The Law Offices of Marc Shapiro, P.A. August 2019

Gone Camping 4 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Family Camping Trip While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end-of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. Have a first-aid kit nearby. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. Teach fire safety. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally, remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control.

Before the Storm Last-Minute Hurricane Safety Tips H urricane season is already upon us. Our area of Florida tends to be lucky when it comes tomissing out on the worst storms, but in the last few years, even Naples has seen the damaging effects of hurricanes. Here are some important hurricane safety steps that can help protect you and your family during the next big storm. Restock Your Hurricane Kit It is important to stock your hurricane kit before a storm starts coming, so you can avoid the crowds andmake sure you have everything you need. Hurricane kits are important whether you have to evacuate your home or not. If you can stay in your home but there’s a possibility you will be affected by flooding or power loss, the American Red Cross recommends that your kit include:

One gallon of water per family member per day (you can store this water in your bathtub) A three-day supply of nonperishable foods (Marc Shapiro recommends to prepare for at least a month)

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First-aid kit Flashlight

Extra batteries

Cash

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

Keep an eye on the sky. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. Always stick together. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.

Adapted from a recipe by famed Southern chef Sean Brock, these skewers are seasoned in a Senegalese style and served alongside mustard-flavored onions.

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