Guide Menu |
Nantucket Safety
One of the many wonderful aspects of Nantucket is how safe it is, and ideally suited for families to enjoy a holiday safely and peacefully. Crime is almost unheard of, and so any dangers tend to be those where people have abandoned normal common sense. If hiring mopeds or other vehicles, make sure you drive sensibly. Many of the roads are very old, even cobbled, and this can lead to accidents. Similarly, the beaches are quiet and unpatrolled in many cases, and so being sensible when it comes to venturing out into the waters is also important. The currents and tides of the Atlantic can be strong, and sudden, and so need to be treated with caution if venturing away from other people. As long as you follow common sense, then your stay in Nantucket should be entirely enjoyable and safe. When it comes to disabled access we tend to take it for granted these days that buildings will be modified to enable wheelchair access, with ramps and widened doorways. However, since many of the buildings are historic, it simply isn’t possible to provide full access to all of them, and there may be occasions when properties are inaccessible, either partially or entirely. Obvious examples like the lighthouses are of course self evident, but some buildings that pre-date the Civil War were built with narrow doors, steep steps, and from fabrics which would not withstand the modern modifications needed to provide such unhindered access. However, with so much to see and do on the island, this shouldn’t interfere too much with a happy and enjoyable experience. More and more changes are being introduced wherever possible, and you may well find that, if you have been previously and found some difficulties, that those properties or locations have been modified to provide access. If in any doubt, it is best to call in advance and find out what the current limitations or availability of disabled access might be. The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce or the Nantucket Visitors Bureau Center are the best people to talk to about any such concerns. As mentioned previously, it is important to wear light coloured clothing if venturing off on a walk, as well as covering up properly and using insect repellent. Although not a massive problem, there are insects, such as ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, which is unpleasant. To avoid any such issues, covering up sensibly rather than striking out for a hike in your swimsuit is important, and plenty of insect repellent should help too. The reason for wearing light coloured clothing is simply to make it easier to spot insects if they start to land on you. If you have brought an SUV with you, or are hiring one, make sure that at no time do you drive over beaches, unless you have previously obtained a valid license. Even if you have a license, this allows you to drive over the beach, but only with due care. Remember, a third of the island is a natural reserve, and much of the island is of very great historic and natural significance. SUVs can cause a good deal of damage, and so driving carefully, and sympathetically, will not only aid the upkeep and maintenance of this beautiful resort, but help you to remain respected within this small community. |
