Reduce Instances Of Personal Injuries Occurring During Hurricane Season With These Tips
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Hurricane season is right around the corner and you can never be too prepared. There is so much going on before, during and after the eye hits that it is easy to sustain a personal injury. This could be from your own property, a neighbor being negligent or simply from an act of nature. You can never be completely prepared for every accident or incident that may occur, but planning ahead can reduce the instances of a personal injury occurring. It is a good idea to always have an emergency supply of food and a fully stocked first aid kit on hand. If the lights go out, for an extended period of time, non-perishable food in your stockpile can be a game changer. Regardless of what time of year it is, you should keep at least one first aid kit in your home. It can also be helpful to have a second one made up to stay in your car. This will ensure that you are ready to face many of the obstacles that life throws your way.
Tips To Help You Stay Safe During A Hurricane
Avoid the roads- Once you have reached your designated safe zone, it is important to stay put, unless the need to evacuate arises. As a hurricane approaches the shoreline, many people rush out to buy supplies. This equals more cars on the roadways, overcrowded stores and frantic behavior. Having your preparations taken care of ahead of time can reduce the risks of a crash occurring during this hectic time or the chance of sustaining a personal injury due to the irrational acts of another.
Turn off your electricity- If you are riding out the storm in your own home and there is a risk of flooding, turn off the main breaker to your home. Fighting water is bad enough, but as the chance of electrical shock increases so do the chances of you sustaining a life-threatening injury. Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns can help you see through the darkness. A generator can also be a good investment for these type of occasions.
Remove flying projectiles from the equation- Make sure that you have anything outside of your home that can become a dangerous flying object put away. This can include sharp items such as shovels or large items like trashcans. This should be done before the storm approaches so that you are not in harm’s way while the storm is going on. It is also a good idea to plan ahead and board up your windows to ensure that nothing breaks them. High winds and dangerous shards of glass should be avoided whenever possible.
Practice makes perfect- Plan your evacuation route in advance and practice the routine as well. All members of your family should know the plan inside and out. There should be a designated place to meet, should you become separated from one another. Having a checklist ready and accessible can limit your chances of leaving a necessity behind.
Remain Vigilant In Your Quest To Avoid Personal Injuries
During these stressful times, and on a daily basis, being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid instances of injuries happening. You do not have to keep your head on a swivel, but keeping your senses in tune to what is going on around you can make all of the difference in the world. Concentrate on the matter at hand, such as driving or cooking, rather than attempting to multi-task too many things at once.
In doing so, you will not only make Florida a safer place for you and your family, but it will become safer for all residents. Many accidents and injuries can be avoided by simply paying attention. Of course, that is easier said than done, but an attempt should be made to do so. Negligent acts and reckless behavior are some of the most common reasons for sustaining an injury, so do your part and help everyone attempt to avoid them.