Endsleign Travel Insurance Center

Along with the New Year and winter’s snowy appearance comes the inevitable travel “over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house,” or to a warmer climate for vacation. Since it may save your life or the life of someone you know, a review of some health and safety tips for travelers should be on everyone’s to-do list. Remember to share your knowledge freely by forwarding this article to friends and family!

Why you should never leave your car running for heat if you’re stranded in a blizzard or snow bank:

You could die of asphyxiation/poisoning from carbon monoxide from the car’s exhaust. It’s true and it has happened to many people. This usually happens when there is a hole in the exhaust pipe (common on vehicles near the ocean). You need to stay warm while you wait for a tow truck or help to arrive, but remember this danger.

What to do in the event of a flash flood:

Unfortunately, flash flooding can occur within just a few minutes or after hours of excessive rainfall. Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms. These are thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, and
destroy buildings, roads, and bridges. Streets can become
like rivers.

The rules for flash floods are:

NEVER try to walk, swim or drive through swift water. Nearly half of all flood-related fatalities are auto related (people trapped in their cars by rising water, or trying to drive through swift moving water). This is a true story. A woman was trapped under water in her car and actually managed to use her cell phone and call for help, giving her location. Without that cell phone, she would have never been able to let anyone know she was under the water!!

If you come upon flood waters, STOP, TURN AROUND, and go another way. Be on the lookout for rapidly rising water at highway dips, bridges, and low areas.

The most basic rule when flooding is apt to occur: Head to higher ground. Waters can rise very quickly.

When traveling in the Northern and Western states:

Keep a blanket and a gallon of water in the trunk of your car. In the event you are stranded in winter, you will not freeze to death and you’ll have water until help arrives. Remember that layered clothing keeps you warmer than one bulky piece.

Essentials for traveling through the desert:

Keep a blanket and a gallon of water in the trunk of your car. An instrument with global positioning satellite (GPS) capability will help you find your position when you’re lost. A cell phone or walkie-talkies can be lifesavers.

Stranded without water?

Fill a plastic trash bag with leaves or a plant, close it up, and let it sit in the sun. Water will accumulate on the inside of the bag.

Your car’s emergency kit should contain:

First aid materials

Flashlight with fresh batteries

Flares

Blanket / “Space” Blanket

Emergency shelter

Pocketknife

Fire starter

Rain parka / waterproof clothing / warm wool clothing

A red cloth to hang on your vehicle door or some other distress symbol
Gallon of water

“Trail mix” and other non-perishable food items, and candy bars (You might be tempted to raid these when you’re stranded in traffic, but save them for survival food. The advantage of candy bars is their high calorie content - disadvantage, they may melt!) The advantage of trail mix is it stays fresh a long time.)

Consider adding:

Toilet paper in a zip-lock bag

Disposable wet wipes

An extra wristwatch

Small Calendar

Sunscreen

Insect Repellant

Paper and pens

Additionally, you should carry:

A can of Fix-A-Flat

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