Hurricane Michael was a Category 4 Storm when it hit the Florida Panhandle on October 10. Tallahassee was greatly affected by the path of the storm. Mayor Andrew Gillum spoke to the public about restoration efforts for the next few weeks, including restoring power, clearing trees from the roads, and reopening streets. If you are a Tallahassee resident, you should know how to safely navigate your streets after a major weather event such as Hurricane Michael.
5 Tips for Driving After a Hurricane
- Follow posted signs.There might be temporary signs that are meant to warn you of a danger or hazard ahead on the road. It’s crucial that you follow instructions and listen to law enforcement if they tell you to detour a route or stop and slow down. Even if you have a big truck or you’re an amazing driver, you should always put your safety first and trust the directions given to you.
- Prepare for traffic. When a hurricane or other natural disaster has passed through, people will start leaving the area or returning to their homes, so there will be a large amount of traffic on the road. Be careful when you decide to head into traffic, and prepare for your trip to take longer than usual. Fill your gas tank before leaving and have an emergency kit in your vehicle just in case.
- Check your car for damage before leaving. If your vehicle was under water or damaged by the hurricane, it’s important that you fix the damage before driving. It only takes a small amount of water in the wrong place to destroy your car. Take a damaged vehicle in for repairs as soon as you are able.
- Drive cautiously. There will be slippery roads, crumbling buildings, debris, and other hazards on the road after a hurricane. Understand these risks before you head out on the road, and as always buckle up and drive cautiously.
- Accommodate yourself to traffic changes. Besides changing road routes, there will also be broken traffic lights and missing stop signs from the heavy winds and falling debris. Also, realize that other drivers might be confused, so stay aware of your surroundings.
If you were harmed in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Contact Milles Law today for your free consultation.
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