Being ready for the back-to-school season is about more than just having the right supplies -- it also means keeping your kids safe during a hectic time.

Here are some tips to help you and your children stay on the side of safety:

• Teach your kids to stay "five giant steps" away from the school bus if they ever have to cross in front of it.
  
• If your child can look the bus driver in the eyes, then that means the bus driver can see your child.
  
• Remind your kids to always look left-right-left before they walk into the street and away from the bus.
  
• Tell your children to never pick up something they've dropped near or under the bus -- ask the driver for help.
  
• Playground injuries are surprisingly common. Kids should be clear on what is and is not appropriate during play.
  
• Drawstrings should always be removed from jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts. They present strangulation risks.
  
• Heavy backpacks can lead to sore shoulders and pain if they weigh more than 15% of your child's total weight.
  
• As a driver, don't forget to obey all school zone speed limits and be aware of children crossing the street.

Those are just a few important tips to help your children stay happy and healthy during the 2010 back-to-school season. For more, check out the tips on my website here and here.

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By now, most people know that using a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous. But did you realize that using a cell phone while walking, or "distracted walking," is also an issue that safety experts are addressing?

Here are two articles from USA Today, one on distracted driving and one on distracted walking, that discuss how technology is playing a role to improve mobile safety:

Safety-driven software aims to block texting while driving

Tech firms create apps to keep distracted walkers on path

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The cosmetics industry is operating recklessly, putting dangerous chemicals in products most of us use everyday, say safety advocates. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, it's estimated that the average woman is exposed to about 168 chemicals a day through her cosmetics.

Cosmetics companies insist that the trace amounts of chemicals found in their products have no effect on human health. Many scientists, though, have found that these small amounts build over time. They also say that cosmetics companies don't warn about all chemicals in their products. For example, phthalates are found in most soft plastics, like shampoo bottles, and are released into products over time. However, if a company doesn't add phthalates to their product, it doesn't have to warn consumers about the possibility of the heath risks that come with exposure.

Consumers are stepping up their game even if manufacturers aren't. Websites like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics offer product safety ratings on a scale of 1 to 10 and continually lobby companies and the government to take a stand. While some hope the Food and Drug Administration will step in, states like California have begun regulating industry standards on their own.

For more information, check out this Post-Gazette article.

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Every year, nearly 20 million people experience accidental home-related injuries. Usually, these injuries are the result of a slip or fall around the house. June is Home Safety Month, so this is the perfect time to take a few simple steps to help make your home safer for you and the people you love.

Top Ten Tips:

• Keep the stairs well-lit and clutter-free.
• Install guard rails on both sides of the stairs and in the tub/shower.
• Add a mat or non-slip adhesive to the base of the tub.
• Maintain your floors. Wipe up any spills quickly and repair damaged rugs, carpets, and tiles.
• Secure area rugs on the floor with tape. 
• Store ladders immediately after use.
• Don't run electrical cords under rugs.
• Arrange children's rooms so that furniture isn't close to windows.
• Cover the ground under home playground equipment with safety material.
• If you have small children at home, install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

Make sure to visit my firm's home safety page if you'd like additional tips and more safety information on topics like food poisoning, defective products, and dog bites.

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Two important swimming pool safety initiatives have been announced just in time for Memorial Day. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is launching a new pool safety campaign today and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published new safety guidelines.

For the first time the AAP says that swimming lessons may help prevent drowning in some children ages 1 to 4. The Academy also cautions that parents must decide whether kids are physically and emotionally ready to learn. In addition, here are some of the safety tips offered by the AAP and the CPSC:

• Adults must supervise all kids in the water at all times.
• Install a four-sided barrier completely surrounding the pool. If a house is the fourth barrier, install alarms on the doors leading to the pool.
• Get training in basic water rescue skills, first aid, and CPR.
• Make rescue and first aid equipment available at the pool.
• Keep a phone by the pool.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause among children ages 1-14, so please do whatever you can to keep kids safe as they enjoy swimming pools this weekend and throughout the year. If you'd like more safety tips you can visit my firm's swimming pool safety page.

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Do you ever drive with your pet in your car? Almost 90% of pet owners say they do.

If you're part of that 90%, you should definitely check out this New York Times article:

Pets and Distracted Driving

It has a lot of good info on how to keep your pets safe during a car ride and the risks they can pose on the road (like this surprising fact: In a 35-mile-per-hour accident, an unrestrained 60-pound dog would carry the force of a 2,700-pound projectile).

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The small inconveniences that most of us have in our homes – the burnt-out light bulb you've been meaning to change, the laundry basket you forgot to move – can quickly turn into big problems if they lead to a fall.

Over 8 million adults injure themselves in falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of death in people ages 65 and older. Preventing your home from becoming an obstacle course is easy once you know what to look for. Here are some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Get rid of throw rugs. If you want to keep them around, use double-sided tape or nonslip backing to secure them.
• Clear a path. Make sure you don't have to weave between or step over furniture, extension cords, safety gates, etc. to get from point A to point B.
• Make sure stairways are well-lit and install light switches that glow at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Fix loose and uneven stairs and secure loose stair carpeting.
• Make sure stairways are equipped with handrails.
• Put kitchen items you use often on easy-to-reach shelves.
• Buy a good stepstool – never use a chair.
• Use a rubber mat in the tub or shower.
• Install grab bars inside the bathtub and next to the toilet.
• Use a nightlight if the path from your bedroom to the bathroom is dark.

Here are tips that the CDC offers for seniors in particular:

• Get regular exercise to improve balance.
• Some drugs can make you dizzy, so have your doctor or pharmacist examine everything you're taking.
• Have your vision checked once a year.
• Wear shoes inside and outside of your home.
• Put a phone near the floor in case you fall and can't get up.
• Write emergency numbers in large print and place them by all phones.

You can check out my firm's slip & fall safety page for more info, including tips for homeowners and parents.

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I recently came across some important tips in an Erie Times-News article about keeping infants as safe as possible while they sleep. The article cites the following information from Safe Kids Erie, an organization that works to prevent unintentional childhood injury:

The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib with a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association label. This label means that the crib meets national safety standards. The crib should also have railings no more than two inches apart, and make sure to use a snug fitting mattress without plastic wrappings under crib sheets (never substitute adult sheets). Finally, don't put any soft toys, comforters, blankets, or bumper pads in the crib since they can obstruct breathing.

It's also smart to check for the latest crib recalls to make sure that your child isn't sleeping in something that's unsafe or defective. To look up the most recent crib recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Babies need to sleep on their backs until they're old enough to turn themselves over to avoid suffocation. This also means that babies need to get plenty of "tummy time" during the day so they don't develop a flat spot on the back of their developing head; therefore, don't leave them in a carrier or bouncer all day. And, while it can be tempting, it's not smart to share a bed or sofa with a baby, especially if you're tired, you've been drinking alcohol, or you're taking medication because this can lead to accidental suffocation.

There are up to 2,000 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths caused by accidental suffocation or accidents during sleep each year. Taking a few simple steps to ensure your infant's safety will take very little time and could save their life.

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Pet owners – you might want to check this out: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that flea and tick medication can actually lead to dog and cat injuries and deaths.

