(content by Ebba B)
Miami is a beautiful city, both to live in and to visit. However, there are some things that are important to know before you travel to Miami, as with any city, that will help you have the safest and most enjoyable trip possible. An injury on a vacation can be a major issue, as you are away from your primary care physician, your home, and everything else that is familiar to you.
Following these pointers is a great way to avoid injury while you are traveling to Miami and elsewhere, but the unfortunate reality is that other people can cause accidents and injuries no matter how safe you are. Luckily, if you are injured there are Miami attorneys who are available to help you resolve your issues and work to get compensation if you are entitled to money. If someone else caused your accident, then you may be able to seek damages from them directly, or from their insurance company who assumes liability for their actions.
Take a look below at some of these helpful tips on staying safe during a visit to Miami, and let us know what we missed in the comments!
Get a Mounted GPS
Driving in Miami is a known challenge, even for locals. If you are trying to get around the city in a vehicle, make sure that you have a mount where you can keep an eye on your GPS while keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. When you have a GPS running, a wrong turn or a missed exit won’t be a disaster, since the map will simply update to a new route. Be prepared for some intimidating highways with multiple lanes, and busy streets once you are off the highways and into the city.
Be Aware of Theft
Miami is not a uniquely dangerous city when it comes to thieves, but anywhere that tourists congregate is a high-value target for pickpockets, scammers, and other criminals intent on separating visitors from their money and valuables. As with any tourist area, stay mindful of your possessions while you are enjoying the sights and sounds. Leave any non-essential valuables in your hotel or Airbnb, and be mindful of the possessions that you leave on the beach when you go for a swim.
Wear Sunscreen and Stay Hydrated
Miami is a year-round destination for travelers, but especially in the winter months where the beautiful beaches and weather can be a respite from the cold. However, remember that there are many risks that come with being exposed to the sun and the heat without getting used to it, such as severe sunburns and extreme dehydration. Make sure that you keep applying sunscreen, especially if you are swimming, and make sure that you drink water throughout the day.
Know To Call 911 In An Emergency
If you are visiting the United States from another country, you may not realize that the emergency line throughout the US is 911. Dial those three numbers and you will be connected with an operator who will be able to alert police officers, firefighters, and EMTs of your emergency so that they can head to the scene as quickly as possible. These types of stressful situations can be even more complicated when you are visiting from out of town, whether from somewhere else in the United States or from abroad. Knowing how to get in touch with people who can help is extremely important.
