A few travel tips
I was just speaking with someone in Washington and she was telling me about the crazy weather there, then I got an email about the crazy weather in Portland. We all have heard of the snow and power outages in the mid west and in New England and it occurred to me that today would be a great day to pass along a few travel tips for those who are braving the road this week.
If you have not already done so, copy the article about traveling in winter from the Totally Ready web site. It has really great information and tips for airport travel as well as road trips. This should be included in any preparedness binder you have for quick reference before any trip. I won’t discuss the tips already in the article but just mention a few additional things that may be done to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
First, you should have a good car kit in every vehicle you own. Take it out and place it in the back seat of the car, especially if you are taking a trip where you may encounter snow. If the road is closed ahead of you and you have to sit and wait for traffic to get moving again you will want your supplies at hand so you don’t have to go outside into the cold and snow to get them. This is also important if you have to stop to change a tire or put on chains, especially if there is snow blowing. It will be important to put on your emergency vest before you leave the car so you can be more easily seen.
Second, take extra food and water inside the car. Again, if you do need to spend time in your vehicle you will not want to let cold air in by opening a door to retrieve food or water from the trunk. It is very important to eat when you are trying to keep your body temperature up. So, take food. A thermos of hot cocoa is really a great addition! Remember caffinated drinks are not good so skip the coffee.
Third, have layers available in the car. How often I have placed my coat in the trunk because it takes up so much room. That is great if you can keep the engine running but if you can’t you will want that coat. Your coat will be warm to put on if it has been inside the car but if you have to get it from the trunk it will be cold! Take a sweater, gloves and a warm hat inside the vehicle also.
Fourth, make sure the cell phone is charged before you leave home.
Fifth, let your family know which route you will be taking to get to their home. If you should be caught in a storm they will then know where to begin looking for you.
Sixth, throw in a blanket. You should have a wool blanket in your car kit. If you do bring it inside the car. If you don’t be sure to take a blanket or two with you, again, inside the car. On a trip from Utah to California one winter our heater stopped working in our car. I was already sick and we had to stop to purchase a sleeping bag for me to crawl into so I could get warm. It was a really miserable trip. All three of us had on a sweater, coat, gloves and a hat and I had my sleeping bag and our son had a blanket. My poor husband had to drive. Awful!
Seventh, NEVER go to sleep in a car with the car running. I’m sure most of you have heard that three young women died last week when they were poisoned by carbon monoxide while sleeping in a running car. If you have family traveling to see you remind them of this.
Finally, take along a good book or some magazines and a few great CDs just in case you have to wait out a storm, accident or road closure. Be patient, it’s more important to arrive safely than to arrive “on time”.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
I just wanted to thank you for such an awesome blog! I found it a few days ago and have been reading it in every spare moment (not easy during the holidays). This morning I finished it and am committed to starting the Seven Steps for the New Year! Thanks for all your detailed and well researched ideas and information. I have copied and pasted a lot of them to include in my emergency binder. Bravo!!