STEER CLEAR OF HAZARDS AND COSTLY MEDICAL BILLS
3 TIPS FOR WINTER CAMPING THAT WILL CHANGE THE GAME
Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury in the United States. Over 1 million Americans visit the emergency room every year because of slip-and-fall accidents, and, while we at Shuttlesworth Law Firm can help you receive compensation for your injuries, we would rather you not be in that situation in the first place. When it comes to causing slip-and-fall accidents, these are some of the primary culprits. HOW TO AVOID SLIP-AND-FALL ACCIDENTS
If you want to try winter camping this year, you can probably guess that staying warm and dry is vital, but that’s obvious if you want to survive. What if you actually want to enjoy the experience of being out in the elements in the dead of winter? It may sound extreme, but many people swear by camping in the cold — it’s an entirely different ball game. Keep these tips in mind for a cozy winter camping experience. To make getting out of your sleeping bag in below-freezing temperatures a little easier, brew some cowboy coffee to sip around the fire as the sun rises over the mountains. First, place a pot of water over the fire until it boils. Take it off the heat and dump in 2 tbsp of grounds per 8 oz of water. Stir and let it steep for 4–5 minutes. Periodically tap the side of the pot a few times with a knife to help the grounds settle, or swirl the pot in a windmill motion to achieve the same effect with centrifugal force. Add a small amount of cold water to help the grounds settle to the bottom, then pour and enjoy! There more than likely won’t be any service where you’re going, and you’ll want to save your phone’s battery anyway. Since you won’t be able to be outside for long periods of time in the evenings, bring a book or some board games to keep you occupied. The winter nights are far longer than the summer ones, so you’ll need something to do in the hours before you fall asleep. Packing a good flashlight is also a great idea! MAKE COWBOY COFFEE BRING YOUR OWN ENTERTAINMENT
WET OR UNEVEN FLOORS
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, unsafe floors are the cause of 55% of all slip-and-fall accidents. Loose floorboards, potholes in parking lots and even recently mopped linoleum are all some of the most common culprits. Some of these hazardous conditions are easy to spot, but you might come upon others more suddenly. Wherever you’re going, it pays to watch your step.
THE WEATHER
On days when rain, snow and hail create potential hazards on sidewalks, cities and businesses have a responsibility to keep the sidewalks clear and dry. If city officials and business owners fail to keep walkways reasonably clear of ice, snow, and other hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions, they might be held liable for any injuries someone incurs from a slip-and-fall accident.
IMPROPER FOOTWEAR
Shoes with high heels or low traction cause 24% of slip-and-fall accidents. Whether
PACK A TENT HEATER
you’re out walking around town, in the office, or working outside, your shoes should always fit
High-quality cold-weather sleeping bags and pads are essential for winter camping, but a tent heater is a great way to go above and beyond to make sure you’re really comfortable. These portable heating units go the extra mile in keeping you warm and cozy in some of the most frigid conditions. Some heaters run on propane while others are electric, so prices and heat output vary widely, but if you find one that works for your trip and your budget, you won’t regret making that purchase.
well and grip the ground with every step. You should replace well-worn pairs of shoes every 8–12 months, or every 500–700 kilometers, to help eliminate the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.
Slip-and-fall accidents can result in thousands of dollars worth of medical bills and weeks away from work. If your injuries aren’t your fault, it’s easy to be frustrated by the injustice of it all. Just know that Shuttlesworth Law Firm is here to
Whatever draws you out into the wilderness this winter, whether it’s ice fishing, hunting, or just a love of frosty trees and snow-capped mountains, give yourself every opportunity to enjoy that time as comfortably as possible. Who says camping can only be fun during the summer?
help. Give us a call today at (205) 322-1411.
2 • SHUTTLESWORTHLASSETER.COM
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software