The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for travelers. Millions will hop a plane or train to visit loved ones and even more will take to the highways. The American Red Cross offers these tips people can follow to have a safe trip over the upcoming holiday.
DRIVING TO GRANDMA’S HOUSE Check the weather along your route and plan for travel around any storms that may be coming. Watch weather predictions for your entire route so you know what to expect along the way.
Make sure you follow these steps to have a safe trip: Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. Be well rested and alert. Follow the rules of the road. Use caution in work zones. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones. Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest. Don’t follow another vehicle too closely. Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night. Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
If winter weather threatens and you become stuck in the snow, these tips are for you: Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air. Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk. Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
PLANES, TRAINS, BUSES It’s flu season. If you’ve been sick or been in contact with someone who is sick, consider postponing your trip. You could be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
Remember that everything you touch may have been touched by someone else – ticket agents, luggage handlers, flight attendants, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.
BONUS TIP Download the American Red Cross First Aid App. The app provides users with quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.
You can help people affected by disasters like home fires as well as countless other crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation, go to http://www.redcross.org/idaho or http://www.redcross.org/montana.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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