It's shocking to think that a product intended to help and protect your pet can do harm, but increasing complaints from pet owners led the EPA to investigate claims ranging from skin irritations to neurological problems and deaths. The agency found that smaller animals are particularly vulnerable to these side effects, especially when given medications meant for larger cats and dogs.

The EPA said that it's going to develop stricter testing and evaluation for topical flea and tick treatments. It's also going to review product labels to determine which ones need more clearly stated usage instructions and may alter the formulas of some medications. In the meantime, the EPA encourages pet owners to read directions carefully and only use the treatments as prescribed.

If you'd like to read more about this issue, you can check out this story: More Pets Injured By Flea and Tick Products.

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Attention parents and caregivers – the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) expects to make an announcement soon about popular "baby slings," saying that they can pose a suffocation risk to babies.

So far the agency hasn't named specific brands or cited specific incidents, but Consumer Reports has said that the "C-like position" can cause the baby's head to flop forward, chin-to-chest, restricting the child's ability to breathe. Other concerns include infants falling out of some slings and the potential for a baby to suffocate into a parent's chest or belly.

Keep checking back – we'll keep you updated on the latest developments and will post the official CPSC announcement once it arrives.

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Our part of the country has had quite an experience over the last week. Record snowfalls piled up in a number of cities – here in Pittsburgh we received almost 30 inches, making this month the snowiest February on record. Freshly fallen snow might be pretty, but it also brings a number of hazards and inconveniences.

It seems as though much of the city has been in hiding over the past five or six days – schools remain closed, many employees are just now returning to work, and quite a few cars still haven't budged from last week's parking spaces. But now that we're emerging from our snowy hibernation, there are a few considerations I'd like everyone to keep in mind as they take to the streets:

Sidewalk Shoveling and Ice Removal
Many people are unsure of their responsibility when it comes to this issue, so my firm has created a section on our website that tells you everything you need to know. Who's responsible for clearing walkways, when they need to be treated, what can happen if they're not – it's all there.

Winter Driving Safety Tips
Though the snow has stopped falling, the roads are still messy and slick. My law firm has created a page that contains tips on winter driving and preparing your car for the dangerous conditions. We even have a winter driving quiz – take it to test your knowledge on navigating winter's obstacles.

Sledding Safety Tips
Sledding, popular with all ages, may seem relatively safe, but it can actually lead to serious injuries. Check out my firm's site for tips on keeping you and your loved ones safe as you have fun in the snow.

I hope that everyone who was affected by the storm is keeping safe and warm – enjoy the white stuff while it lasts, but please be careful while you do!

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The Erie Times News has an article that I think is a good, though often overlooked, safety issue: the dangers of sled riding.  Although sled riding is a popular activity that seems relatively safe, more than 160,000 people were hurt in sled riding-related activities in 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most sledding mishaps are minor, but local emergency rooms have treated some serious concussions and spinal injuries resulting from sledding accidents in recent years. To reduce the risk of injury here are several tips for safe sled riding:

• Avoid hills that have a street or body of water near the bottom. If you go too fast you could end up in the roadway or the water.
• Check for and avoid any sledding hill that has trees, posts, fences or other obstacles in its path.
• Choose a sled that you can steer instead of discs, inner tubes, and toboggans. Don't use plastic sheets that can be punctured by objects on the ground.
  
• Do NOT sled head-first down a hill. You should be seated and facing forward so you can steer and so your head isn't the first thing to make contact in a collision.
  
• When climbing back up a hill, be alert and on the lookout for oncoming sled riders who may not be able to steer their sleds.
  
• Consider using a helmet for children riding particularly fast sleds.
  
• Younger children should always be supervised by an adult.
  
• Sled at night only in well-lighted areas.
  
• Do NOT drink alcohol before sledding as it makes you more susceptible to the cold and leads to bad decisions.

Remember, have fun and stay safe as you enjoy the winter weather!

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I've been posting a lot of information on keeping sidewalks safe, but I'd also like to issue a reminder about the dangers of the road during the winter months. Winter weather has officially set in, and the icy road conditions have played a part in multiple accidents, some fatal, across western Pennsylvania.

The best thing to do in icy weather is avoid driving, but of course that isn't always an option. If you do have to drive, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Driving too fast for the road conditions is one of the main causes of weather-related accidents, so it's important to slow down even if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• Using headlights and making sure to clear snow from your vehicle can also help to reduce the risk of a weather-related accident.
• Clear the roof of your vehicle in addition to the windows, mirrors, and lights so that snow can't slide down your windshield and impair your vision.
• Finally, simple things like braking gently and leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front of you can reduce skidding and allow more time to react should you lose control.

For more information and additional safety tips, check out one of my previous blog posts on winter driving safety and on winterizing your car.

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We're in the midst of some serious winter weather, and in addition to traveling safely and staying warm, there's another concern that should be on your radar: keeping your walkways clear.

Although this may sound simple, municipalities have their own ordinances that must be followed. In the city of Pittsburgh, for example, you have 24 hours to clear away snow and ice. If you don't clear public pathways in that time and are reported to the city, you may receive a citation and face fines.

Be aware, however, that this ordinance doesn't mean you can always wait 24 hours to shovel and salt your sidewalks - the city of Pittsburgh expects walkways to be cleared in a "reasonable" amount of time. This means that if you had plenty of time to get rid of ice and snow before 24 hours was up but didn't, you can still be held liable for any injuries that occur on your property.

Here's more information you need to know about the removing snow and ice:

Homeowners

• If you're a homeowner, you are responsible for any injuries on your property that result from snow and ice.
• Your homeowner's insurance will cover the costs of injuries that happen to you or anyone hurt on your property up to your policy limits. You are held directly responsible for any costs that exceed your coverage limit.

Renters

• If you rent or lease a single family home, you're responsible for taking care of snow and ice.
• If you live in an apartment complex with multiple rental units, your landlord or property management company is responsible for taking care of snow and ice.
• If you live in a two or three unit property, liability is a little more complicated – you may or may not be held accountable depending on other circumstances. Your best bet is to be safe and keep your walkways clean.
• Make sure you check your rental agreement to find out your landlord's policy on snow and ice removal.

If you'd like more information on snow and ice removal, you can check out my firm's website and this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article.

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Did you know that in Pittsburgh, you generally have 24 hours after the last snowflake falls to clear your sidewalk? If you don't, you could be held liable if someone slips and falls on your property. This 24-hour rule applies to homeowners – business owners are expected to clear their walkways and steps much more quickly because they invite people onto their property.

If you have homeowner's insurance, it will cover damages for which you are liable up to the dollar amount you purchased. If damages exceed that amount, or if you don't have insurance, your personal assets could be at risk. We have some snow and ice on the ground now and are expecting more – so get out there and make sure those sidewalks are clear. If you don't, it could end up costing you more than you expect.

If you have other questions about homeowner and business owner liability, you can check out this section of my firm's website.

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Here's a story all of you parents and caregivers might want to check out: Good Morning America reported that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested 60 different booster seats and found that only 15 of them got top safety ratings.

What's the proper fit for a booster seat?

