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Accidents happen
- and they can
easily occur
while you are
traveling. If
you experience a
travel emergency,
your best weapon
will be
preparation.
Here are some
tips to help you
keep a cool head
in any sticky
situation. |
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On the Road
If you get in a
car accident,
pull over to the
side of the road
and call the
police
immediately -
even if it's
just a fender-bender.
If possible, you
should always
travel with your
cell phone - but
don't talk while
driving unless
you absolutely
have to. If
someone is
traveling with
you, make sure
they know how to
use the phone.
Also, remember
that the
probability of
an accident
occurring is
much higher when
you're tired, so
allow plenty of
time in your
driving schedule
for rest breaks.
When you are
driving, drive
defensively and
pay close
attention to the
speed limits.
Don't cut people
off or weave in
and out of the
lanes.
Finally,
purchase an
emergency car
kit. These can
be found in the
automotive
section of
department
stores like Wal-Mart
or Sears. For
example, the
Urban Road
Warrior Kit
contains vital
items such as
jumper cables.
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Your Health
If
you're traveling in the United States and a
health emergency occurs, you will need your
health insurance card and an emergency contact
number. It would also be a good idea to carry
with you a medical history card listing your
blood type, any medication you're taking, and
any recent illness you may have suffered.
If you're traveling abroad, a U.S. consular
officer can help in finding medical help and
calling your family. Before leaving home, find
out what type of medical facilities and services
are available in the country you are visiting
and what your health insurance will and will not
cover. Inexpensive travel insurance can protect
you while abroad, as well.
Hotel Safety
Emergencies that commonly happen in the home can
also occur in hotels. When staying in a hotel,
always review the emergency and fire procedures.
Make sure you know exactly where the emergency
exits are located. Slips and falls are a common
source of accidents. If you're near the pool, be
careful of those wet spots and alert the
lifeguard. The bathroom can also become a
dangerous area. Be careful of slippery
substances, like too much soap in the bottom of
the shower.
Fire is an emergency we would all like to avoid.
If the fire alarm does go off, feel the back of
the door handle for heat. If it's not hot, grab
your keys and identification and head to the
emergency exit. If the hallway is smoky, get
down low to the floor and crawl to the nearest
exit. If the door handle is hot, do not open the
door or go into the hallway. First, call 911.
Then, alert the front desk staff that you are
still in the room. To prevent smoke from coming
in the room, place wet towels under the door. If
you can open a window, wave a pillowcase outside
to get the attention of people below.
Safety in Motion
Whether you're flying, sailing or on the train,
the most important thing you should do is listen
to the directions of the crew. Failing to follow
their instructions could get you hurt. There are
always opportunities for accidents to occur on
moving vehicles, so be careful. When the vehicle
is in motion, avoid moving about, climbing up
and down stairs, placing suitcases above your
head and walking between cars.
Almost all trains, planes and ships offer
passengers an emergency instruction booklet.
Read this carefully and take notice of the
closest exit door and window. Watch your step
when getting on or off. Always use any stair
handrails and handholds located near the exits.
Finally, make sure your suitcase is firmly in
any overhead compartments. For more information
on the Urban Road Warrior Car Emergency Kit, go
to http://shop.store.yahoo.com/thekitcenter. |
