AAA: Snowstorm Could Cause Travel Disruptions

AAA PRESS RELEASE:
Motorists Should Stay Off The Roads; Air Travelers Should Re-book Flights
HAMILTON, N.J. (Friday, February 5, 2010) – Yet another winter storm that will likely be measured in feet will cause travel disruptions, flight cancellations and delays, close roads and strand travelers.
In view of the treacherous conditions, AAA Mid-Atlantic is urging commuters and travelers to cancel their travel plans and to avoid putting themselves in storm’s way.
In advance of the major storm some airlines have already announced travel advisories and revised ticket policies, notes AAA Travel Services. To avoid the need for travel during the storm, area residents should stock up on groceries, water, medications and any other necessities, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“This will be a good weekend to stay put,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Tracy E. Noble. “If you were scheduled to fly this weekend, you have to be proactive and contact your airline or travel agency to determine your options. If you were planning to take a weekend trip by car, you should cancel your plans. Area residents should wait until the storm has subsided and the roads have been cleared before venturing out.”
AAA Mid-Atlantic provides the following tips to air travelers:
· Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for flight status information.
· Adjust your schedule. Many airlines are allowing customers who could be affected by the weather to make changes to their itinerary at no charge. Passengers should check their airline directly to determine if they are eligible.
· Stay informed. If your flight is canceled, standing in a long line at the airport is not your only option. Call the airline’s reservation number, check its web site, or call your travel agent to make alternate plans.
· Buy airline tickets with a credit card. If your flight is cancelled, it might be easier to get a refund.
· Be prepared for unexpected delays or to spend the night in the airport. Pack medication, keys, travel documents, jewelry, toiletries, important phone numbers and other essential or expensive items in a carry-on bag. In the airport, this means bringing books, toiletries, games for children and other things to help endure delays.
Motorists are repeatedly warned to stay home and off treacherous roadways but if you do have to drive – prepare, prepare, prepare. If you were or are planning to travel by car this weekend, AAA Mid-Atlantic advises:
· Watch the weather. Adjusting your schedule to travel a day earlier or later can spare auto travelers from the delays and dangers caused by traveling on wintry roads.
· Be prepared for any eventuality.
· Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
· Pack an emergency kit. Add blankets, coats, mittens and extra food to your emergency kit in case road conditions strand you in your vehicle.
· If you become stranded, do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
· If you are stranded, make sure the tailpipe is free of snow to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in the vehicle. if you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
· Don’t throw a temper tantrum. Cursing at other drivers won’t make slick roads less treacherous.
During a massive snowstorm it’s easy to panic and to forget the essentials. Here are five common sense tips.
· Dress as if you were going to be stranded. – It can get very cold in a car on the side of the road waiting for help. Be sure to have extra blankets and to insist that children who may be traveling with you do the same.
· Open the garage door before starting the car to prevent carbon monoxide build up. – It is easy to lose track of time and carbon monoxide is almost impossible to detect and can be fatal when breathed in a confined area.
· Bring your vehicle clearing supplies, such as your ice scraper, snow shovels, and deicer spray, inside. – The very best prepared motorists will be frustrated to wake up and find all of their supplies frozen inside the car.
· Check your antifreeze to ensure it will withstand the winter cold, using a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to protect against freezing.
· Never pour hot water on door locks or windows to de-ice them, because they may crack. Frozen door locks can be overcome by carefully heating the end of a key with a match or lighter. A squirt of de-icer spray is another quick method.
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