Use caution when traveling during the holiday season

Wednesday, December 28, 2011--A great many of us find ourselves on the road during the holiday season. When you’re preparing to travel over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, use Red Cross holiday travel tips to ensure your holiday travels go smoothly.

“Give yourself extra time to get to your destination during the holidays,” said John Buttrill, CEO of the American Red Cross of the Finger Lakes NY Region. “We are all eager to see our loved ones, but

getting their safely should be priority number one.”

To that end, the Red Cross advises travels to do the following:

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs.
• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. 
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. 
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow. 
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. 
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

Traveling by vehicle

• Prepare your vehicle: Make an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type), compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and tow rope. 
• Let someone know your destination, route, and when you expect to arrive. 
• Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets.
• Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization—not a government agency—and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.