Booster seats, typically used by four- to eight-year-olds, are required by a number of states to ensure that a vehicle's adult seat belts fit children properly. It might surprise you to know that the federal government doesn't have any guidelines for how booster seats should be designed.

If a booster works properly, the seat belt's shoulder belt fits across the child's shoulder and the lap belt runs flat across the thighs. In a booster seat that produces a bad fit, the shoulder belt slides off the child's shoulder and the lap belt sits on the stomach. This can fling kids forward at the waist and lead to internal organ injuries.

Which booster seats are the safest?

Due to the lack of national standards, the Insurance Institute is attempting to offer consumers some guidance on what seats to buy. To do so, the agency crash-tested 60 booster seats using a dummy the size of a six-year-old child. They found that the best seats position children properly no matter what type of vehicle they're used in. The following booster seats were called "Best Bets:"

Combi Dakota backless/clip

Recaro Young Sport

Recaro Vivo

Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR

Evenflo Big Kid Amp backless/clip

Eddie Bauer Auto Booster

Cosco Juvenile Pronto

Britax Frontier

Clek Oobr

These seats were called "Good Bets:"

Combi Kobuk backless/clip

Maxi-Cosi Rodi

Evenflo Symphony 65

Britax Parkway SG

Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Wander

Graco TurboBooster SafeSeat Sachi

The absolute safest option, however, is a car seat that is big enough for older kids. This is because boosters don't attach to the car, and they can move around or be ejected in an accident. By contrast, a car seat is tightly secured to the vehicle itself.

What seats should I avoid?

Eleven of the tested seats were rated "not recommended." They are:

Harmony Secure Comfort Deluxe backless/clip

Combi Kobuk

Evenflo Express

Eddie Bauer Deluxe

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite

Evenflo Sightseer

Alpha Omega Elite

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1

Safety 1st All-in-One

Alpha Omega Luxe Echelon

Alpha Omega

You can read the full list here, which also includes seats that fall into a "gray area."

What if my seat is on the "not recommended" list?

Any booster seat is better than no booster seat, so if yours is on the "not recommended" list, keep using it until you can get a better one.

Where can I find booster seat and car seat laws for my state?

My firm's website has a state-by-state listing of car and booster seat laws. You can find it here.

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Holiday shopping is in full swing, and every weekend malls are packed with people looking for gifts. I think it's a good time to remind people of a topic that is easily forgotten – escalator safety.

The CPSC says that there are about 11,000 escalator accidents each year. A lot of them are preventable – caused by distractions like cell phones or by large shopping bags. Here are a number of steps you can follow to keep yourself safe on escalators, and I encourage you to put them to use:

• Step on and off with caution.

• Hold children firmly with one hand.

• Hold small packages firmly in one hand.

• Don't lean on the railing.

• Don't ride with canes, walkers, carts or wheeled vehicles.

• Don't ride barefoot or with loose shoelaces.

• Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides.

• Grasp the handrail as you step onto the escalator.

• Avoid using an inoperative escalator as a stairway.

Enjoy your holiday shopping and be safe!

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Be careful as you take advantage of those Black Friday sales and stock up on holiday gifts. Even though a law was passed last year that was intended to make toys safer, one public safety group has found that toys containing dangerous chemicals and illegal levels of lead are still on store shelves.

The group, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PRIG), tested toys from major retailers and issued a report, "Trouble in Toyland," yesterday. Among their findings were:

• Toys that pose choking hazards

• Loud toys that can cause hearing loss

• High phthalate levels in toys

• Excessive levels of lead in toys, including a charm made by Claire's boutiques that was 71 percent lead by weight (the legal limit is .03 percent)

Unfortunately, there's no way for you to tell what lead and chemical levels a product contains before you buy it. Here are some recommendations you can follow to avoid other dangers, however:

• Toy Safety Tips

• Buying Used Toys

In addition, you can check out U.S. PRIG's website for information on reporting toy safety issues and to read the group's full report.

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The FDA has announced that it's going to begin an investigation that I think is important – whether or not it's legal to add caffeine to alcoholic beverages. Alcohol on its own can be extremely dangerous, and the compounding effect of caffeine is something I'm happy is being examined. 

A few months ago, 18 attorneys general sent a letter to the FDA saying that they consider caffeinated alcoholic beverages to be dangerous. According to a CNN article, the letter referred to several studies that showed that stimulants like caffeine mask the intoxicating effects of alcohol. This can lead to an increase in risk taking and other alcohol-related problems like violence and traffic accidents.

At this point in time, caffeine has only been approved for use in soft drinks. Since the FDA hasn't approved caffeine in alcoholic beverages, it's possible that the beverages can't be legally marketed. Manufacturers have been given 30 days to produce data to support claims that their products are safe. If the FDA finds that they are not, it can demand the products be taken off the market.

Last year, Anheuser-Busch and Miller reformulated Tilt, Sparks and Bud Extra, removing the caffeine. Both agreed not to make caffeinated alcoholic drinks in the future. It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out and if similar beverages, like 24/7 and Joose, will meet the same fate.

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More than 76,000 Americans were killed while walking in the last 15 years, which is about the same as one jumbo jet crashing every month. A local organization, Transportation for Pennsylvania, is calling for change.

The group has asked Congress to increase funding for pedestrian safety, citing a study that found that most of the 297 Pennsylvania pedestrian deaths that occurred last year were preventable. The report found that many accidents happened along streets designed to encourage speeding while lacking safe sidewalks, pedestrian signals, crosswalks, and other measures.

Though Pittsburgh was found to be one of the safest metropolitan areas for pedestrians, my law firm has helped many people whose lives have been tragically altered because of a pedestrian accident. We know that one death is one too many and are happy that attention is being drawn to this problem. 

According to the report, the four most dangerous metropolitan areas to walk in are Florida – Orlando-Kissimmee, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, and Jacksonville.

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Kids are going to be hitting the streets over the next few days, showing off their costumes and collecting as much candy as they can. Halloween is a fun-filled holiday that many look forward to all year long, but it can also be a dangerous holiday. Did you know that kids are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day?

These types of accidents are largely avoidable if everyone does their part to keep the holiday safe. My law firm has an entire page dedicated to Halloween safety tips, but I'd like to share a few of them with you here:

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips:

• Make sure all children are supervised by an adult.
• Carry a flashlight and bring extra batteries.
• Give children brightly colored trick-or-treat bags.
• Don't cross between cars.
• Use sidewalks wherever possible.

Driving Tips:

• Make sure you know the trick-or-treat times for your neighborhood.
• Drive very slowly.
• Don't be distracted – don't use cell phones, don't change radio stations, etc.
• Don't drink and drive! If you are going to a party, have a designated driver.

Homeowner Tips

• Clear steps and lawns of any tripping hazards such as electric cords, hoses, etc.
• Make sure pathways are clearly lit.
• Use flashlights instead of candles in the pumpkins near your door to reduce fire hazards.

Candy Inspection Tips:

• Tell children not to eat any candy until it has been inspected by an adult at home.
• Throw away candy with loose or open wrappers.
• If there's doubt, throw it out.
• A lot of hospitals offer free candy screenings. Check with your local hospital.

If you'd like more tips, you can visit my firm's website. Please be a part of making this Halloween safe and fun for everyone!

