This spring break, thousands of people will travel to destinations near and far seeking rest, relaxation, or in some cases, just the opposite. Regardless of your definition of a good time, you can help ensure a safer trip by taking a few steps ahead of time to get Red Cross Ready for disasters and other emergencies. Leaving for vacation without taking the following actions would be like neglecting to pack a suitcase - extremely inconvenient and potentially dangerous. So before you go, the chapter recommends that you take a few actions to prepare for the unexpected in unfamiliar surroundings.

First, make a kit and take along essential disaster supply items. Pack items such as high protein snacks, water, a first aid kit, flashlight, small battery operated radio, extra batteries, and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers. Make a copy of your credit cards and other important papers - leave one set at home and carry one with you in a sealed envelope stashed in your luggage.

Second, make a survey of the hotel or lodge where you are staying. Then, make a plan. Find out what the disaster safety procedures are for the place you will be staying and what safety precautions they have in place. Check to see if the building is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), which can help save lives in the event of a cardiac arrest. Identify how you would get out of the building in case you need to evacuate in the event of a hurricane or fire. Also, locate safe places inside should you need to take cover during a disaster, such as an earthquake or severe storm. Know where the escape exits are. If there is a fire, you will not be able to use an elevator - how will you be safe on the 15th floor of a hotel? Be prepared. Use the flashlight you packed at home to navigate a dark hallway.

Have emergency numbers ready. Make a list of important numbers such as local hospitals, emergency responders (police, fire), and, if traveling internationally, register with the U.S. Department of State especially if you are traveling to a country which may be in conflict. Make sure your friends and family have these numbers and your itinerary and flight schedule as well. Know you blood type and allergies.

Let family and friends know your itinerary. Make sure family members or friends know your travel plans, where you will be staying, and how to reach you. In a disaster situation, you can register on the Safe and Well Web site at www.redcross.org, so family and friends will know that you are safe.

Be informed by knowing the area before you travel. Learn about the area you are visiting. Visit the library to borrow a travel guide. Find out what disasters are likely to occur in the place you are traveling to, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before.

Pay attention to the local forecast. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storm seasons, severe heat, and other regional challenges that could impact your safety. Tropical storms can come up quickly and we here in the Finger Lakes do not know the warming signs of a hurricane.

Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster. Research the local radio stations or emergency alert systems. Remember that radio you packed earlier - it will come in handy now.

Follow these basic water, sun and beach safety tips:

Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone and always swim in an area with a lifeguard. Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, and depth changes.

Enter the water feet first; you really do not know what is under the surface. Do not mix alcohol with swimming or any water activity. Protect your skin with sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF and reapply often; limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.

Taking action to get better prepared can be as easy as booking your airline ticket, but instead of frequent flyer miles you'll be rewarded with a safer spring break.

Ultimately, you want to enjoy your vacation time to the fullest and the Cayuga County Chapter wishes you “bon voyage.”

Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.