Ever since I was a little child, my family tested our smoke detectors and changed the batteries when the time changed. Day Light Savings time was its own special tradition. It was by no means as great as Independence Day or Halloween, but it had a special place in my heart. As a parent, I want my son to appreciate the same traditions. I have my son help me test alarms and change batteries as I helped my mom. We go over escape routes, safe meeting places, and what to do if we have guests. When I tell people that last part they look at me with a confused expression, but I confidently tell them better safe than sorry. My son knows where we meet and whose house is a "Safe House" where he can go if he gets out alone. He also knows where to call for help. I take his safety very seriously and I prepare my son accordingly. He thinks of it as a part of our family time and enjoys the discussion.
The day I purchased my home, I had to purchase insurance. My father sent me to an insurance agent. I learned the intricacies of what could be covered under the policy. I also learned some helpful things to do to lower the risk that something tragic would happen at my home. I customized a policy that fit my needs and the risks associated with my home. My home is insured with a policy that covers fire, natural disasters, and some other major damage to my home. I carefully make sure to catalog valuables and notify my insurance agent if there are any changes so that my coverage is always up to date. I would hate to be underinsured and lose a valuable asset or worse be liable for a large bill due to damages.
My insurance policy also covers guests in my home if they are injured. I know that when I have guests, I owe them a certain duty of care. In regular English, that means I have to make sure everything about my home is safe and habitable. Common thoughts on this duty of care are to keep hazardous material and conditions away from guests. From my perspective, this includes having functioning fire alarms and a plan to make sure they all get out safely.
Maybe I do a little too much, but I take hosting very seriously. I also take the safety of my family and loved ones seriously. I can imagine that they would all do the same type of preparation for me when I visit their homes.
If you were injured in someone else's home, please contact an attorney. They can help make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Maryland personal injury attorney Rabihah Scott wrote this blog. For more information about the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Group at Price Benowitz LLP, please visit the firm's Washington DC Personal Injury Lawyer and Virginia Injury Lawyer websites.