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Halloween is a fun time of year for adults and children, but amid all of the excitement, it can be easy to forget to follow general safety guidelines, especially when buying costumes. Following safety tips and common sense when picking out costumes can make Halloween fun and safe for everyone.

The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission offers the following suggestions for purchasing and making children's Halloween costumes:

• Material should be flame retardant, so when purchasing a costume, mask, wig, or beard, look for the label "Flame Resistant." Though this doesn't mean these items won't catch fire, it does mean that they will be more difficult to ignite and should extinguish fairly quickly.
• Costumes should be bright enough to be clearly seen by motorists. To ensure visibility, you can decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape. Children can also carry flashlights so that they are easily seen.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping and falling, and children should wear shoes that fit well.
• Keep hats, scarves, and masks clear of children's eyes. You can apply a make-up mask instead of having a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or block vision, but before you buy face paint, check out this blog on safety tips. If a child does wear a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives, and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials to prevent injury.

It's important that parents abide by these safety tips when choosing Halloween costumes – they are easy to follow and can prevent avoidable injuries. In the coming weeks I will post more info on Halloween safety, including tips on trick-or-treating, homeowner responsibilities, and candy inspection.

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Halloween is fast approaching, and while you may be aware of the usual costume safety guidelines, there's a new cause for concern that you should watch out for. Typically, face paint is preferred over masks because of vision safety concerns. But a recall of face paint earlier this year, as well as a similar issue back in 2005, has caused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a warning.

In both February and May of this year, a significant number of Girl Scouts developed red, bumpy rashes from face paint made by Shanghai Color Art Stationary Co. Ltd. A similar problem occurred in a Boy Scouts group in 2005. In light of these occurrences, the FDA has announced the following guidelines for the purchase and use of Halloween face paint:

• Don't use anything on your face that isn't specifically intended for skin.
• If there's a bad smell in your face paint, throw it away. It could be a sign of contamination or bacteria.
• Read all labels and directions. The pictures on face paints are often misleading.
• Do a skin patch test a few days before Halloween to check for allergic reactions.
• Only use face paints containing FDA-approved colors.
• Be especially careful with fluorescent and luminescent colors as they are not intended to be used near the eyes.
• Never sleep with face pain on. If you wear it too long it could irritate the skin or flake off and get in your eyes.

It's important to observe these safety measures when buying face paint – they are easy to follow and can prevent issues that can ruin a night of fun.

Make sure to stay tuned – in the coming weeks I will post more safety tips for Halloween, including trick-or-treat tips, homeowner tips, and candy inspection tips.

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There's an interesting article in the USA Today about Bisphenol A (BPA). Over the past year or so a lot of information has surfaced about its harmful side effects. This article discusses one that you may not have heard before…

A lot of parents disregard their toddler's excessive aggression and hyperactivity as just something "kids do." However, a new study has proven that prenatal exposure to BPA could play a role in this behavior. After observing a group of 249 pregnant women, toddler girls whose mothers had the highest levels of BPA during pregnancy showed more aggression and hyperactivity than their counterparts. The toddler's aggression scores were even comparable to those of boys their age. At this time, boys are not known to be affected by BPA in the same manner.

These results could have been triggered by many other factors, so scientists say they need to perform more studies before considering anything conclusive. If you'd like more information, you can read the article here.

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Parents typically worry about the dangers that the outside world presents to their children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued what I think is an important reminder about the dangers that can have tragic consequences within your home.

The CPSC says that in 2006, 16,300 children 5 years old and younger were treated in emergency rooms because of injuries from TV, furniture, and appliance tip-overs. The agency also says that from 2000 to 2006, they received reports of 134 tip-over related deaths. These accidents are avoidable, so I encourage to check out and put into practice these safety tips offered by the CPSC:

• Furniture should be stable on its own. For additional safety, anchor chests or dressers, TV stands, bookcases and entertainment units to the floor or secure them to a wall.
• Put TVs on a low, sturdy base. Avoid flimsy shelves.
• TVs should be pushed back as far as possible.
• Make sure electrical cords out of a children’s reach, and teach kids not to play with them.
• Keep remote controls and other items that might catch a child’s attention off the TV stand.
• Install free-standing ranges and stoves with anti-tip brackets.

You can check out the CPSC’s website for more information.

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There's a recent USA Today article I suggest you check out – it may make you rethink what you leave lying around the house…

We all know that we need to keep kids and pets away from the dangerous chemicals in household cleaning products. This article informs us that we may need to keep them away from items like purses and pet supplies as well. According to the article, a consumer watchdog group found chemicals, including lead and arsenic, in a variety of everyday products, such as handbags, car seats, and pet toys.

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This past weekend there was a startling article in the New York Times Magazine about the dangers of a product that many people use and most consider to be harmless: denture creams. If used incorrectly, however, certain creams can cause serious and potentially irreversible damage to your health.

 
The article concerned a woman who was admitted to the hospital with puzzling symptoms, including fatigue, weak legs, loss of balance, and numb feet. After a number of tests, doctors found that the woman had almost no copper in her system and her zinc levels were extremely high. An excess of zinc can lead to copper deficiency, so physicians had to figure out what was causing the zinc toxicity.

Her doctor ran through a checklist of what the culprit could be: zinc supplements, zinc cold remedies, well water, but none of them applied to her. It was then that the doctor noticed a tube of denture cream on the woman's bedside table – denture cream that contained zinc. The woman said that because of improperly fitting dentures she used about 24 tubes of cream a month. The recommended usage amount is one tube a month.

A year and a half later, the patient had improved some. She used a zinc-free denture cream and her fatigue had gone away. She still couldn't walk without help, however, and though she goes to physical therapy, her nerve damage may be permanent. Her doctor worries that other people may be experiencing the same problems but aren't aware that the underlying cause is right in their medicine cabinet.

If you'd like to learn more about the dangers of denture creams and zinc poisoning, please check out my firm's website.

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There are two stories about car seats in the news now. Some unexpected hazards have recently been discovered, and I think the stories are important for everyone to check out.

The first is on CNN.com and discusses how safety seats can limit infants' oxygen levels.

The second is on the New York Times and is about lead poisoning in children being linked to car seats.

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In the past week, my law firm has updated our website with information that I think is important for people to review. If you are taking any kind of over-the-counter or prescription drugs or are using a medical device, you have to be informed of their potential side effects. In some instances, the side effects can be far worse than the health problem the drug or device is treating.

For instance, Reglan is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders like acid reflux. However, use of the drug has been linked to a permanent neurological disorder, tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD affects the central nervous system and leads to involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and extremities.

Here are links to our drug index page and our defective medical products page. I encourage you to check them out for more information on medications and devices that may do more harm than good.

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Falling is a serious concern for older adults. Not only does it happen often, but many times it leads to serious injuries and sometimes even death. Below are some questions and answers from the USA Today that may give you a better understanding of slip and fall safety and risks.

Q: How common are falls for older adults?

A: In older adults, falls are actually the leading cause of injury-related deaths. One in three adults age 65 and over falls every year in the United States. Every 18 seconds, a person from that same age group will have to be treated for a fall in an emergency department, and every 35 minutes, an older adult will die because of those injuries.

