Living in Florida is a dream come true for many of us – the sunshine, the beautiful beaches, the year-round balmy temperatures. But for those who are new to the area, there are a few hidden dangers you should be aware of in order to keep you safe and secure. From weather to insects to opportunistic criminals, these safety tips can help you to protect yourself and stay safe and secure in Sarasota.
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Although you may have had rainstorms where you came from, we have a whole season named after ours. Tropical storms are those with 35-74 mph winds, and hurricanes have 75+ mph winds. Every homeowner is required to have wind insurance on their home, and everyone who has experienced even a single hurricane watch knows how to prepare. Residents should have protection on their windows and doors, and should have a hurricane preparedness kit ready as soon as the season begins. If possible, stay indoors once the wind starts, and away from any windows. If you don’t feel safe or have been told to evacuate, be sure to have an escape route ready, or know the location of a local hurricane shelter. Hurricanes give us lots of notice and time to prepare, but don’t wait until the last minute – that’s when stores run out of supplies and roads get blocked with traffic. (Read more about hurricane preparedness here. )
Fire Ants and Alligators: You’ve likely heard tell of the Florida critters, but we know them to be a part of the amazing natural habitat we live in. Still, fire ant bites can be exceptionally painful, so be sure to steer clear. Fire any mounds are grayish in color and can get quite large. If you mistakenly step on a fire ant hill, the insects will swarm. Even a single bite can cause severe discomfort, but if you are bitten by several fire ants, you may wish to seek a medical opinion. As far as safety tips for alligators, remember that they to frequent any body of water which is not moving, such as lakes and ponds. Stay back from the shoreline when around these bodies of water, especially if you have a small dog with you. If you see an alligator on the bank (or on a golf course) steer clear and take a wide berth. Alligators may look like they are slow, but they can move more quickly than you for short distances.
Tourists and Opportunists: Between November and April, our area is packed to the brim with tourists, vacationers, and part-time residents. Nor only are the roads exceptionally crowded, but they are full of people who do not know the traffic patterns and may make snap decisions, last minute turns and be unfamiliar with the speed limit. Traffic accidents are quite common so it is imperative to pay close attention. Also, with so many tourists in town, opportunistic criminals are likely to show up. Don’t let the bright blue skies and palm trees lull you into complacency – always lock you car doors, your front and back doors, and keep valuables in a safe place. Stay in well-lit areas, park in well-traveled locations, and don’t wander down roads you aren’t sure of.
Sarasota and Tampa are beautiful areas to visit and live, and with just a little precaution and a few good safety tips you can enjoy them to the fullest. However if you find yourself the victim of a car crash or someone else’s negligence – call the local experts. Probinsky & Cole are the Sarasota personal injury attorneys you can trust.
