Sending your child off to college is an exciting time, but it can also be filled with worries, especially when it comes to safety. As a parent, you want to make sure your college student avoids accidents and injuries while living on campus. One of the most common hazards is slip and fall accidents. Mississippi college campuses can contain many hidden dangers that can lead to painful and costly slip and fall injuries. Being aware of these risks is the first step to keeping your student safe.
Assess the Campus Grounds
When visiting your child’s Mississippi college for move-in day or parents’ weekend, take time to observe the overall safety of the campus grounds. Look for areas where slipping is more likely to occur:
- Sidewalks – Cracked or uneven walkways can easily lead to twisted ankles or falls. Also, watch for sloped or steep paths.
- Stairs – Indoor and outdoor stairs should have secure railings and even steps. Stairways should be well-lit.
- Parking Lots – Look for potholes, broken pavement, speed bumps and other tripping hazards in campus parking areas.
- Pathways – Make sure routes between classes and dorms are clear of debris, overgrowth and other obstructions. Overgrown landscaping should be properly trimmed back.
If you notice any hazards, bring them to the attention of campus facilities management. Press for improvements to be made before accidents happen.
Recognize Weather Dangers
Slip and fall risks increase dramatically during rainy, icy or snowy weather. Make sure your student has appropriate footwear and is extra cautious when conditions are hazardous.
- Rain – Wet surfaces become very slippery. Alert your child to walk carefully and avoid running on slick pavement after storms.
- Ice – Icy sidewalks, roads and steps must be navigated slowly with shoes that grip. Caution your student to use handrails and watch for black ice.
- Snow – Heavy snowfall coupled with freezing temperatures creates multiple perils. Your child should wear waterproof boots with traction and avoid shortcuts over uncleared paths.
Ask the college about their snow and ice removal plans. If they seem inadequate, your student should notify campus facilities promptly whenever clearing is needed.
Inspect Student Housing
Mississippi student apartments, dorms, fraternity and sorority houses can also harbor slip and fall dangers. As a parent, check for:
- Loose Rugs – Bunched up or unsecured throw rugs are tripping hazards. Make sure rooms have slip-resistant rug pads and taped edges.
- Clutter – Stuff piled on the floor including books, clothes and electronics can easily cause falls. Ensure rooms are kept tidy.
- Wet Floors – Shared bathrooms and kitchens need bath mats, caution signs, and immediate mopping after spills. Tile and linoleum create very slippery surfaces when wet.
- Poor Lighting – Inadequate illumination in hallways, basements and exterior areas can obscure trip hazards and lead to injuries, especially at night. Request improved lighting.
- Faulty Railings – Loose, broken or missing banisters on staircases and elevated porches put students at risk of serious falls. Urge immediate repairs.
Discuss Safety Precautions
Having an open conversation with your child before they head off to college in Mississippi can go a long way in injury prevention.
Make sure they understand the importance of being alert to their surroundings at all times when walking across campus or in student housing. Distracted walking while texting or wearing headphones can lead to disastrous falls.
Caution them to walk, not run on campus pathways and to wear proper footwear. Sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles provide the best protection. Avoid flip flops.
Encourage them to point out slip and fall risks to college administrators for speedy correction before accidents occur. Their active participation helps keep the entire campus community safer.
Remind them to use handrails on stairs and ramps and avoid carrying or balancing too many items while navigating steps or uneven terrain.
Report any falls promptly so they can be evaluated for injury. Catching and treating problems early can prevent complications.
By keeping slip and fall hazards on your radar, educating your child and encouraging them to speak up about safety concerns, you can help them have an accident-free college experience. Staying informed and vigilant goes a long way in preventing injuries and keeping your student safe on campus.
Be Prepared with Medical Information
In case of an unfortunate fall, make sure your child is prepared with important medical information. This includes:
- Health Insurance Card – Have copies of front and back.
- List of Medications – Include dosage information and the prescribing doctor.
- Emergency Contacts – Phone numbers for parents or other relatives who can make decisions if needed.
- Primary Doctor Info – Name, specialty and phone number of regular physician.
- Medical History – Notes on allergies, previous surgeries, ongoing conditions or injuries.
Provide this in a wallet card or small notebook your student can keep on them at all times. Also, consider medical ID accessories engraved with crucial details.
Discuss Treatment Options
If your child suffers a serious slip or fall injury while at college in Mississippi, decisions may need to be made quickly about transport and treatment. Talk with your student ahead of time about preferences.
Ask if they would want you called before any treatment beyond first aid.
Find out if they have a preferred hospital or clinic in the college area. Make sure they are in the provider network.
Discuss whether they would want an ambulance called or prefer transport by friend or Uber/taxi. This may depend on injury severity.
Review insurance requirements for approval and in-network coverage before ER, urgent care, specialists or admissions.
Clear expectations upfront can prevent stressful misunderstandings later if care is needed after a fall.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer
If your child suffers a serious injury in a slip and fall accident on a Mississippi campus, consult a personal injury attorney from Monge & Associates. A lawyer from our firm can investigate whether negligence by the college or property owner contributed to unsafe conditions. Legal counsel may be needed to recover medical costs and other damages.
Monge & Associates has offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Mississippi, Maryland, and Florida.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597.