Storm Cleanup Safety After Hurricane Helene: Protecting Yourself, Your Property, and Your Community

Bryan Greenberg Personal Injury Premises Liability

Hurricane Helene may not have hit Charlotte County, Fort Myers, and Sarasota as hard as past storms like Hurricane Ian, but it still brought record flooding from storm surge in some areas along the water, hours of tropical storm-force winds, driving rain, and even tornadoes. Now, as we begin the process of cleaning up, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to avoid injuries and protect yourself, your property, and your community.

Safety First: Avoiding Common Storm Cleanup Injuries

Storm cleanup can be hazardous, especially when dealing with fallen trees, debris, and potential flood damage. Even though this storm was less severe in our area, accidents often happen during cleanup. To minimize your risk, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Watch for Hidden Hazards: Be on the lookout for downed power lines, sharp debris, and slick surfaces, which can lead to trips, falls, and more serious injuries.
• Use Proper Protective Gear: Gloves, boots, long sleeves, and eye protection are essential when handling debris and cleaning up after a storm.
• Exercise Caution with Chainsaws and Heavy Equipment: If you need to use a chainsaw or other heavy machinery, make sure you know how to operate it safely. Many post-storm injuries are due to improper use of this equipment.
• Avoid Standing Water: Floodwaters may be contaminated or conceal dangerous debris, so proceed with caution when dealing with water around your property.
• Take Breaks: Heat, humidity, and exhaustion are common in the aftermath of a storm, so remember to rest and hydrate regularly.

Securing Your Property and Avoiding Liability

As you clear your property, it’s not just your safety at stake—it's also the safety of your community. Taking the time to remove hazards from your yard and surroundings can help prevent accidents and injuries to others. If someone is injured on your property due to hazards that were not properly addressed, you could face premises liability claims.

Premises liability cases arise when an injury occurs on your property due to unsafe conditions, and the property owner may be held responsible. This could happen if a visitor trips on debris, slips on wet walkways, or is struck by unsecured objects blown loose in the storm. To reduce the risk of premises liability claims, make sure to:

• Remove fallen branches, trees, and debris that could cause trips or falls.
• Secure loose objects such as outdoor furniture or equipment that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water and reduce the risk of slip-and-fall injuries.
• Fix any structural damage such as weakened fences, broken steps, or damaged roof materials that could cause accidents.

By taking these precautions, you not only protect yourself from liability but also contribute to the safety of your entire neighborhood.
Supporting Our Neighbors in the Big Bend Area.

Thinking Of Our Neighbors To The North

While our region was spared the worst of Hurricane Helene, our thoughts are with the people of Florida's Big Bend region, who faced the full force of the storm as a Category 4 hurricane, with storm surges reaching up to 20 feet. Families and communities in northern Florida and southern Georgia were severely impacted, and their recovery will take time.

If you’d like to support those affected, consider donating to reputable organizations such as the Red Cross. Every contribution helps provide essential resources to those in need.

You Can Help

More About Donating to the Red Cross

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared

As always, the team at All Injuries Law Firm is here for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a storm-related accident or need legal advice regarding premises liability, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve proudly served Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and all of Southwest Florida for over 35 years, helping clients recover from accidents and injuries.

Cleaning up after a storm is never easy, but by taking proper safety precautions, securing your property, and looking out for one another, we can all contribute to a safer, more resilient community.

Stay safe during your cleanup, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help.