The American Industrial Hygiene Association wants you to refresh your safety basics. The following practical safety travel tips are provided by AIHA from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Avoid travel, especially in the car, when a weather advisory has been issued. However, if travel is necessary, keep family members informed of your travel plans and estimated arrival.
- Always carry a mobile phone with a fully charged battery in case of emergency.
- Winterize your car. Perform routine maintenance to be sure that your car is in good operating condition. Check your tires and replace them with all-weather or snow tires if necessary. Keeping your gas tank full may help prevent ice build-up in your car’s fuel lines. Add a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
- Always have an emergency kit in your car, especially during the holiday travel season. Your emergency kit should include: a first aid kit, blankets, “ready to eat” food and water; booster cables, tire jack, spare tire, tire pump, flares and a bag of sand for traction; flashlight, compass and maps; and a battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
If you become stranded with your vehicle, remember these safety tips:
- If you are unable to move to a safe location within 100 yards, stay with your vehicle.
- Alert other drivers of your condition by remaining as visible as possible. Tying a bright cloth to the antenna, raising the hood of the car and turning on the interior lights will signal other drivers.
- Maintain the vehicle’s battery power by running the engine and heater for only 10 minutes every hour. For proper ventilation inside the vehicle, make sure the tailpipe is not blocked by snow or ice.
Regardless of the season, you should always avoid drinking and driving, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Whether you’re the driver or passenger, wear a seatbelt and be sure that all children are secured in a child seat.