Q: Are all older people at risk for falling?

A: The chances of falling do increase with age – those over the age of 85 are five times more likely to fall than those between the ages of 65 and 74.

Men are more likely to die from a fall than women; their death rate is almost 50 percent higher. Also, those who have had a previous fall or suffered a stroke, depression, or cognitive problems are more at risk.

Q: Why are the elderly so at risk for falling and becoming injured?

A: Not only do older adults naturally have more problems with their movement, balance, and eyesight, but diseases like osteoporosis can weaken bones, causing them to break more easily.

Q: Will falling result in serious injuries for an older person?

A: Not always, but it is possible. Traumatic brain injuries are most often caused by falls, and serious bone fractures, like the hip, result in a 20 percent chance of the patient dying within a year.

Q:  What are the most common types of injuries caused by falls?

A: Fractures in the hand, forearm, upper arm, ankle, leg, pelvis, hip and spine are most common.

Q: How can the elderly prevent falls?

A: Many things within a home can be adjusted or implemented to prevent falls, like adequate lighting; secure, non-slip flooring; and handrails. Also, older people can increase their balance and strength with regular exercise. Regular eye appointments can help ensure that falls aren't caused by poor eyesight.

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Fourth of July weekend and Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Regatta are just around the corner, and people will be out enjoying food, fireworks, friends, and family. Last year I posted a series of blogs on Fourth of July safety, and here are the links if you'd like to check them out:

Alcohol, Driving, and Boating

Fireworks

Picnics

Here are a few of the key points to keep in mind about each of the topics:

Alcohol, Driving, and Boating

• Of the 659 traffic-related fatalities that occurred during the Fourth of July weekend in 2006, 37% of them involved alcohol.

• It's illegal to operate watercraft on Pennsylvania waters while under the influence of alcohol.

• A blood alcohol content of 0.01% increases the risk of death in a boating accident by 30% for both operators and passengers.

Fireworks

• Don't buy fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, because they're often made for professional use and could pose a serious safety risk to amateurs.

• Never allow young children to play with fireworks.

• Children under five are injured by sparklers more often than any other type of fireworks. You may be surprised to know that sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.

Picnics

• If you'll be enjoying a pool during your cookout, assign adults to different shifts to monitor pool activity and never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

•  To avoid food poisoning, cook poultry to 165 °F.

• Cook beef, veal and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops to 145 °F.

Have fun and keep safe over the holiday weekend!

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I don't think that we can talk about home safety enough on this blog. Many of the injuries that people sustain in and around their homes are both serious and preventable, so I think it's important to remind everyone of some basic guidelines every once in a while.

Window falls: Young children are naturally curious and can accidentally fall from a window, especially if your furniture provides an easy climb.

Solution: Purchase and install window guards, which cost less than $30 each.

Window treatment cords: Strangulation can occur if young children can reach and pull on blind and curtain cords.

Solution: Be sure to tie or arrange cords out of reach, in addition to moving furniture so that your children can't climb to grab onto these cords.

Power cords: Electrical burns, strangulation and tripping are all common injuries.

Solution: Try unplugging items used less frequently or moving cords from high-traffic areas. Also, by securing necessary cords, you can prevent tripping or a dangling cord.

Appliance and furniture tip-overs: This can occur when kids pull the electrical cords of appliances like televisions. Dressers are also prone to tip over since they aren't usually secured against a wall.

Solution: Wall mounting kits can secure up to 400 lbs of weight.

Gym equipment: Strangulation from cords, burns from treadmill belts, and injuries from improper use are all possible dangers of gym equipment.

Solution: Be sure to constantly supervise your children around gym equipment. A separate room with a lock is best so that young kids are never in a room alone with equipment meant for adults.

Toy/product recalls: Just because a toy is expected to be safe and child-friendly doesn't mean they are. Lead levels, loose parts, and manufacturing defects can all lead to unsafe children's products.

Solution: Routinely check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly to become familiar with these unsafe products and toys.

Falls: Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to falls.

Solution: Install grab bars in the tub or shower. Also, keep stairs well-lit and free of clutter and install gates at the top and bottom of stairways. Always use a ladder, not furniture, to reach high areas.

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My law firm gets a number of calls from people who are concerned about the car seat and booster seat laws in their state. It can be difficult to find clear, concise summaries of the laws, so we decided to create a car seat and booster seat laws resource page on our website.

On the page you will find a map that links to each state's laws. Because experts have deemed almost half of the state laws to be insufficient, we've also included guidelines suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I encourage everyone to check out the page to make sure you're following the recommended safety guidelines and state laws.

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The leading cause of injury deaths among older adults is falling, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent New York Times article says that the bathroom in particular poses a lot of safety problems for the elderly, so here are some tips from the article on making the bathroom a safer space:

• The best option for bathing is a bench and hand-held shower. But if a tub shower is your only choice, there are inexpensive transfer benches so seniors don't have to climb over the edge of the tub. The transfer bench allows you to sit and then slide over the edge.
• A higher toilet seat can help – raised plastic seats or platforms that lift the entire toilet make it easier to sit and stand. Another option is a safety frame that bolts to the wall.
• Alternatively, grab-bars can be installed wherever extra support is needed, like next to the tub or toilet. 
• Serious injuries can result after a fall in a bathroom because of the hard surfaces and their tendency to become wet from the shower or sink. Non-slip mats can be installed inside the tub to prevent falls. 
• Rugs can lead to tripping, especially at night when visibility is low. A rug-less bathroom is best. 
• Sufficient lighting is important, especially an automatic nightlight so late night trips to the bathroom don't end in a fall.
  

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Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, summer is underway and people are spending more time outdoors. Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Location of grill. A grill next to flammable items like tree branches, bushes, or a wooden deck rail sets the stage for a fire. Allow a 10-foot distance between the grill and combustibles.

• Hot charcoal. Although charcoal can feel cool to your hands, it's very possible that the insides are still hot and still capable of starting a fire. There are three precautionary steps to keep in mind here: soak used charcoal in cold water, place charcoal in a metal can, and then set that canister on a nonflammable surface.

• Unfenced pool. Drowning is an all-too-common occurrence. If you have a pool or your children use a friend or neighbor's pool, be sure that it's entirely enclosed by a fence that's at least five feet tall and maintain constant supervision.

• Too-short ladder. When using a too-short ladder, it's common to overreach, resulting in instability and falls. Your reach should never be more than four feet above the ladder.

• Moisture-soaked deck. Rotting wood can result in an unstable structure. If your deck isn't waterproofed every few years, or if you can penetrate ¼ to ½ inch of wood with a screwdriver, the wood on your deck needs to be replaced.

• Toxic plants. Although many toxic plants simply leave exposed individuals with a rash or upset stomach, some can be fatal to small children and pets. Common plants that are dangerous if swallowed include Oleander, datura (jimson weed), and castor bean.

• Pesticide chemicals. Many gardeners incorrectly use pesticides or apply too much, and it's possible that these chemicals can cause an individual to become sick with flulike symptoms. This can be prevented not only through correct usage, but also by attracting birds and insects that naturally eliminate the hazardous bugs. You can also grow plants native to your region, because they are less vulnerable to bugs in the area.  Research plants and pesticide alternatives when confronted with a plant-eating bug.

