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TMCNet: Inclement weather can pose danger to travelers

[November 30, 2009]

Inclement weather can pose danger to travelers

Nov 30, 2009 (The Deming Headlight - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Holiday travel can take you to areas where weather is far different from Luna County's.

If you're driving, here are reminders to keep you safe on the road. If you're flying then renting a vehicle at your initial destination, you can also benefit from some of these tips.

John W. Wheeler, cabinet secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, joins police and sheriff's personnel in urging preparation and planning.

"By preparing for winter driving conditions," Wheeler said, "you can protect yourself and your passengers. He urges drivers to "check antifreeze levels, battery and ignition systems, brakes, exhaust system, all filters and to make sure the heater and defroster work. You should also ensure your tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for New Mexico's winter driving conditions." If you'll be driving in areas where Winter coats roads with snow and ice, tire chains may be necessary, says Luna County Sheriff Raymond Cobos.

"If you can afford it, certainly (take) a small shovel," Cobos said. "Warm blankets, some water and a tire-inflater/lamp combination." Make sure your vehicle's emergency flashers work, perhaps even buy a portable flasher. Have flares in your emergency kit and a florescent flag to attach to a vehicle.

"If you have one make sure you carry a cell phone with you. If you're traveling any distance, a charger for the cell phone," Cobos said.

A first-aid kit, warm clothes and blankets are recommended. Try to keep your vehicle's fuel tank at least half full.

A winter emergency kit should include a windshield scraper, small broom, flashlight, extra batteries and a battery-powered radio. Have water, snack food, matches, extra hat, gloves and socks. Also, a pocket knife, necessary medications, a tow chain or rope, road salt or sand and booster cables.

When traveling with children or people with special needs, pack adequate supplies for them. Take toys and/or books or perhaps a portable CD player or DVD player, with earphones, to occupy children.

More and more people, Wheeler said, "travel with the family pet, so you should plan and prepare for this member of the family, with an ID tag, collar, leash, food and water." If driving in severe weather, travel during daylight and, if possible, don't travel alone. Inform others of your travel schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back-road shortcuts. If trapped in a snowstorm, pull off the highway, activate hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the window. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers can find you. Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes an hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, be sure you open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

"You can exercise to maintain body heat," Wheeler said, "but avoid overexertion." In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. Take turns sleeping, rotating the assignment to watch for rescue crews. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Don't waste gas or battery power. Balance electrical energy needs with your supply. Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

Before leaving home or any stop on your way, call a state's road hotline for road conditions. If possible, check weather conditions ahead.

Kevin Buey can be reached at kbuey@demingheadlight.com.

To see more of The Deming Headlight, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.demingheadlight.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Deming Headlight, N.M.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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