• 05
  • November
    2010

It's a danger you don't often think about and, even though it's there in plain sight, few notice until it is too late. That danger lies in and around abandoned homes, some foreclosed upon and others simply left fallow in pursuit of better opportunities. To small children, and even young adults, the abandoned property can pique interest, inviting them in for a closer look.

Few parents are aware of the dangers lurking near abandoned homes, but a recent wrongful death lawsuit in Florida brings the point home dramatically.

In 2008, the two-year-old child of a young couple wandered off into a neighbor's yard while his parents moved boxes into their recently purchased home. The neighboring property, abandoned, had a ground-level swimming pool, left unmaintained and full of water.

This story ends in tragedy, but awareness around the danger posed by abandoned homes can prevent more situations like this from happening. Even with homes that do not have swimming pools, the potential for serious injury is ever-present.

If there is an abandoned home in your neighborhood, be cautious and keep your eyes open when children are playing nearby. If possible, identify potential dangers and report them to the proper authorities.

Source Article