Seven Safety Devices You Should Have in Your Home Or Business

State and local governments create laws on public health, including regulations meant to improve home safety. Those laws don’t just apply to businesses and public spaces. They can also affect your home or the residential buildings you own as a landlord. Not following those rules can result in a hefty fine or a lawsuit if an injury results from lack of safety equipment. Never mind the legal ramifications, not having these devices puts you and your family at risk every day. It’s not a long list so make sure you have it all.

1. Smoke detectors. Almost every home these days has at least one smoke detector but that’s not necessarily enough. Some local ordinances require detectors in every bedroom and at least on in a common space. Homeowners are also often required to test the device at least once a year to make sure it’s working. Don’t forget to change the batteries while you’re at it.
2. Anti-Scald Devices.  If you have children in your home, these are a good idea. Set your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and add this device to regulate water temperature to help reduce the likelihood of burns.
3. Fire extinguishers. Another item that most homes already have but how long have you had it? Just like most other things, fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Check that it’s current before you’re in the middle of a grease fire on Thanksgiving. If it’s expired, the extinguisher won’t do much good so replace it as soon as you can.
4. Child safety locks.  These locks were designed to keep things like poisonous cleaning chemicals, medications, or other items that can be potentially fatal, out of your child’s reach. Cabinet locks are inexpensive and can be easily installed into drawers, doors and cabinets to prevent easy opening. Consider installing them in these locations: kitchen cabinets and appliances, bathroom cabinets, weapon cases, fragile collections, entertainment center or computer cabinet, laundry appliances, entry and exit doors, outdoor gates and equipment.
5. Carbon monoxide detectors. The colorless and odorless gas is dangerous and difficult for people to detect unaided. Too much carbon monoxide is deadly but it’s hard to know when it’s in your home. Local and state governments are responding to the deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning by requiring detection devices in residences and rental units.
6. Motion detector lights.  One of the first things you can do to prevent robbery, theft and burglary is get a motion sensor light. It’s a great way to deter unwanted guests without wasting energy running lights 24-hours-a day. Just make sure to install security lights high out of reach, so that a thief can’t simply unscrew the bulbs.
7. Alarm system. While an alarm system can be pricy, if it’s in your budget it is ideal for protecting your home both while you’re there and while you’re away.

Any of these devices could save your life in an emergency and not having one can open you to liability. Life can change in an instant.  If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, it is sometimes hard to move on with your life.  Coping with physical pain, emotional anguish, worry over medical bills and mounting financial debt takes its toll.  The person injured may need long-term care or the family may need extensive support. In order to receive proper compensation for your injuries and expenses, you need the help of a skilled Riverside personal injury attorney. Call me at the Law office of Gary G. Goldberg. I have over 30 years of experience in personal injury litigation and have handled more than 2,500 cases.