The thought of packing for a long vacation can be enough on its own to conjure up memories of anxiety, where throwing items into a suitcase at the last minute is more of a rule rather than the exception. But there’s one more thing to consider when you start to pack for a holiday – the dreaded, unexpected emergency.
Here’s the good news: Preparing for a weather emergency at your vacation destination won’t require another suitcase just to carry it all with you. Some small steps are all you need – and you might be bringing some of these resources with you already.
Your Best Safety Tool Is In Your Pocket
It’s a 21st-century lifehack: If your smartphone has alerts activated (here’s how to do that on The Weather Channel app), there’s no need to track down other means for receiving severe weather alerts during a domestic vacation. If traveling internationally, it can be used to search government websites for key information if a weather disaster is looming.
(MORE: How To Prep For An Earthquake On Vacation)
Pro tip: Be sure to load The Weather Channel app when you arrive at your travel destination; that will ensure your updated location is registered and you will receive all alerts for that area in real-time.
Little Things Can Make A Big Difference
We’re not packing the entire emergency kit. Scale it down – a small flashlight (or use your phone flashlight, if that saves space), a thin phone charger or battery pack, and a travel first aid kit can work wonders in an emergency. A multi-tool can also be a lifesaver without taking up the same amount of space as a pair of shoes in your suitcase.
Always Proactive, Never Reactive
Much like any other emergency, knowing what to do ahead of time can save important hours or even minutes during a serious situation while on vacation. Just as you make sure to research landmarks, restaurants and excursions before visiting your destination, be sure to do your research on the possible weather hazards you might face.
(MORE: Travel Hot Spots Seeing Rise In Dengue Fever)
For example, if you’re heading to Florida in September, knowing evacuation zones for the area you’re visiting can give you an advantage over those who have to spend time looking them up if a tropical system is looming. If you’re on a hiking trip, knowing that it usually storms in the afternoon could keep you out of harm’s way.
Social media can be another valuable resource to familiarize yourself with somewhere you’ve rarely (or never) visited. Seek out a Facebook group that has active discussions about vacationing in that particular city, state or country, or look up specific hashtags on other social platforms to get into the proper algorithms so you get information from locals.
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