Don't Be Rocked By a Hurricane

With Isaac hitting the Gulf Coast, it’s an important reminder to Carolinian that hurricane season is in full swing.  September is National Preparedness Month and in honor of that, here are some tips from FEMA on preparation for a hurricane or tropical storm;

• Stock up on plywood so you can board up windows and doors at a moments notice. The American Red Cross recommends that the plywood be 5/8 inches thick. In a pinch, duct tape or packing tape can also minimize shattering glass in the event of a strong wind.
• Make sure to bring in outside items that can be picked up and thrown around in the wind. This list includes garden decorations, tables and chairs, and other items.
• As the storm approaches, turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting in case the power goes off. Store accessible items, like sandwiches items, snacks for kids, medications or baby formula, in a cooler to reduce the necessity to open the refrigerator door.
• Fill your bathtub up with water before the storm hits. You’ll be able to use this water to cook, flush toilets, or even to drink if the power goes out.
•  Fill up your car with gas. If you or your family is forced to evacuate at the last minute, there may not be any gas stations available if the power is out.
•  Review your evacuation plan and learn alternate routes, just in case.
•  Identify the nearest shelter to evacuate to if the weather takes a turn for the worst. Most communities also offer pet-friendly shelters so the whole family can be safe.
• Make sure you have a three day supply of water (a gallon for each person in your household), dry goods and canned food. If you have a pet, make sure they have enough water for three days as well.
• Make sure that your flashlight, battery powered radio, and cell phone batteries are fully charged.  Be sure to keep extra batteries nearby as well as a first aid kit. If you opt to light your home with candles, make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy.

     With the advances in technology, there are several android and iPhone apps that allow you to stay updated on the weather conditions during a storm. Hurricane – American Red Cross is a free app available for both Android and iOS devices which allows you to not only track the hurricane but  also check on weather conditions in your area  and locate help if needed. This app also lets you notify friends and family that you are safe. This app is available on the App Store and the Google Play Android Market and is completely free.

Should I Hire a Traffic Attorney or Just pay the Fine?

 Exceeding the speed limit is a commonly shared experience by drivers, whether done on purpose or accidentally. The National Motorists Association ranks North Carolina in the top 10 for states most likely to hand out a traffic ticket.  If you have ever been issued a speeding ticket, then you might have wondered what to do next.

95% of people who receive speeding tickets just pay the fine and don’t contest the ticket in court. Although this is the easiest and most convenient method, it’s not always the best method. By paying the fine, you automatically admit guilt in the matter. The courts don’t just punish the guilty by levying fines.  You may also receive points on your driver’s license depending on the state that issued the citation, which will cause your insurance rates to rise. In some states, if you exceed 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, your license can sometimes be suspended. Despite this, many people do not hire a traffic attorney to handle speeding tickets. Often, the cost of hiring an attorney to contest your tickets can outweigh the long term costs of just paying the penalty. For example:

•    An attorney may successfully defend you from a speeding ticket and prevent points from being added to your license.  This can protect you from a sharp increase in insurance premiums that may incur if you just paid the ticket outright.
•          Most contested tickets in court are won on technical defenses, not the facts, and these technical defenses are better identified by an experienced traffic attorney. 
•          If you contest your ticket on your own and fail, you will be responsible for the court costs as well as the original fine.
•          You should be aware that different states have different ways of penalizing speeding tickets.  So, a ticket that you receive in a different state might translate differently to your state’s DMV.
•          Each county in each state has different traffic court procedures. An experienced traffic attorney that practices in that county will know the specific court procedures and use this to their advantage. 
•          Traffic laws are ever-changing and an experienced traffic attorney will know the current laws and how to obtain the best outcome for your case. 

So, if you find yourself being issued a traffic violation, you should be aware of the advantages that an experienced traffic attorney can provide you.  You don’t have to feel that the only option is to just pay the ticket. Next time you see those blue lights in your rearview mirror, prepare a strong defense by letting an experienced attorney at Merritt Webb be at your side.