The holidays are about being together with loved ones. For some of your workers, that means hosting the family gathering. For others it means traveling to the homes of relatives. This week's SafetyXChange is dedicated to the latter - the holiday travelers.

Make a Checklist

Holiday travel takes a lot of preparation. Shopping for gifts, packing suitcases, booking flights, making arrangements with pet and house sitters, notifying the newspaper delivery person; these are just a few of the tasks involved. I find that it helps to prepare a checklist to make sure I get it all done. I suggest that you do the same and that you make safety part of the planning process. Here's a checklist for your safety needs.

1. Organize Your Medical Needs

• Carry important medical information including emergency contact numbers of doctors, your blood type and health history.
• If you're taking medications, pack enough to last several days longer than you expect to be away.
• Before air travel, make sure you understand the security rules for carrying medications onto planes in handheld bags and talk to your doctor about medical precautions to use during flight such as taking aspirin to prevent blood clots in your legs.

2. Prepare for Emergencies

• If traveling by train, identify emergency escape routes from railway cars.
• If driving, ensure your tires can handle wintry roads. Have your car winterized by your mechanic and be prepared for blocked roads. Take outdoor clothing, boots, flashlights, food and water.
• If flying, pay attention to the safety instructions and note the nearest emergency exit.
• Whether staying in a hotel or your sister's new house, note the escape routes and count the number of doors between your room and the emergency exit so that you can find your way in the dark.

3. Beware of Fire and Burn Hazards

• If it's your turn to sleep in the cold spare room in the basement, remember to turn off the portable space heater when you leave the room or go to sleep. And keep the heater at least three feet from anything that can burn.
• When running water in the shower or the kitchen sink, remember that hot-water heaters may be set higher than you're used to.

4. Watch Out for Germs

Stay healthy by avoiding people who are coughing and sneezing. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

Conclusion

Next week, we'll look at the other group: the holiday hosts. We'll set out suggestions to help you protect the safety of yourself, your guests and your home when hosting the annual holiday gathering.

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