• Small pools of water. Tiny pools of water, even as small as a soda bottle cap, can become a breeding place for mosquitoes. Do routine checks around the outside of your home, dumping out buckets, plastic covers, and anything else that can accumulate water.

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A lot of pools will be opening this weekend, so I wanted to remind parents and caregivers of some important safety information. A CPSC safety report states that almost 300 young children die and more than 3,000 are seriously injured in pools and spas every year, so it's important to keep the following tips from the American Red Cross in mind:

• Always supervise children who are in or around water.
• If a child is missing, make sure to check the pool first. Even a few seconds can make a difference in drowning accidents.
• Enclose the pool on all sides with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. The bars shouldn't be more than four inches apart.
• Keep a phone by the pool so you can call 9-1-1 right away in the case of an emergency.
• Learn CPR and make sure that babysitters, grandparents, and other caretakers know CPR as well.
• Post CPR instructions and emergency numbers near the pool.
• Don't leave furniture near the fence that could enable children to climb over the fence.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices are recommended.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it's not in use. Toys can attract children to the water.
• Completely remove pool covers before using the pool.

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Study results released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics show that dozens of popular children's bath products contain chemicals, like formaldehyde, that may cause cancer and skin allergies. Almost 50 products were tested, and some of the brands, like Pampers and Johnson & Johnson, might be ones that you use every day. Check out this USA Today story to learn more.

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The holidays are a time for celebration, and by this time of the month, many people have begun decorating their homes. With all of the excitement, it’s easy to overlook some dangers. Be careful that you don't – emergency rooms see over 10,000 people a year with injuries from holiday decorations, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Here are some tips you can follow:

Candles

Candles are the most popular but actually most dangerous decoration. Candles cause 14,000 fires a year, almost 200 deaths, and $350 million in property damage. To stay safe, always keep the candle in sight and never leave a burning candle unattended when going out or to bed. Also, don't place candles near flammable items, like curtains or clothing.

Trees

If buying an artificial tree, make sure the tag says “Fire Resistant,” and for real trees, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, the needles are hard to remove from branches and don't break when bent between your fingers.

Keep trees away from fireplaces and radiators and keep fresh trees watered. A dry tree ignites much more quickly.

Lights

When it comes to lights, make sure they're certified by laboratories like UL or ETL/ITSNA. In addition, if you’re going to place them outside, ensure that they’re certified for outdoor use.

Inspect both new and old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and get rid of damaged sets. Don't use more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord. And make sure you turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house to avoid a fire hazard.

Most importantly, enjoy your holidays but keep safety in mind!

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The first snow has fallen in Pittsburgh, and with more snow and ice in the forecast, I think that it's important to remind drivers of some winter driving safety tips. Of course, it's best to try and avoid driving in snowy or icy conditions, but if you have to, take the following steps to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.

1. Drive according to the conditions outside. This may seem like an obvious thing to do, but many people assume that four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive compensate for dangerous road conditions. Don't make this mistake.

2. Turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you.

3. Make sure your lights and your windshield are clean.

4. Reduce your speed and leave plenty of room to stop. There should be at least three times the normal amount of space between you and the car in front of you.

5. To avoid skidding break gently. And if your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

6. Use low gears to maintain traction, especially on all of the hills in our region.

7. Bridges can be dangerous, and with hundreds of them in southwestern Pennsylvania, we have to be especially careful. Like overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, they freeze first.

8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers of these vehicles have limited visibility.

Try and make sure that you don't go out until the snow plows and salt trucks have had a chance to clear the roads, and allow yourself extra time to get to your destination. You can also practice winter driving in a snowy, open parking lot to get comfortable with your car.

For more safety information, you can check out one of my previous blog posts on how to winterize your car before you take it out in hazardous conditions.

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It looks like winter weather has officially arrived in Pittsburgh, and now is the time to prepare your vehicle for snowy and icy roads. You can follow the tips below to winterize your car.

Make sure that you:

• Check spark plugs
• Check brakes, fan belts, wiring, hoses, and ignition
• Check fuel, air, and emission filters
• Check the battery
• Inspect the distributor
• Check the tires for air, sidewall wear, and tread depth
• Check antifreeze levels

An emergency situation on the road can happen at a moment's notice, especially in winter weather. To make sure that you are prepared, it's recommended that you have the following items in your trunk:

• Shovel
  
• Jumper cables
• Inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod-type jack
• Tow and tire chains
• Bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit

You should also have a "survival kit" in your car that includes:

• First aid kit
• Compass
• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in waterproof container
• Scissors and string or cord
• Water
• Blanket 
• Non-perishable, high-energy food like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
  

Please be careful as you go out on the roads in this weather, and for information on driving in winter weather, you can check out my Winter Driving Tips post.

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Giving gifts is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and many people are heading to the stores to find that perfect present. When picking out presents, especially for children, it's extremely important to factor toy safety into your decision.

In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 18 toy-related deaths and estimates that there were over 170,000 toy-related injuries in children under the age of 15 that had to be treated in emergency rooms. The majority of the deaths were linked to airway obstruction from small toys, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents during play. Many of the injuries were lacerations, contusions, and abrasions. The head and the face were the areas of the body most frequently injured.

The CPSC has designated the following top five toy hazards to keep in mind as you begin your holiday shopping:

Scooters and riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards, and in-line skates go fast and falls using these toys can be fatal. It is important that helmets and safety gear are worn at all times and that they fit properly.

Small balls and toys with small parts – Children younger than three years of age should not play with toys that have small parts, which can lead to choking.

Balloons – Children under the age of eight can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children and throw away broken balloons right away.

Magnets – If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, they can lead to serious injury or death. Avoid building or play sets with small magnets for children under six years old.

Chargers and adapters – Charging batteries should always be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

Additionally, gift-givers should be especially careful of second-hand toys that may have been recalled, banned, or don't meet safety standards. Buyers can check the CPSC's web site for a list of toys and children's products that have been recalled.

You can also check my firm's web site for the latest news on product safety alerts and recalls.

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A startling trend has been recently been reported in the news: food allergies in children across the country are on the rise. Apparently, about 3 million kids now suffer from food allergies, an 18 percent increase from 1997. At the very least, these food allergies can lead to uncomfortable reactions like stomach aches and rashes. At the worst, severe allergies can be lead to difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and in some cases can be fatal.

Experts aren't sure if the increase is due to more allergies or greater awareness among parents, which prompts them to have kids checked out by a doctor more frequently. Whatever the reason, the health consequences for the child are the same, and another trend is making the situation even more dangerous – improper food labeling.

It seems as though the FDA issues frequent alerts on undeclared allergens in foods. Alerts that were released last week included one for undeclared pecans in Harry & David Moose Munch Confection and another for undeclared milk, soy, and wheat in Nonna's Real Italiana Cuccine Stuffed Artichokes.

This is a very serious problem. It is estimated that every year, 30,000 people have to go to emergency rooms due to life-threatening reactions that lead to constricted airways, severe lowering of blood pressure, and suffocation by swelling of the throat. About 2,000 people have to be hospitalized and 250 die.

