclines
Tight bathroom quarters
Inappropriate use (step ladder, leg rest, cart, door stop, etc.)
Heavy items hung from device (can cause tipping)

Mobility device related accidents are completely preventable. Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a serious injury:

Always replace any faulty or missing parts, especially the brakes

Always check the front and rear wheels on a manual wheelchair to make sure they are turning without sticking and that the bearings aren’t making noises.

If applicable, apply the anti-tip bar

When transferring, always apply the brakes

Always center the wheelchair when on uneven surfaces or going up and down ramps to avoid tipping forward or to the side.

Keep pathways and traffic areas clear of debris and clutter

If you remain in the wheelchair when travelling in a vehicle, make sure it has a “transport safe” label on it. This label means that the wheelchair has gone through crash tests and can resist an impact of 30mph.

For power wheelchairs, set it at a speed that you can handle especially when going in reverse. Keep the power off before you transfer or when using a lift or ramp. The reason? You might accidentally bump the joystick.

If you’re not the person using the wheelchair, maintain an appropriate distance and never push, lean or tap the device. Always transport the individual with care and face forward. Avoid riding the wheelchair and do not allow children to ride.

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.


Thunderstorm Safety Tips

A thunderstorm should never be taken lightly. The heavy rains from thunderstorms can cause flash floods and the high winds can blow down trees and utility poles, causing power outages and also damaging homes. Despite advance warning, more people are killed each year from thunderstorms than by hurricanes or tornadoes.

Here are a few safety tips that may help keep you safe during a thunderstorm:

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local news for emergency updates. Be on the lookout for signs of a storm such as darkening skies, increasing wind and lightning flashes.

Any outdoor activities should be postponed if thunderstorms are expected to occur. The majority of people struck by lightning are not in an area where rain is falling.

If a warning for a severe thunderstorm is issued, take immediate shelter in a building or a vehicle with the windows closed. Mobile homes are not the safest places for shelter as they can easily blow over in higher winds.

If you hear thunder that means you are close enough to the danger. Go indoors if you hear thunder. According to the National Weather Service, you should remain inside for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Keep away from windows and shut outside doors securely.

Avoid using telephones and electric equipment. Instead, use radios and battery-powered TVs.

Don’t take a shower, bath or use plumbing.

If the thunderstorm catches you while driving, safely exit the roadway and find a safe spot to park. Avoid touching surfaces like metal that conduct electricity (inside or outside the vehicle).

In the event that you’re outside and cannot find shelter in a building: avoid high ground, tall isolated trees, water, and metal objects like bleachers or fences. Dugouts, picnic shelters and sheds are not safe places.

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.

Stroller Safety

Strollers are a necessity for many parents because they are convenient and make transporting children easier.  Although generally safe, strollers do carry their risks if they’re not used properly or are mishandled.  There are a few things parents can do in order to reduce risk of injuries and ensure their child is as safe as possible.

Here are a few safety features to look for:

Wide base- Strollers with wider bases are less likely to tip over.

Brake practicality- In your search for strollers, find one that has easy-to-operate brakes. A special safety feature you should also look for are brakes that lock two wheels. Most importantly, make sure your child cannot reach the brake release lever.

Single footrest- If it’s a side-by-side double stroller you’re searching for, choose one that has a single footrest extending across both of the sitting areas. Separate footrests increase the risk of your children’s small feet getting trapped between them.

Stroller safety tips that may prevent accidents:

Remain close- Never leave your child unattended while they’re in their stroller.

Toys- Sometimes parents hang toys from the stroller bumper bar to keep their child entertained. If you do this, make sure the toys are securely fastened.

Buckle ‘em up- Just as you would do when riding in the car, always buckle up your child in the stroller when taking them for a ride. Children run the risk of falling out of the stroller and injuring themselves.

Brake it- Whenever stopping the stroller, always engage the brakes.

Store belongings properly- Avoid hanging bags or any item over the handle bar of the stroller. Doing so may cause the stroller to tip over.  Instead, place items in the stroller’s basket.

Folding caution- When opening and folding the stroller, keep your child away as their small fingers can get caught in the hinges. In addition, before putting your child in the stroller, make sure its locked open.

Limit sun exposure- Avoid leaving the stroller in the sun for too long. Plastic and metal pieces may become very hot and can burn your baby.  If the stroller has sat in the sun, check its surface temperature before placing your child in.

Recalls- Do your research and make sure the particular model hasn’t been recalled. This holds especially true if you are purchasing a used stroller. If buying new, return the stroller’s warranty card so that you may be notified in the event that the stroller gets recalled.

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.

Keeping your Home Safe while Away

When you leave your home for an extended period of time (like on vacation), the risk of burglary increases.  The majority of burglaries are successful because of oversight by the homeowner. Limiting the risk of burglary is possible by following a few steps.

Outside precautions:

Ask a friend or neighbor to get your mail or have your mail put on hold. One of the most obvious signs that no one is home is accumulated mail.

Have a trusted neighbor park their car in your driveway and occasionally come inside to change the position of the curtains.

Install motion-sensor lights. Make sure to place them where burglars aren’t able to easily unscrew the bulbs.

To eliminate hiding room for burglars, follow the 3/6 rule. This means trimming the shrubs in front of your house no higher than 3 feet from the ground and trimming trees so the lowest branches are higher than 6 feet.

Avoid hiding a spare key anywhere that might be too obvious.


Indoor precautions:

Empty boxes of expensive items (TVs, laptops, gaming systems) should be stored in the garage until its garbage day. Leaving these boxes outside for can alert burglars that you own these expensive items.

Cover the windows of the garage so that no one knows if there is a car inside or not.

Any tools or ladders that could be used for breaking in should be locked up.

Leave a radio that’s tuned to a talk show station on.

Put your lamps and lights on a timer.

If you have a landline, turn down the volume of your phone’s ringer.

To further protect your home, consider placing safety film on windows that are near door handles. The safety film will make the glass difficult to smash.

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.