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"To bring attention to safety issues, the National Safety Council (NSC) has named its 2014 June Safety Month Campaign, 'Safety: It Takes All Of Us'. We are devoting this blog to review the hidden hazards in the home," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Maintaining a safe residence is a homeowner's responsibility, not only for themselves and their families, but also for everyone who may enter the property.  Should a hazard lead to injury, the homeowner may be responsible.

Some of the common household hazards homeowner's should watch out for are:

1. Recreational Equipment - Recreational equipment is not only fun, but it can present safety challenges.  Trampolines, for example, need to be properly secured to be sure any visitors, whether invited or not, are unable to access the property and injure themselves. Exercise equipment, according to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) should be kept in a room that can be childproofed or locked to keep equipment off  limits to children.  The CPSC reports that approximately 25,200 children aged 5 to 14 were injured as the result of home exercise equipment.  Outdoor pools and spas, both in-ground and above-ground need special attention.  (Here is a link to more information on what homeowners need to do to provide safe pools on their properties.)
2. Tree Limbs - As beautiful as they are, trees can pose unintentional dangers.  Check to make sure trees are maintained and trimmed, and that dead limbs are cut away.  Florida's sometimes gusty winds can easily break loose a limb and send it onto a neighbor's property or onto a vehicle. Tree services can be used to periodically check tree root systems to be sure they have not become weak.  Weak root systems can result in trees' toppling over when the ground becomes saturated with moisture or the winds become gusty.
3. Trip Hazards - Garden hoses, lawn equipment, and toys which are not properly stowed create tripping hazards.  Cracked sidewalks, pavers, rickety stairs, and loose railings may present dangerous conditions to visitors.
4. Slippery Surfaces - Slips and trips on walking surfaces are a significant portion of injuries.  The specific types of surfaces involved in these injuries vary considerably, but some of the more frequently reported are sidewalks and floors.  Traction on outdoor surfaces can change drastically when subjected to environmental factors such as rain.  Indoor surfaces may become virtual skating rinks when moisture from rain is either tracked in by pedestrian traffic or when appliances overflow. Make sure walkways and floors are dry.

Tips for keeping properties free of hazards:

• Practice good housekeeping by regularly picking up, wiping up and cleaning up.
• Inspect the property for hazards frequently.
• Keep the property maintained and repair any hazards promptly.
• Keep driveways and walkways free of debris.
• Warn visitors about any dangerous hazard with signs, safety tape or by roping off the area if it cannot be repaired immediately.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.