Please make sure to read food labels very carefully and contact a health professional if you notice any of the following food allergy symptoms: 

• Hives
• Flushed skin or rash
  
• Face, tongue, or lip swelling
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the throat and vocal cords
• Loss of consciousness
• Tingling or itching of the mouth
  

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest food allergy information, you can sign up for the FDA's alerts.

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Halloween has arrived, and kids are looking forward to putting on their costumes and collecting their treats. The day should be a time for fun, but unfortunately, it can also present some unexpected dangers.

To keep trick-or-treaters safe and injury-free, check out the simple safety steps below:

Trick-or-Treating

• Children should be supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating.
• Only visit homes with lights that are turned on.
• Carry a flashlight and a brightly colored treat bag.
• Watch out for pets – even a friendly dog can bite if surprised by a costume.
• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• Make sure children know to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Candy

• Make sure children not to eat any treats until they have been inspected by an adult at home.
• Throw away candy that has open or loose wrappers.
• If seems like a treat might have been tampered with, call the police.
• Check with your local hospital to see if they offer candy inspection services.
•  

Homeowners  

• Clear your homes and yards of tripping hazards like electrical cords.
• Keep pathways well-lit.
• Keep all pets away from trick-or-treaters.
• To reduce the risk of fire, use flashlights instead of candles in pumpkins.

You can also check out one of my earlier blog posts on safe costume tips.

Please stay safe and have fun this Halloween!

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Halloween is only a few weeks away, and people have begun their annual search for children's costumes. There are a few safety guidelines that you can follow when buying or making a costume to keep your little ghouls and goblins injury-free as they collect their treats.

The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission offers the following recommendations for purchasing and making children's Halloween costumes:

• Material should be flame retardant, so when purchasing a costume, mask, wig, or beard, look for the label "Flame Resistant." Though this doesn't mean these items won't catch fire, it does mean that they will be more difficult to ignite and should extinguish fairly quickly.

• Costumes should be bright enough to be clearly seen by motorists. To ensure visibility, you can decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape. Children can also carry flashlights so that they are easily seen.

• Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping and falling, and children should wear shoes that fit well.

• Keep hats, scarves, and masks clear of children's eyes. Apply a make-up mask instead of having a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or block vision. If a child does wear a mask, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

• Swords, knives, and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials to prevent injury.

Please observe these suggestions when deciding on a Halloween costume – they are easy to follow and can prevent devastating injuries. In the coming weeks I will post more safety tips for Halloween, including trick-or-treat tips, homeowner tips, and candy inspection tips.

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I enjoy bike riding, and lately I've noticed more and more bikers on Pittsburgh roads. With gas prices getting higher every day, it is clear that people are looking for alternate ways of getting around. Riding a bicycle is good for your health and good for the environment, but biking accidents can have tragic results. Here are some tips to make sure your bike rides stay safe.

Even though they aren't motorized, bicycles are considered vehicles, so you must obey all traffic laws and safety signals. Always signal with your left hand at least 100 feet before you turn, but keep both hands on the handlebars as you turn.

• Left turn: Extend your arm straight out to your side.

• Right turn: With your elbow bent, hold your arm up in an "L" shape.

• Stop or sudden slow down: With your elbow bent, hold your arm down in an upside-down "L" shape.

In heavy traffic areas like downtown Pittsburgh, it is especially important to ride on the right side of the street, with the flow of traffic. Stay about a car door's width away from parked cars in case someone unexpectedly gets out of a car in front of you. Follow the two-second rule when behind cars. After the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object, begin counting. If you reach the object before you count to two, you are following too closely.

You need to be especially careful when you ride in wet weather. In Pittsburgh, it can seem as though we have endless stretches of rain, and during these times you have to use particular caution. Wet roads can make you slip or impair your brakes. Rainy weather can also affect visibility, so always wear bright or reflective clothing to make sure that motorists can see you.

You should also dress to be safe. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts can protect you from scrapes. Pants should be clipped so that they don't catch on any part of the bike, and gloves can reduce hand fatigue from gripping handlebars. Most importantly, helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. So make sure that you buy one that fits properly and meets safety standards.

Enjoy your bike and the summer weather, but please ride safely!

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The Fourth of July is a time of celebration for many people – and a lot of those celebrations include alcohol. Enjoy yourself over the holiday, but please do so responsibly. Driving or boating while impaired can lead to devastating consequences and are not worth the risks they present.

Over the 2006 Fourth of July weekend, there were 238 alcohol-related car accidents in Pennsylvania. Nationwide, there were 659 traffic-related fatalities during the Fourth of July weekend, and 37% of them involved alcohol. Drinking and driving is not worth the price that you may pay if you are involved in an accident – injury, death, or jail time are serious consequences that have life-changing effects.

While most people are aware of the dangers involved with drinking and driving, many do not consider the risks of drinking and boating. In Pittsburgh, we welcome the Three Rivers Regatta over the Fourth of July, and hundreds of people take to the water in their boats. Indeed, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers welcome boaters throughout the summer, and boating accidents are a real risk.

It is illegal to operate a watercraft on all the waters in Pennsylvania while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Even with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01%, the risk of death in a boating accident increases by 30% for operators and passengers alike. With a BAC of 0.25%, the risk increases 52 times. Passengers are just as likely as operators to die as a result of boating while intoxicated because most boating fatalities involve falling overboard and drowning, not collisions. In fact, 80% of boating deaths are the result of drowning.

Please do not drink and drive or get on a boat while intoxicated this holiday. Be safe while you have fun this Fourth of July.

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For the past week I've heard people gearing up for the Fourth – setting off fireworks and sparklers in backyards and parks around Pittsburgh. While they look beautiful, fireworks can have grave consequences for amateur users. To reduce the risk of injuries from fireworks, follow these safety precautions from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. 
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. 
• Do not buy fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, because these types of fireworks are often made for professional use and could pose a serious risk to consumers. 
• More children under five are injured by sparklers than by any other type of fireworks. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals. 
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting. 
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. 
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person. 
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other accident.

We want you to have a fun Fourth of July, but the reality is that fireworks sent nearly 10,000 Americans to the emergency room last year. Please be safe when handling fireworks, and don't let an accident or injury ruin your Fourth of July fun.

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Many people enjoy picnics over the Fourth, but food is not always your friend. Here are some tips to avoid the dangers of foodborne illness this weekend:

• Do not buy fruits such as cantaloupe, peaches, plums, and nectarines if you cannot smell them. They may have been picked too early and may never ripen.
• Avoid bruised fruits – dangerous bacteria love bruises.
• Don't cross-contaminate food products. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for different foods—this is especially true for meats, poultry and seafood.
• If mold on a food item is black, throw it out.
• Poultry should be cooked to 165 °F.
• Beef, veal and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops should be cooked to 145 °F.

 
Many holiday barbeques also include pools, but it is important to remember that swimming pools can also be dangerous. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of accident injury-related death among children ages one to 14. Please remember the following swimming pool safety tips:

• Assign adults to different shifts to monitor pool activity.
• Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
• Remove toys from the pool area when it is not in use as they can attract children to the water.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in pool-related accidents.
• Make sure that the pool has four-sided fencing. This reduces the number of drowning injuries anywhere from 50 to 90 percent.

