By Connor Boyd
BLOOMINGTON – Throughout June, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) encourages you to add an emergency plan to your vacation plans. It can be easy to overlook these important tips when planning for a stressful family summer vacation.
At home it’s easy to stay safe, but IEMA spokeswoman Patti Thompson says vacationing leaves you far more vulnerable. “When it comes to being on vacation your often in unfamiliar surroundings and you need to figure out what you’ll. do if there is an emergency so you can take those actions quickly.”
Thompson says the first and easiest tip is to educate yourself with the area your visiting. “I think its very wise when you check-in to ask: Do you have a public address system that we would hear about? Are there sirens? Where should we go if there is a tornado? Just so you have that in the back of your mind.”
Learning about natural and man-made hazards is always helpful and will make transportation methods safer. In case something does go wrong, “It’d be great to have a flashlight, a battery operated radio, snacks, water and a first aid kit, just in case,” Thompson said. “It’s always good to have contact info, emergency contact information with you.”
Recent updates in technology have simplified emergency alerts. Though the IEMA stresses checking weather in advance, as well as giving friends a trip itinerary.
Connor Boyd can be reached at [email protected].
