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Current Events
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Hurricane travel tips
As hurricane season is upon us, there are simple actions travelers can take to make travel as easy and safe as possible. Below are some general tips:
Educate yourself: Hurricane season is typically June through November and can affect the islands in the Caribbean Sea, the northern coast of South America, Central America, Mexico, as well as many areas in the United States. Hurricanes may cause high winds, heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, and tornadoes. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends researching the destination region and becoming familiar with local medical facilities, public transportation, and other emergency resources, including the latest TSA security regulations.
Plan ahead: Travelers may want to devise an emergency plan in advance and be knowledgeable about alternate routes and travel arrangements. Travelers may also consider registering their trip when traveling abroad, which makes their presence and whereabouts known in case of emergency. U.S. citizens can do so at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and Canadians can register at voyage.gc.ca. In addition, it is recommend to keep an up-to-date list of local emergency phone numbers, as well as contact numbers for the nearest Embassy, Consulate, or Consular Agency.
Check-in before you leave: Confirm flights before leaving for the airport. Storms may cause airport closures or can result in limited flight availability. If traveling to a destination in the path of a hurricane (see common locations listed above), check to see if flights have been cancelled or if re-accommodation policies have been offered by airlines. As a standard rule, monitor local radio and other sources of information such as the National Hurricane Center or the Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC).
Insure yourself: Leisure travelers may want to obtain travel insurance prior to their trip to cover unexpected expenses in the event of an emergency.
Pack effectively: Make baggage easily identifiable by labeling all bags, inside and out. Keep a first-aid kit, water, and non-perishable food items on hand. Protect vital travel documents in a waterproof container. Pack a portable, hand-crank or battery-powered weather radio and flashlight with fresh batteries.
Stay connected: Depending on the destination, travelers may want to obtain a cell phone that works internationally in order to stay in regular contact with family and friends. Leave a detailed itinerary and local contact information with a friend or family member.
Sources: mspairport.com, travel.state.gov, voyage.gc.ca
Travel during flu season
With the standard flu season approaching, and the added risk of the H1N1 flu, travelers may want to take extra precautions to protect their health.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are described as follows:
- Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available. While flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.
- Novel H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world.
As described on flu.gov, “the symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.”
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Everyday preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to limit the spread of flu include:
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- For those who are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that they stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Visit the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) for additional information.
Sources: flu.gov, cdc.gov
