Whether you’re traveling internationally or heading to the United States, here are some tips to help you prepare for any situation.
Rick Massimo May 21, 2024
Summer is travel season for many people, and it’s important to keep safety in mind when heading out on adventures. Courtney Arroyo, community engagement manager for the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management and Safety, offers travel tips for older travelers:
Her first travel tip is to know the area you live in. You’re probably pretty familiar with how to evacuate your area in the event of an emergency, but you might not be as familiar with your vacation destination. Hurricane season starts on June 1.
“We’re constantly checking the weather forecast and making sure we know what area we’re in if we’re in an evacuation zone,” Arroyo said.
She suggests signing up for the local emergency alert system where you’re traveling to find out evacuation procedures and location-specific information. Entering the address where you’ll be staying usually gives you the most accurate location information. This is good advice for all travelers, but especially for those who may not be able to move as quickly as they used to.
Arroyo also advises travelers, especially seniors, to have one bag dedicated to their emergency kit. If you’re flying, that would be your carry-on bag. She calls a well-stocked carry-on bag “like your own diaper bag,” adding, “It’s what you use for the next few days if you get stuck at the airport or miss your connecting flight.”
Your kit should contain a week’s supply of any medications you take, as well as records of any prescriptions you receive from your doctor or pharmacy.
“Most pharmacies will let you transfer your prescription if you get stuck somewhere, so having everything written down in advance can be really helpful, especially if you have some kind of emergency while you’re at the pharmacy and end up staying there longer,” she says.
It’s a good idea to pack some healthy snacks for long waits, and while you can’t bring water through security, an empty water bottle is OK, so you can refill it while you’re waiting in line.
Be sure to pack a change of clothes, including sneakers, in your carry-on luggage.
“Many people travel in sandals because they’re going to warm places,” Arroyo said, “but if you have sneakers on in case of an emergency, not only will they protect your feet, they’ll avoid stepping in puddles and getting wet.”
Arroyo also cautions travelers of all ages heading abroad to memorize the emergency phone number of the country they’re heading to, not necessarily 911. A good travel tip is to learn a few words in the language of your destination, such as “help” and “emergency.”
She also advises seniors: “Don’t post about your vacation on social media, at least until you’ve returned. You don’t want to advertise that your home is empty.”
Featured image: Fractal Pictures/stock.adobe.com
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