| You never know when a disaster will hit, so it's | | | | even if your normal routes are blocked. |
| important to plan for one before they happen - | | | | It's also important to take precautions to avoid |
| having a plan and being prepared is the best way | | | | accidents. |
| to allow you to be calm in your response to the | | | | If you are driving on your commute, make sure |
| tragedy. | | | | that you know how to handle minor fender |
| The first thing you need to do, especially if you | | | | benders. It's important to first get out of traffic |
| commute a fair distance to work is to have a | | | | so that you cause the least amount of delay to |
| contact plan in the event that you cannot return | | | | other drivers as well as get yourself out of harms |
| home due to a tragedy. The best thing to do is | | | | way. Also, if you are driving, it's important that |
| designate an out of town location (such as a | | | | you avoid using cell phones, PDA's and other |
| relative's home) to meet at. You an also use this | | | | communication devices. If it's necessary for you |
| person as a central contact person in the event | | | | to use these during your commute, either find |
| that you and your family cannot contact one | | | | someone to carpool with or choose to use public |
| another. | | | | transportation. |
| In the event that you are in an accident during | | | | Commuter Emergency Tips:o If you are traveling |
| your commute you want emergency personnel to | | | | via train and there is an accident or other |
| be able to clearly identify you. Keep a personal | | | | emergency, always follow the operator's |
| identification card with you at all times that | | | | instructions.o When you are waiting for your train, |
| includes your name, cell phone number, home | | | | look around the station and become familiar with |
| phone number and emergency contacts. You can | | | | all of the exits.o If you commute via a bus, look |
| also list your family's emergency meeting place | | | | for the emergency exit procedures that are lists |
| and your doctor's information as well as any | | | | on the windows and ceiling hatches.o If you have |
| allergies you might have. | | | | to park your car in high theft areas, look into |
| You should also learn viable alternate routes in | | | | getting a car security system. |
| case your normal route is closed or impassable | | | | Copyright 2007 by Ruby Aragon. All rights |
| for whatever reason. If necessary, keep a local | | | | reserved. |
| map with you so that you can find your way | | | | |