With winter weather, freezing temperatures and rain forecasted for much of the country and more than 43 million Americans expected to be on the roads this week, the American Red Cross offers tips to help Thanksgiving travelers arrive safely at their destination:
AUTOMOBILES
1. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels before you get on the road. Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
2. If winter weather is present, bring pets/companion animals inside before you leave the house.
3. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Fill your gas tank, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.
4. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drink and drive, or text and drive.
5. Make frequent stops on long trips. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and rest.
6. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
PLANES & TRAINS
1. 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.
2. Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.
3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
4. Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
5. 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. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.
Additionally, the UC Irvine Police Department, Emergency Services Division, has a number of online resources to assist you with being prepared both at home and here on campus. For more information visit: http://police.uci.edu/ and http://snap.uci.edu/viewXmlFile.jsp?cmsUri=public/MainMenuEmergencyManagement.xml
Stay connected with the UC Irvine Police Department!
http://police.uci.edu/
http://nixle.com/University-of-California-Irvine-Police-Department
http://facebook.com/UCIrvinePD
http://twitter.com/UCIrvinePD
