[June 05, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- Planning a
vacation this summer? Whether your plans are for a weekend just
hours from home or spending a few weeks in another state or country,
the Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends including
emergency preparedness in your vacation planning. IEMA will promote
vacation preparedness throughout the month of June as part of its
2013 preparedness campaign.
"Vacation time is supposed to be relaxing and fun," said IEMA
Director Jonathon Monken. "But a disaster occurring when you're far
from home can be very stressful, particularly if you don't know how
to stay safe. A little research, planning and strategic packing
could go a long way toward keeping your family safe throughout your
vacation."
Monken said a first step in vacation emergency planning
is to conduct an Internet search to learn about natural and man-made
hazards for the area you plan to visit. If you're not sure how to
prepare for certain disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis or
earthquakes, research preparedness measures for those hazards.
Even if your vacation spot is prone to dangers you're already
familiar with, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, dealing
with those emergencies can be challenging in a new environment.
When you arrive at your destination, identify safe locations to
go to when severe weather approaches, and find out how weather
warnings are communicated in the area (are there outdoor warning
sirens? does your hotel or resort have a public address system?).
Also, locate a hospital near where you're staying.
To help travelers prepare for vacation, IEMA offers the following
tips:
Before you leave
Pack a travel-size
emergency supply kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit,
flashlight, small battery-operated radio, extra batteries and an
emergency contact card with names and phone numbers.
Pack extra
supplies of critical items, such as prescription medications and
baby formula, in case your return is delayed by a disaster.
Let family and
friends know your itinerary and how to reach you.
Develop a
communications plan and make everyone in your traveling group
aware of the plan. Make sure everyone has the cellphone numbers
of the others in your group. Designate an out-of-area person to
contact in case your group is separated during an emergency and
unable to place local calls.
If traveling internationally, register
with the U.S. Department of State through a free online service
at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. The Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program allows travelers to enter
information about upcoming trips abroad so that the State
Department can better assist them in an emergency.
If traveling by
car, check the forecast for your entire route before and during
your trip. Weather conditions can change drastically, especially
if thunderstorms are expected.
Bring along a
travel weather radio, which will automatically switch to the
weather radio station closest to your travel area and will alert
you to any hazardous weather.
Become familiar
with the names of the counties you are traveling through because
hazardous weather warnings are issued by county.
If you are in a
vehicle when a tornado warning has been issued or you see a
tornado approaching, seek shelter in a sturdy building until the
storm passes. If you're unable to reach a sturdy building, pull
over and find a low area, such as a ditch, and take cover there.
Familiarize yourself with emergency
plans in your hotel or place you are staying as soon as you
arrive.
If disaster strikes your vacation spot, you can register on the
American Red Cross "Safe and Well" website at
www.safeandwell.org so
family and friends will know that you are safe.
More preparedness information is available on the Ready Illinois
website at www.ready.illinois.gov.
