Accidents Tips
When it comes to Accidents, we've been there, done that, now serving 6 tips in 2 categories ranging from Automobile Accidents to Home Accidents.
How a Smart Phone Can Help After an Auto Accident
It used to be standard practice for drivers to be instructed to keep a pen, paper, and a disposable camera inside their vehicles in case they were in an auto accident. With the popularity of the smart phone, this has all changed. Now drivers in duress can simply take out their Droid, iPhone, or Blackberry to help them in need.
After an accident, a driver can use their phone to do a number of normal tasks. Calling the police or their insurance company is probably the most obvious. A driver can also use a note feature on their phone to take down key information, such as the make/model of the other vehicle, license plate numbers, contact information for the other driver, etc. Many drivers can also use their cell phone to take photos of the accident scene, photos of damage, or any other unique circumstances related to their claim. In fact, most insurance companies even make it easier for drivers to pass along this information by offering their own apps designed to upload photos straight to the claims adjuster.
Next time you or loved one are in an automobile accident, remember just how helpful a cell phone can be.
Five Common Household Accidents to Avoid
Studies have shown that most serious accidents actually occur within the home. Here are five common household accidents and how to avoid them.
Falls: Utilize proper mats in the bathroom and tub areas to prevent slipping and falls. Keep clutter and toys away from household walkways and stairs.
Poisoning: Keep all household medications, cleaners, and anything that could be easily digested by children in a locked location.
Burns: Make sure your home has working fire detectors. Be careful when cooking and never allow a child to be unattended in the kitchen. Pay attention to water temperature when bathing children in a tub or shower.
Cuts/Lacerations: Store kitchen knives safely and train children on the safe use of sharp objects. (Example: carrying with point down, never running with scissors, etc.)
Choking: Keep items with small parts away from children (buttons, coins, etc). Observe children during mealtime to make sure they do not choke. Also, keep all plastic bags away from kids and pets to prevent accidental suffocation.
Accidents Among The Handicapped
For people who must use a wheelchair or walker to get around, life is a series of obstacles. Preventing accidents is a top priority for them. The kitchen can be a problem, as the sink and shelves are often too high to reach from the wheelchair. Attempting to cook is another danger if they cannot reach the stove easily.
Another accident waiting to happen is often in the bathroom. Although bars can be installed around the tub and toilet, this is unaffordable to many on a fixed income.
Building a wheelchair ramp makes it easier for the handicapped to get in and out of their home, but they must be careful if a ramp is wet or strewn with leaves. Accumulation of ice and snow during the winter could make a ramp hazardous.
Many communities have made it easier for the handicapped to get around by building ramps into curbs. This makes it easy for people in a wheelchair to travel for several blocks unassisted, but some curbs do not have a ramp.
When You're In a Car Accident, Remember: ABC
Most of us don't spend our free time thinking through emergency situations, planning what to do when this happens or under those circumstances. Unfortunately, this means that when something bad does happen, we have to figure it out on the spot--and usually we're too flummoxed to do a good job of it.
An automobile accident is a prime example, and one that is common enough that it could happen to you. So what should you do? Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, teach yourself three easy rules of thumb to get you through the immediate crisis.
Remember: ABC
A: Anyone injured? Quickly assess yourself and anyone else involved. Administer first aid if needed, and call for help.
B: Be safe. Sometimes more harm is done in the aftermath of a minor collision. Watch for other traffic that may not be aware of you. Look out for fires, exposed electrical wires, sharp metal, broken glass, etc. If there are no serious injuries (see A above), move vehicles safely out of the way of traffic.
C: Call the police. If there's going to be any insurance company involvement, you're most likely going to need a police report. So after you've addressed any injuries (A) and gotten out of the way of further danger (B), make that call (C) and get the report.
From this point, you can go about the business of sorting things out, depending on how serious the damage is.
Items to Keep in Your Automobile in Case of an Accident
Although many of us try our best to avoid them, accidents happen. That is why it is a good idea to always be prepared, just in case. The following list contains items that should be kept in your automobile in case of an accident.
- Pen/Paper for taking down information from the other driver
- Disposable camera for taking photos of damage and/or accident scene
- Road flairs in case of an accident at night
- Insurance cards with the name and telephone number of your agent and/or the service center
By keeping these simple items in your vehicle, you can always make sure you are prepared for an auto accident.
Items to Keep in Your Automobile in Case of an Accident
Although many of us try our best to avoid them, accidents happen. That is why it is a good idea to always be prepared, just in case. The following list contains items that should be kept in your automobile in case of an accident.
- Pen/Paper for taking down information from the other driver
- Disposable camera for taking photos of damage and/or accident scene
- Road flairs in case of an accident at night
- Insurance cards with the name and telephone number of your agent and/or the service center
By keeping these simple items in your vehicle, you can always make sure you are prepared for an auto accident.
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| Lynda Moultry |
