A 13-year-old boy was crushed inside his home on Monday after a tree fell onto his residence around 8 a.m. in Fanning Springs, Florida.
No other injuries were reported.
Our hearts go out to this child’s family.
Downed trees and power lines following hurricanes and tropical storms are very common, so as residents begin to assess their property damage and start clean up efforts, our Levy County Hurricane and Storm Damage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution.
Just because the hurricane has passed does not mean the danger is done. Following a destructive storm, there are still many risks to be aware of, so be sure to take the following post-storm cleanup safety precautions:
- Return home only when it is safe to do so.
- Avoid driving on flooded roads since even two feet of water might carry you away.
- Until officials declare it safe, avoid going near damaged structures and stay off the roads.
- Stay away from downed wires, and always assume a downed line is live. If you see any downed power lines or gas leaks, call 911.
- Be cautious because there is a chance that trees will fall and break off roofs, roads, and other structures.
- Do not turn on any switches or appliances that need electricity. To determine the extent of the damage to your electrical systems, consider hiring a licensed electrician.
- If you have a well, avoid drinking from it. It needs to be examined for bacteria and dangerous substances.
- Wait until you are certain that it is safe to turn on your gas, electricity, and water.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, move outside immediately. - Record the damage to your home with pictures and videos, then get in touch with your insurance provider.
- Boil water before drinking until the water supply is safe to drink.
- Stay out of floodwater that may contain gas, oil, or untreated sewage.
- After the storm or flooding, clean and disinfect everything that was wet, and watch out for mold.
- Food that encountered floodwater should be thrown away. Also, if it appears “off” or was exposed to temperatures exceeding 40° F for two hours or longer, toss it.
Contact Whittel & Melton for Help
Remember that even with the best preparation, accidents can still occur. We strongly advise you to get in contact with us for a free consultation if you find yourself in such a circumstance. We understand the stress that can occur before and after a hurricane.
We can help you understand how to file a claim for damages from your insurance company and help you understand what is best when it comes to post-storm cleanup. Call us today at 866-608-5529 for contact us online for a FREE consultation.