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Post by mountainma on Jul 25, 2023 9:45:51 GMT -6
Late last night around 11:30 p.m, a speeding driver lost control and ran off the road, tearing through our yard, into and out of our creek, over the driveway and through the neighbor's yard, then crashed at the neighbor's across the street from us. There were firetrucks, EMT's, tow truck, very bright lights, and lots of noise and commotion for an hour or two while crews worked the situation. Strangers were walking through my yard, shining lights, etc. I didn't get to sleep until 3 a.m. A person was taken to the hospital. We do not know if they were drinking or doing drugs, but this was not a simple "oops" kind of accident like hitting a deer or mailbox. Someone was very reckless while operating a vehicle. They easily could have crashed into our house (and almost did!)
I've been thinking through different scenarios of VERY unexpected situations. We've dealt with tornado and flood and minor life happenings like power outages and shelter-in-place orders. This latest event has me brainstorming home safety more. There's more I could do to prep for a fire, or for home invasion.
Experts recommend putting a fence around one's yard as added protection of the home. What else can you think of?
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Post by eyeofthestorm on Jul 25, 2023 11:42:46 GMT -6
So, mountainma, just.... WOW.
So thankful you are safe.
Now, I'm going to think on this, but from what you've described, I don't think a fence itself would have made a difference in that situation. What might be more helpful might be reflectors, or even lighting. Sometimes things that our bodies (eyes) react to will be more effective in eliciting an avoidance behavior than just an obstacle.
On our house, we have floodlights mounted. We live at the dead end of the street, and there ought to be a light here. I've heard that the previous owner (the first owner) requested that the power company NOT put up the light that was planned (the pole is out there). I suspect he regretted that later because he's the one who mounted the flood lights. it might not seem like it would matter, but when a lightbulb goes out, wow, do we notice. We also replaced our front door light with one that automatically comes on at dusk.
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Post by michelle on Jul 25, 2023 13:35:00 GMT -6
I'm so glad that ya'll are okay.
As far as preparing for things like fire, do you have a fireproof box that you keep important documents in?
I agree with Sandra about the flood lights also, especially motion detector ones.
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Post by mountainma on Jul 25, 2023 15:39:08 GMT -6
We do have a large utility light next to the road that illuminates most of the front yard. I think, in this case, light didn't matter. We've found out the couple in the car were stoned and probably don't even have insurance. They literally drove over our concrete steps leading up to our mailbox and broke off a corner of concrete. I do want to put up some reflectors near the driveway where the light doesn't reach as well. I'm thinking we might need to plant some bushes between the road and house as a barrier to slow down a speeding vehicle!
The fireproof box is a great idea. We do have one and use it.
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