COVID-19 Park Safety in Kansas and Missouri
Millions of people throughout Kansas and Missouri have been using stay at home and social distancing practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While social distancing is highly recommended for all citizens, it’s also important to get some fresh air and exercise for mental and physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends exercise as a way to alleviate the stress and anxiety of dealing with a global pandemic.
With that in mind, going for a walk, jog, or run in a park is a fantastic way to get some exercise, sunlight, and a change of scenery. However, with a highly contagious virus, it’s important to take extra precautions. Here are some COVID-19 park safety tips from the attorneys at Patterson Legal Group.
Four COVID-19 Park Safety Tips
Before we get to our COVID-19 park safety tips, it’s important to check the rules and regulations of your local park. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Missouri State Parks websites are great places to start. It’s also wise to check the recommendations of your local parks and recreation department. Without further ado, here are four important COVID-19 park safety tips.
- Avoid Touching Surfaces and Keep Your Hands Clean
One of the most important coronavirus practices is very easy to follow — avoid touching surfaces as much as possible and keep your hands clean. The current coronavirus strain can live on surfaces for days. If you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth then you have a chance of getting infected. Keeping your hands to yourself goes a long way towards preventing the spread of COVID-19.
That said, it’s also understandable that you’ll have to touch something at the park at some point. Whether you’re leaning on a rail or using a restroom, it’s vital to clean your hands as soon as possible. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds is best, but not always possible at parks. Be sure to bring some hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content when you go to the park.
- Be Wary of Slips and Falls
Slip-and-fall accidents are some of the most common in America. They’re especially common in parks with uneven surfaces, heavy debris on pathways, and wet surfaces. A simple slip could lead to a life-altering injury.
Local parks and recreation departments are responsible for maintaining safe pathways and walkways. However, not all parks are getting the full attention and care they normally do during the coronavirus pandemic. Keep a close eye on the path you’re walking on and avoid any obstacles that could lead to a slip. Should you suffer a slip-and-fall injury and believe that it was due to negligence, contact us for immediate assistance.
- Check Benches and Surfaces Before Sitting Down
Whether you’re taking a break from your cardio or just want to soak up some sun, sometimes you want to sit down and enjoy the park. Be sure to check the stability of a bench or surface you want to sit on. An unstable bench could lead to cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
Similar to pathways and walkways, parks and recreation departments are responsible for the maintenance of any sitting areas in a park. Failure to fix faulty benches and tables is a form of negligence. Patterson Legal Group can help you in the event of an injury caused by a failure to maintain park amenities.
- Have Emergency Contacts Ready
Before you leave to the park, it’s a good idea to have the phone numbers for the local police and emergency assistance. You never know what can happen at a park and you may find yourself in a situation where you need emergency help.
It’s also a good idea to let local friends and family know that you’ll be at the park. Tell them when you’re going and what time you expect to be back. You can check in with them after your excursion is finished or have them check up on you.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
Everyone at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you, your family, and friends are healthy and safe. The coronavirus outbreak is a challenging time for all of us. A leisurely visit to the park can help your mental and physical health, but it’s important to practice COVID-19 park safety. Please follow the tips in this guide to help make your park visit a safe one. For additional COVID-19 safety tips, please read our safety practices and home safety guides.
Should you get into any type of accident during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us for fast, professional, and courteous assistance. We can be reached 24/7 at 888-687-2400. You can also reach us through the Internet using our secure contact form form and LiveChat features.
The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.