Summertime is a wonderful time to live in Miami. There are concerts, beaches, and plenty of special events to explore. However, summer are also comes with its own range of hazards and risks. Each year, some local residents and visitors are rushed to the emergency room with serious injuries and some hospitals report increased instances of injuries during the summer months.
In order to stay safe in Miami this season, make sure that you:
1) Check your home for fire hazards.
Summer can mean an increased risk of fire hazards, especially if you want to grill outdoors. This is a good time to check your smoke detectors, check your carbon dioxide detectors, and go over your fire escape plan. Make sure that your fire extinguishers are working and have a few extra extinguishers on hand. If you do grill, set up your barbecue well away from the house and away from any flammable surfaces. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case dinner goes up in flames. If you grill with propane, check tanks periodically to make sure that they are not leaking. If you will be celebrating the summer with fireworks, make sure that they are stored safely and don’t pose a hazard.
2) Practice safe boating.
Miami is a great area to try boating. If you have your own boat, make sure that the boat is in good condition and has extra lifejackets on hand for you and any passengers. Take a boating course if you haven’t or a refresher course if it has been a while. You can reduce your risk of boating accidents by developing your boating skills.
3) Have a safe driving plan.
Summer can mean barbecues and cookouts, which in turn can mean alcohol. This is a good time of year to renew your drive sober pledge with your friends and family. It is also a good time to make sure that you have a plan for getting home safely, especially if you plan on going to parties and events in remote locations where taxis may not be easily accessible. Make sure that you have enough money on hand for cabs or hotels or have a list of people you can contact if you need a safe ride home. As your children get ready for the summer holidays, make sure that they understand they can always contact you for a safe ride home – even if they are under age.
4) Tune up your car.
Miami summers also mean an influx of tourists, and this can mean people who are sharing the road with you but are not familiar with our local streets. Make sure that you drive defensively and that your car is equipped to handle heavy traffic. Since heat and glare can be a problem in the summer, pop an extra pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, and some bottled water in your car so that you stay comfortable as you drive.
Have you suffered an injury due to someone’s recklessness or carelessness? Flaxman Law Group would like to hear about it. We are a law firm in South Florida, serving the entire South Florida area, including Miami, Homestead, Hollywood, and surrounding communities. We offer compassionate and high quality legal representation and advice. We also offer free, no obligation consultations for all new clients. If you been injured and would like to know whether you have a case or how much the case may be worth, contact Flaxman Law Group for your free appointment.