Hollywood Beach, Miami, and many cities in South Florida are located on the coast. Even inland, there are many waterways across the region, making flooding a considerable risk. Flooding can create many hazards and can put you at risk of car accidents, drowning, electrical shock, mold exposure, and other serious injuries in Hollywood Beach and other communities.
No matter where you live, there are several ways you can protect yourself in the event of flooding:
- Get help and insurance if you know you are at risk. Get proper coverage in the event of a flood so you do not have to rebuild from scratch if you are affected by rising waters. Create an evacuation plan so you and your family can get out of your home safely if there is a flood. Set up alerts on your phone so you will be informed in case of dangerous conditions.
- Never try to drive through flood waters. Even what looks like just a few inches of water may be deeper than you think, and you may not see dangers—such as obstacles—lurking under the surface. The current can carry your car away, even if you think the water is not very deep, and your brakes and other essential systems may be affected by the water, putting you at risk of a car accident.
- Stay away from downed power lines in the event of a flood. Also stay alert for natural gas and propane leaks. Gas leaks and electrical shock are two big dangers after a flood. Learn how to turn off your natural gas and your electricity in the event of an emergency.
- Never use electrical appliances near standing waters. The risk of shock is high.
- Get legal help if you need it after a flood. If you have insurance for flood damage, you may assume you have nothing to worry about. However, not all insurance companies treat their clients fairly after a major disaster. If you think your insurance carrier is acting in bad faith, contact a Hollywood Beach attorney for advice and representation.
- Get ready before you clean up. Check for mold and other dangers before starting and make sure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Use ground fault interrupters for tools and wear the right safety equipment and wear protective gear if there may be mold in the area you are cleaning. Throw away any food which may have been above 40 degrees for at least two hours. If you’re not sure how to clean up safely after a flood, get professionals to handle the cleanup.
Many people do not realize they may have a legal claim after a natural disaster. While the disaster itself may not have been caused by someone’s negligence, if your injuries or losses were caused by someone’s negligence or if your insurance company is not acting in good faith, you may have a legal claim.
To find out more about your rights, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) to speak to a Hollywood Beach personal injury attorney in a free case consultation. Flaxman Law Group serves Hollywood Beach and surrounding areas from our offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami and we can even travel to see you if you are too injured to travel.