Pennsylvania is undoubtedly one of the best states in the country: it has gorgeous natural landscapes, a variety of culture, great food, and an affordable cost of living. Like any place, though Pennsylvania comes with its own unique set of risks that its residents face. Below are just ten of the biggest risks that you might encounter in the state of PA…
1. Ticks Will Suck Your Blood.
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most beautiful natural wilderness in the country-- yet, that does not come without its drawbacks. When you return from a hike, be sure to check yourself thoroughly for these little bloodsuckers. Not only will they leech from you, but they might give you Lyme Disease, which can permanently harm your health.
2. Deer Will Target Your Car.
These feisty critters are sure to jump out at you just at the wrong moment, threatening to cause costly damages to your vehicle, or worse, to harm you and your passengers. But you have to be careful about more than just deer when driving...
3. You Might Fall Into A Pothole.
The extreme variations in temperature and moisture that we experience in Pennsylvania every year lead to consistently cracking roads and deepening potholes. Pennsylvania is, after all, home to one of the largest potholes in the country, located in Archbald Pothole State Park. Even worse than the potholes is...
4. There Is A High Likelihood That You Will One Day Have To Deal With PennDot.
The DMV isn't fun in any state, but something about PennDot is particularly excruciating. Take your number and join the cast of Beetle Juice while you wait to renew your driver's license...
5. Sinkholes Might Eat You Up.
Even if you survive the ticks, the deer, the potholes, and the DMV, you could still fall into a sinkhole unexpectedly. Because of an unusually high amount of limestone in the ground, Pennsylvania is among the country's top seven states at high risk for sink hole development.
6. Winter Driving Might Drive You Crazy.
We come from the land of the ice and snow, from the icy roads where the slow cars go.
7. If You Go For A Swim, You Might Never Be The Same Again.
Pennsylvania rivers are among some of the most polluted in the country, especially in the Pittsburgh area. Many of these waterways are high in cancer-causing agents. Though fracking is a controversial issue, its detractors claim that it leaves toxic chemicals that are found in Pennsylvania drinking water.
8. Other Pollutants Wait For You Here.
Pennsylvania is one of the states in the country with the highest remaining occurrences of lead poisoning per year. We also lead the nation in fluoride emissions, a statistic not surprising to anyone aware of the 1948 fluoride fog in Donora.
9. When It Rains, It Floods.
Thanks to Pennsylvania's mountainous terrain, many areas face flooding whenever there are heavy rains. You could prepare by building yourself an arc a-la Noah, or just try to buy property on higher ground.
10. Boredom Might Get You If Nothing Else Does.
Pennsylvania has miles upon miles upon miles of scenic countryside. The peace and quiet is refreshing, but after a few days, you might be left wanting for some action.
Though some of these risks sound daunting, they won’t keep us out of our beautiful home state. What are the risks that you encounter during your day-to-day life in Pennsylvania?
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