Life is a series of risks, and sometimes taking risks is part of the fun of living. Since we live in such a beautiful place here in Portland, it makes sense that we want explore it in all it’s glory, but sometimes this can lead to disastrous consequences. Here are some of the top things in and around that should cause you to take extra caution.

  1. Hiking

dishwab / Flickr It’s great to be out in nature, but any number of things can go wrong. Always be prepared with warm clothing and extra water and food, and be sure to tell someone where you are going to minimize your risk.

  1. Volcanoes

Ken Lund / Flickr Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens are ever-present reminders in our sky of the immense power and greatness of the volcanoes in our area.

  1. Earthquakes

sama093 / Flickr We all know the big one is coming at some point, the question is just when?

  1. Sneaker Waves

Wil C Fry / Flickr Head to the coast, and you are at risk for these waves that come and overpower people every year. Always watch the water and heed warning from local authorities about water conditions.

  1. Driving in the Rain

Herb Neufeld / Flickr When it rains, our driving skills decrease considerably. Keep this in mind when you venture out in a downpour.

  1. Driving in the Snow

Jodie Wilson / Flickr We also have a hard time managing driving in snow. Unlike many drivers on the roads, proceed with caution instead of thinking 4-wheel drive makes conditions “normal.”

  1. Crossing the Street

TMimages PDX / Flickr Whether there is a crosswalk or not, always double check when crossing a street. Pedestrians are unprotected, often causing catastrophic results in a collision, and your life literally depends on it.

  1. Landslides

Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr Rainy conditions can cause the ground to shift and move, creating fierce landslides that endanger property and lives. Again, always listen to local officials regarding conditions.

  1. Distracted Driving

Intel Free Press / Flickr More than natural disasters, one of the biggest dangers is distracted driving. Whether it’s texting or talking, studies have shown just how dangerous it is to be using your phone while driving.

  1. Bigfoot

Michael / Flickr Chances are good you won’t encounter Bigfoot, but he is rumored to live in the mountains surrounding us, so always keep an eye out.

What do you think? What scares you in Portland? Let us know in the comments below.

dishwab / Flickr

It’s great to be out in nature, but any number of things can go wrong. Always be prepared with warm clothing and extra water and food, and be sure to tell someone where you are going to minimize your risk.

Ken Lund / Flickr

Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens are ever-present reminders in our sky of the immense power and greatness of the volcanoes in our area.

sama093 / Flickr

We all know the big one is coming at some point, the question is just when?

Wil C Fry / Flickr

Head to the coast, and you are at risk for these waves that come and overpower people every year. Always watch the water and heed warning from local authorities about water conditions.

Herb Neufeld / Flickr

When it rains, our driving skills decrease considerably. Keep this in mind when you venture out in a downpour.

Jodie Wilson / Flickr

We also have a hard time managing driving in snow. Unlike many drivers on the roads, proceed with caution instead of thinking 4-wheel drive makes conditions “normal.”

TMimages PDX / Flickr

Whether there is a crosswalk or not, always double check when crossing a street. Pedestrians are unprotected, often causing catastrophic results in a collision, and your life literally depends on it.

Oregon Department of Transportation / Flickr

Rainy conditions can cause the ground to shift and move, creating fierce landslides that endanger property and lives. Again, always listen to local officials regarding conditions.

Intel Free Press / Flickr

More than natural disasters, one of the biggest dangers is distracted driving. Whether it’s texting or talking, studies have shown just how dangerous it is to be using your phone while driving.

Michael / Flickr

Chances are good you won’t encounter Bigfoot, but he is rumored to live in the mountains surrounding us, so always keep an eye out.

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