Whether you’re planning a family vacation to Birmingham or a romantic getaway to the Gulf Shores, there’s no better time to visit Alabama than during the summer. However, vacations don’t always go according to plan, and emergencies can happen. When preparing for your trip to Alabama, you can take steps to minimize your risk of injuries and other emergencies during your trip. Here are five essential tips to consider when preparing for your trip.
Plan Your Drive
If you’re planning to drive to Alabama, set aside some time before your trip to plan it out. In 2016, someone experienced a car crash in Alabama every 202 seconds. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injuries in Alabama, and vacationers are not immune to collisions.
To protect your family and ensure your trip goes smoothly, plan your route ahead of time. Make sure to check the weather forecast for the week of your trip and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that driving too long can make you drowsy, and it’s better to pull over and spend the night in a hotel than to risk an accident.
Prevent Heatstroke
Summers in Alabamas are hot, muggy, and full of sunshine. Before your trip, research what the weather will be like. Try planning outdoor activities, such as hiking or exploring downtown, on the cooler days of your trip. Make sure to pack extra water bottles, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Remember not to leave children or pets in closed cars on hot days—even if it’s just for a few minutes. Research the symptoms of heatstroke and take immediate action if you or someone in your family starts to present symptoms.
Make an Emergency Plan
After you’ve arrived at your destination, make a family emergency plan. Your emergency plan should outline how you and your family will find each other if you’re separated, how to communicate, and where to meet up. Before leaving your hotel, make sure all electronics are fully charged.
If you break your phone during your vacation, get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid getting separated from your family. If you’re traveling on a budget, uBreakiFix offers iPhone repairs in Birmingham. With a quick turnaround rate and low price guarantee, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to stay connected with family members in the case of an emergency. To find out more, visit uBreakiFix Trussville at 1423 Gadsden Hwy #117, Birmingham, AL, 35235, or call (205) 661-0299.
Be Cautious
Whether you’re visiting Alabama for the first time or returning, it’s important to always be cautious of your surroundings. Before booking a hotel, research the area you’re planning to stay to ensure your hotel isn’t in a high-crime area.
If you’re staying at an Airbnb, be on the lookout for potential safety hazards, including broken glass and wet floors. There’s no guarantee that your Airbnb host will take care of their property, and erring on the side of caution can help you avoid liability accidents.
To minimize safety risks, look up your Airbnb host before booking your stay. Go Look Up, a free information lookup site, provides information on arrest records, mugshots, and background checks. Researching your Airbnb host can provide peace of mind before your trip, and you won’t have to worry about putting you or your family at risk.
Avoid Water-Related Risks
If you’re planning to go swimming during your trip, researching water-related risks can help you avoid illnesses and drowning accidents. If your children don’t know how to swim, keep a close eye on them in the water and always use proper safety devices.
Always trust your gut, and don’t swim in pools that seem unsanitary or have cloudy or discolored water. Swimming in hot tubs and unsanitary pools can expose you and your children to potential illness.
Taking steps to prepare for your trip to Alabama can help you minimize illnesses and injuries and protect your family from safety hazards.
