ANCHORAGE (Nov. 15, 2018) — Thanksgiving is just around the corner and thousands of people will soon take to the road and the kitchen to share the holiday with loved ones. Because Thanksgiving is a peak time for congested travel on snow-covered highways and home cooking fires, the American Red Cross of Alaska asks everyone to take a few simple steps to help stay safe this holiday season.

WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY

Each year, thousands of people take to Alaska’s road system to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends - making it one of the busiest times for road traffic. Whether driving across town to do some holiday shopping or traveling hundreds of miles to spend time with loved ones, planning ahead is essential to alleviating stress and staying safe in your vehicle if an emergency occurs.

Winter storms, including high winds, heavy snow and freezing rain, can strike quickly and without warning, making driving conditions hazardous. In addition to dangerous road conditions, rapid accumulation of heavy snow can mire and even strand travelers on the road in remote areas. Preparing now could save your life later.

The Red Cross of Alaska offers the following 10 tips to help you prepare yourself and your vehicle for potential winter weather emergencies:

• Make sure your vehicle is in good condition for a road trip. Winterize your vehicle before taking it on the road, especially into the northern part of the state.
• Make sure to keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Keep a cell phone or two-way radio with you. Make sure the battery is charged.
• Check your vehicle emergency supplies kit and replenish it if necessary. Bring enough of the following for each person:
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Extra sets of dry clothing, a warm coat, mittens, socks, and wool hats (It is best to dress in several lighter layers of clothing as opposed to one large outer layer.)
  • Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks (Include a non-electric can opener, if necessary.)
  • Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
  • Heavy sack of sand or cat litter (for tire traction) and tow rope
  • Windshield scraper and brush
  • Flashlights and extra batteries

• Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
• Plan to travel during daylight and make frequent stops. During longer trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Be well rested and alert. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

COOKING SAFETY

Cold weather and the holiday season often bring an increase in home fires to Alaska. Each year, Thanksgiving is one of the leading days for home cooking fires.

You can help protect yourself and your family from home fires - the nation’s most frequent disaster - by testing your smoke alarms and practicing your escape plan with free resources from the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. The Red Cross also offers these tips to those who take to the kitchen during the holidays:

• Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it.
• While cooking, don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle.
• If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended - stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
• If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

Available for Interviews
Red Cross of Alaska CEO Tanguy Libbrecht is available for interviews to speak about winter travel safety and home fire prevention over the holidays. To schedule an interview, please call Cari Dighton at (907) 782-7520.

About the American Red Cross of Alaska:
In FY18, the American Red Cross of Alaska offered food, shelter, comfort and hope to 892 Alaskans. We responded to 308 disasters. Our preparedness/Health and Safety teams installed 2,309 smoke alarms statewide and educated 1,722 youth through The Pillowcase Project. Additionally, our Service to the Armed Forces staff exchanged 1,161 emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Alaska or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossak.