National Preparedness Month: Reducing Your Odds of Personal Injuries In Vancouver

Late summer and early fall are among the most pleasant times of year in Vancouver. While the weather is typically mild, more adverse weather is generally right around the corner. This creates hazards that increase your risks of personal injuries. To protect yourself and those you love, now is the time to brush up on preparedness and the precautions you need to take. 

Protecting Yourself Against Weather Emergencies In Vancouver

The month of September has been designated as National Preparedness Month. The Department of Homeland Security urges citizens across the country to take the steps now to protect their safety in case unexpected events occur. 

One of the biggest threats in the Washington State area is the risk of adverse weather. The Washington Emergency Management Division warns that residents should prepare now to protect against the following: 

• High winds and tornadoes, which can produce winds of 100 to 300 mph;
• Severe thunderstorms, which often produce heavy rains and hail;
• Winter storms and blizzards, with can result in significant amounts of snow, ice, and freezing rain; 
• Dust storms, which are often caused by downbursts in dry thunderstorms and may reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile. 

To prepare for these types of storms, make sure your home is adequately supplied with flashlights, batteries, candles, bottled water, non-perishable food, and other items. Make sure your car is properly equipped as well and that you take precautions when venturing out to reduce your personal injury risks. 

Protecting Yourself Against Weather-Related Personal Injuries In Vancouver

When major storms or other unexpected events occur, the following are the three common causes of personal injuries: 

• Slips, trips, and falls: As one of the most common types of personal injuries, these often occur due to icy sidewalks and wet floors in stores or other buildings. Pay attention to where you are walking during adverse weather, wear the appropriate shoes, and report a slip and fall accident immediately if it occurs. 
• Getting struck by or against objects: Adverse weather can easily bring down tree branches or send other objects flying. Trim potentially dangerous areas around your own property now and file a report if you are injured at someone else’s home or business. 
• Motor vehicle accidents: According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 20 percent of all car accidents are weather-related and more than half of these are caused by wet and rainy conditions. It does not take a major weather event to make roads slick in Vancouver. To prevent personal injuries, slow down during bad weather, give other drivers plenty of room, and avoid driving in areas that are prone to flooding. 

Let Us Help You Today

When unexpected events happen, the actions of others can end up causing you to suffer serious personal injuries. At the Johnston Law Firm, we defend your rights in filing a claim. To find out how you can get the compensation you need to recover,  call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys online to request a consultation today.