Spring Safety Tips

Spring is finally here and we are getting out more and doing things. Many of us will be busy with yard and house work this spring and we wanted to give you a few safety tips. Let us know if they helped you. 

• Replace your Smoke Alarm and CO batteries as these alarms can save lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 2,400 people die each year because of unintentional home fire.

• Most hard surface cleaning can be done with mild products such as vinegar, lemons or baking soda. Never mix ammonia and bleach as it releases toxic gases. Keep all cleaning products out of the reach of small children and pets. You should always wash your hands before using cleaning products. Read the labels to make sure you are using the product for their intended purpose.
• Call the national Poison Help Line at 800.222.1222 if you have a poison emergency.

• Most people have coin or button sized batteries in their homes as they are used for remote controls, toys, games and other electronic products. These small batteries can cause life threatening chemical burns inside the body in as little as two hours. If a child has ingested one take them immediately to a hospital. Remember that even completely dead batteries have enough residual power left in them to cause serious injuries.

• If you own a trampoline remember to Zip, Cover and Scoot it. Zip up the surrounding enclosure; Cover the springs, hooks and frame in shock absorbing pads and Scoot the trampoline away from structures and trees.
• When working in your yard follow the directions that come with the equipment and other products you use. Do not be in a hurry and stretch your muscles before you do your yard work. When you use your garden hose roll it up and store it properly.
• When grilling do not leave it unattended as children and pets move fast. Keep your grill a safe distance from your home or any building. Do not use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire as they both can cause an explosion. Your mitts should be insulated and flame retardant and your sleeves rolled up.

To learn more about the representation we offer Mississippi clients who have been injured in an auto accident, a dangerous product or through a slip and fall, contact us online or call 228-864-2200 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C., we defend your interests and protect your legal rights. With more than 66 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys offer our clients the representation they need. 

To best meet the needs of our diverse client base, we speak Spanish. Los Abogados Hablan Espanol.

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Boating Safety Tips

We hope you are all enjoying your spring and the many amenities the Gulf Coast has to offer. It is a great time to enjoy fishing and boating activities. Remember to follow your boating safety and wear your life jackets. Sadly, each year many people are injured and lives are lost because of preventable boating accidents.

This month’s blog we thought we would share with you a few safety tips regarding boating. For additional information you can go on line to the Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org/resources or other boating safety internet sites.

The following are a few safety tips:

·         Wear your life jacket.

·         Always check the weather before you go boating. Pay attention to the weather reports as unexpected weather can and does happen.

·         If you are an inexperienced boat operator take along someone with experience until you feel more comfortable handling a variety of boating situations.

·         Do not operate a boat and drink alcohol. It will slow down your reflexes and more importantly a BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is against the law.

·         Make sure you protect yourself and your passengers.

·         We recommend that you take a course in boating safety, which is also offered online.

If an accident would occur it is the responsibility of the boat operator to file a report to the state agency that covers boating, the US Coast Guard or both, depending on the situation. Remember not filing a report is a crime. In Mississippi if the accident occurs north of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10) you would file with MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. If the accident occurs south of Interstate Highway 10 (I-10) you would file with MS Department of Marine Resources.

As personal injury attorneys, Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C.  can advise you on how to determine compensation for damages or losses. We strongly urge you to avoid making statements or signing anything related to an accident until after consulting with us. This helps to protect your legal rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. today for your free case evaluation with a top personal injury attorney in your area.  Contact us online or call 228-864-2200 or, email us, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn. Just click below.