It is now October and as temperatures start to drop, we begin to prepare our homes for the cold months ahead. During those months, a person’s home is often closed to the outside air. This reduction in ventilation can potentially lead dangerous levels of carbon monoxide building up in your home. The risk of fire is also an ever present concern. To help prevent the sometimes personal injury consequences of these risks, some simple precautions can be taken:

· Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors generously.

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be on each floor of the house, covering all sleeping areas. Often, one device can provide both smoke and carbon monoxide detection. Some smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are linked together, so that when one alarm detects the presence of carbon monoxide or smoke, all the alarms in the house sound. These connected systems of detectors are far rarer than the more common stand-alone detector units. Regardless of what type of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors you choose, it is important that the detectors are positioned throughout the home so that all persons can hear the alarm, regardless of whether they are awake or asleep, if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.

· Demonstrate the sound of each detector – Family members need to know the difference.

If you have multiple, stand-alone smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, it is important that each member of your family know the difference between the alarms each detector makes. These sounds can help family members identify the origin of smoke or carbon monoxide in the home.

· Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.

It is important to regularly test every detector in your home on a monthly basis to ensure that it is functioning properly. Immediately replace any detectors that do not work. As a general rule, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years to ensure they function properly when needed.

· Replace the batteries of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every year.

Replace the batteries to smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every year, or sooner, if the alarm chirps. If you have not replaced the batteries to your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in some time, now is the perfect opportunity to do so while you are preparing your home for winter.

· Clean all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

Vacuum or clean the grille on each smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector in your home on a regular basis. If the grille to the detector becomes clogged with dust, dirt, or other particles, it may not properly detect smoke or carbon monoxide.

· Post local emergency contact numbers in your home.

If you detect smoke or carbon monoxide in your home, it is important to contact your local fire department or 911 call center immediately. Having local contact information for various emergency services readily available is critically important to ensure those services can be quickly reached in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

The attorneys at the Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC, want you to be as safe as possible in the days ahead. By following the safety tips listed above, you can help ensure you and your family are better protected from the risks of fire and carbon monoxide.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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