 
As you enjoy your holiday celebrations, be sure to keep safe and have fun!

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For many people, their home is the place where they feel the safest. It is the place where memories are made – holiday celebrations, family gatherings, and good times with friends. Unfortunately, the reality is that over 20 million people are the victims of accidental home injuries each year.

Falls are the leading cause of home-related injury. At my law firm, we speak to people every day who are the victims of slip and fall accidents. Many of these people end up with debilitating injuries. If you fall on someone else's property, they may be liable for your injuries. Don't assume a slip and fall is your fault and don't be embarrassed about your accident.

The memories made in your home should be good ones, and that is why it is important for homeowners to be aware of the hidden safety risks in their homes. My law firm has collected some easy-to-follow tips to help homeowners avoid common home-related accidents and injuries. To learn more about home safety tips, visit my firm's Home Safety Page. Just as you are responsible for keeping your home and property safe, so are other home and business owners.

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Summer is the time when many people become more active. Bicycling, swimming, running, camping, and outdoor games are just some of the activities that are popular during the warm months. Sharing these experiences with friends and family can create lasting memories, and that is why it is so important to make sure that you are safe while you have fun.

Below are just some of the safety tips that my firm has collected to help you keep your summer free of accidents and injuries:

• Never leave children unsupervised in a pool area.
• Never dive or slide into a pool that is less than five feet deep.
• Pool gates and fences should have childproof latches.
• Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
• Don't re-light fireworks that have not functioned properly.
• Never leave children or pets in a car, especially in the sun.
• Always wear a bicycle helmet.
• Don’t allow children to ride a bike that is too big for them.
• And of course, never drink and drive.

These are just some of the safety measures that can help keep you and your loved ones safe during the fun-filled summer months. To learn more, you can visit my firm's web page on Summer Safety Tips. 

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Over the past 40 years as a lawyer, I have often had people say to me, "Do you have any idea of what it is like to be in an accident, to experience what your clients experience?" And I say to people "yes," I have had that experience. Having been hurt in two accidents in just the past couple of years, I understand the fear and worry people feel when they are injured.

A couple of years ago I was sitting down to have breakfast with my wife, the chair broke, and I fell to the floor. My neck was hurt and I couldn't move. I remember that when the ambulance was called and the paramedics immobilized me, I was extremely scared and did not know what to expect. The good news for me was that I was okay, but the experience made me understand the apprehension and anxiety that people who have been seriously injured in an accident must feel.

More recently I was running, and I fell and lacerated my knee down to the bone. I had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance and once again I was very, very frightened. I have been extremely lucky because I could have been more seriously injured in both instances, but because of those experiences, I realize how frightening it is to be injured in an accident.

There are so many emotional, physical, and practical concerns that come with being injured, and I'm very proud to say that we have a caring and compassionate legal team that works hard to remove as many of these stresses as possible. The only thing we want our clients to focus on after an injury is what is most important – getting better.

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Just like our clients, many of us at our law firm have suffered injuries due to accidents that were not our fault. So we know, first hand, the kind of pain victims deal with as well as the resulting time off work and medical bills.

Just over the past few months, I had a slip and fall injury, and one of my partners slipped and fell and got hurt. I fell while jogging on bad pavement and ended up in the emergency room with a lacerated knee. Even a beautiful day isn’t without its dangers. Poorly maintained and uneven sidewalks can trip you up.

The icy and snowy Pittsburgh weather was to blame for my partner's slip and fall accident. She fractured a bone in her arm, and needed to wear a sling for many weeks.

Too often, people don't call us for help if they've been injured due to a slip and fall. Don't be embarrassed or assume the accident was your fault. These are some of the most serious injuries we see here at our law firm. Experts all seem to agree that slip and fall accidents are a growing concern, especially for the elderly.

We know from personal experience how a serious injury can cause a major upheaval in your life. I recommend that anyone injured in a slip and fall accident call us immediately. It's critical that we investigate the scene as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

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It’s starting to warm up a bit here in Pennsylvania. But that doesn’t mean that slip and fall accidents are any less of a risk.

These are some of the worst accidents we see here at our law firm. Unlike car crashes, there is nothing between your body and the surface of the accident when you fall. This time of the year, varying temperatures ensure that slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter.

The transition to spring can mean melting ice and freezing rain – two types of weather that make outdoor surfaces very slippery. Steps, pavement, and sidewalks can become coated and slick with moisture that’s halfway between water and ice.

As ice melts, pavement and sidewalks can chip. Sometimes rain and snow become lodged under surfaces during the cold months, and the melting process can causing erosion and cracking.

The weather may be getting friendlier as it gets warmer, but walking surfaces may not. Stay safe over the next month and watch where you take your steps.

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Freezing rain that clings to the ground. Melting snowfall that refreezes over night. Sidewalks and steps that haven’t been properly shoveled or salted. Any of these instances can lead to a dangerous slip and fall accident.

Here in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen tremendous winter weather that has created icy conditions over the past few days. From the precipitation that freezes once it hits the ground to the snow that wears down to ice from footsteps and cars, there are few safe places outside when snow and cold weather mix together.

Even the United States Secretary of Defense fractured his shoulder this week due to a slip and fall accident while walking on an icy patch. No one is immune from the winter risk of a slip and fall accident if you live in snowy or icy part of the country.

Ice is especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Kids often take to the outdoors at full speed when they go to play, and that can mean serious head injuries. Elderly people must be careful not to misjudge how slippery a surface might be, or else fractures and broken bones may result.

If you’re on someone else’s property, it’s their legal responsibility to shovel or salt surfaces to prevent injuries. This applies in particular to landlords and business owners. So please take care out there this winter season and watch the ground for dangerous ice.

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I’m proud to announce a new feature that’s been added to my law firm’s website, our Recall Alerts & Safety Warnings page. This is our new hub for breaking news about recalled products, cars, food, drugs, and much more.

If you follow the news, then you already know about the surprising amount products pulled from the market everyday. But keeping up with every single safety alert can be tricky and that’s why we’ve made this one-stop spot for must-have recall warnings.

So please stop by our Recall Resources page and get the latest safety news to protect you and your family. Not only do we have links to important news stories, but we also have links to connect you with major government agencies that monitor product safety. This way you can stay safe and stay informed.

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I can’t believe it’s August already – it seems like the summer has just flown by. At this point, many children are already preparing for one of the busiest times of year: back-to-school.

For the second year in a row, my law firm is sponsoring a back-to-school webpage with WPXI. It’s full of great information including a weather report for the first day, school preparation suggestions, and of course, back-to-school safety.

This is just one of many webpages we’ve worked on with WPXI to promote safety in our community. Other pages include drunk driving prevention, motorcycle safety, and tips for the prom season.

On my site, we’ve put together a list of important driving safety tips for parents, students, and anyone else on the road during this back-to-school time. Please take a moment to look at these tips. Nothing is worse than seeing a child’s future robbed by a distracted driver.

I wish everyone a safe back-to-school season this year!

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