Your home is your castle. That is one classic way of describing a home. Another, more cynical and less romantic description might be that a home is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Even if your homeowners policy protects you from home related lawsuits, litigation is really stressful and should be at all costs avoided. And in any case, no one wants people to become needlessly injured.

Unfortunately, many accidents do occur at home. One statistic shows that accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Over 15 million people require medical attention each year due to home-related accidents.

Disabling injuries numbered 4,100,000 including 110,000 with some degree of permanent impairment. So a home safety check is much more than an academic exercise.

I suggest that you and one other person walk through your house and property with your eyes wide open. Don't just go through the motion, but look at everything from a health and safety perspective. Ask whether each scenario poses a risk, and if so identify the risk. Then, evaluate available measures for eliminating or reducing the risk to acceptable levels.

Many concerns are environmentally related; specifically those associated with toxic materials, gas and vapors, and fire. Whether it is wood stored too close to a furnace, or a drain opener stored within the reach of small children - a risk assessment can make your home safer, and allow you to feel better about yourself.

First, there are the explosive dangers. Aerosol cans, often stored in the kitchen, garage and basement, should not be stored in direct sunlight where the temperature may exceed 120°F, or close to heat-producing appliances.

Also, watch for leaks that could lead to an explosion. Those foggers particularly come to mind in this context. Several fogger related explosions have been reported over the years.

Carbon monoxide threats relate to faulty stoves, furnaces and gas dryers and grills. A properly functioning burner will burn with a blue and well-shaped flame.

Watch out if the flame is irregular, "lazy," and yellow. You may have a dangerous on-going gas release that warrants prompt attention. Also watch pilot lights: make sure they remain ignited. Carbon monoxide detectors are cheap and necessary.

Poisons are a big problem. They includes bleach, soaps, furniture polish, wax, insecticides, and drain cleaners. All of these items can cause terrible damage if consumed, sometimes if inhaled, sometimes as a result of contact. They need to be stored out of the sight and reach of small children. But kids are not only at risk. So are adults and pets. Poor labeling and misuse can harm adults. Certain toxic products are sold in containers that appear similar to food containers. For example, some antifreeze packages look like orange juice packages. A casual reach can prove to be toxic.

Watch out for swimming pool chemicals, such as chlorine. Store and use them as directed. Gasoline and paint also pose dangers and must be stored and used properly.

And don't forget your pets. Chemicals that are left out may be inhaled, touched or consumed. Pesticides and insecticides are a large problem, but not the only problem.

Be mindful of fire risks as well. Kitchens have grease and curtains that make for good fuel. Also watch out for fireplaces, which should be checked for fire-resistant screens and in tact brickwork. And the overuse of electrical extension cords can also represent a fire risk.

I suggest that you conduct your own risk assessment around your home, preferably on an annual basis. Look for these and other non-toxic dangers and make changes where needed. Usually, the changes will be small and cost little or nothing. For example, it costs nothing to move toxic substances from under a sink to high high, locked location. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.