We love living in Florida, don’t get us wrong. We love our wild and beautiful Sunshine State so much. If you really want to move to Florida, though, you should know that there are some crazy risks that come with it. A lot of them look like mean jokes that Mother Nature made up. It can feel like everything here is out to get you, from storms to sink holes to killer bees. In Florida, there are a few major risks that you should be aware of.
The Biggest Risks of Living in Florida
Hurricanes
This is likely the most well-known danger of living in Florida. Hurricanes do happen from time to time, and breaks in the pattern can make people feel safe when they shouldn’t be. It’s very scary when hurricane season comes around. Everyone needs to get ready. Get materials and learn how to keep your family safe.
Lightning
You will also get used to the risk of lightning if you live in Florida. It takes place pretty often. Florida is actually the lightning capital of the US. The most people have been hurt or killed by lightning here. It is important not to treat lightning like a show of lights. Always pay attention to lightning alerts!
Heat Exhaustion
When the relative humidity is 60% or higher, it’s hard for sweat to evaporate. It will be hard for your body to cool down if you live in Florida in the summer. Heat exhaustion can lead to very bad results. Always put on the right clothes, and make sure you drink a lot of water. If you have trouble staying hydrated, you might want to stay away from caffeine and booze.
Alligators
They’re not just hiding in swamps out of the way where no one can find them. We really do run into alligators in Florida, and bad things can happen as a result. The only safe place to get close to an alligator is at the zoo. You wouldn’t believe how fast they can run!
Also Read: This Surprising U.S. City Has the Most Aggressive Drivers
Flesh-Eating Bacteria
It’s nice to swim in warm water, but it can also be a good place for bugs to grow. Florida is known for having a lot of warm water. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that eats flesh. It has been in the news a lot lately because it has killed several people. If you have any fresh cuts, don’t swim in warm water, and make sure to take a shower as soon as you get out of the water. You can also find this dangerous bacteria in fish that is raw or not cooked enough.
Skin Cancer
You likely can’t wait to spend time in the sun if you’re thinking about moving to Florida. But the sun’s rays can be bad. Put on sunscreen every time you go outside!
Coral Snakes
Coral snake bites are very rare, but they are very dangerous. They don’t hurt much, but within hours they can stop your breathing. Not being able to breathe is not a fun thing to go through. Drug companies don’t make a lot of antivenom because it’s pricey and not many people want it. In the woods, you should always be careful and watch where you step.
Brain-Eating Amoeba
Florida is in danger because Naegleria fowleri does best in warm, still water. It doesn’t happen very often, but people who get this germs almost never make it. You should keep your head above water when swimming in still water in the summer. Put nose plugs in because this one comes in through the nose. Don’t move the dirt around in the water. Do not swim in still water at all costs. Headaches, fevers, nausea, vomiting, and a stiff neck are some of the first signs.