from the Altadena Sheriff Station

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!!! Many of you might be visiting family or friends which require a bit of traveling. Below are some traveling safety tips which might be helpful in getting to your destination safely.

• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your vehicle and tires inspected prior to your travels.
• Prior to your trip have your route mapped out and prepare for heavy traffic. Leaving early will help avoid the stress of holiday traffic.
• If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks.
• In case of a traffic accident, keep a cell phone and charger with you at all times. Have roadside assistance contact information, and insurance information readily accessible. Many companies offer smartphone applications that enable motorists to request help without making a phone call.
• Inform an individual at your destination your family’s approximate time of arrival and the route you will be driving. This is good information to have in case an accident or unpredictable weather occurs.
• Have an emergency car kit in your vehicle at all times. Here are a few essentials to include: jumper cables, blankets, bottled water, snacks, flashlight, a tow-rope, phone charger, and a first aid kit.
• Remember to carry some cash in the event ATM or credit machines are not available.
• If you are traveling with anything of value leave it in a covered storage area or in the trunk of your vehicle.
• Remember if you are leaving town to put a “stop” or a “hold” on your daily newspapers and bills. By doing this you can prevent yourself from being a victim of a home invasion or identity theft.
• If you live in the Altadena Area, you can call the Altadena Sheriff Station 626-798-1131and request a “vacation check” of your home when out of town. One of Altadena Sheriff Station’s Volunteers will check on the exterior of your home and will contact you if a problem exists.

If you would like more information on Holiday Travel Safety Tips please visitwww.CDC.gov. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Altadena Sheriff Station at 626-798-1131.