{"id":26630,"date":"2021-11-19T16:36:37","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T21:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/?p=26630"},"modified":"2021-12-15T17:19:42","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T22:19:42","slug":"maryland-travel-safety-week-reminds-travelers-to-be-prepared-as-busy-holiday-season-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2021\/11\/19\/maryland-travel-safety-week-reminds-travelers-to-be-prepared-as-busy-holiday-season-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Travel Safety Week Reminds Travelers to be Prepared as Busy Holiday Season Approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Airport, Traffic Volume Rises to Near Pre-Pandemic Level, Be Ready for Longer Travel Times, Lingering COVID-19 Safety Requirements<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/em><\/h2>\n

REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 19, 2021)\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0Experts say travel is returning to near pre-pandemic levels for both holiday and regular day-to-day travel, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) wants to make sure you are as safe as possible as you move around. MDEM\u2019s Annual\u00a0Maryland Travel Safety Week\u00a0<\/em>is an effort to ensure that residents are equipped with the latest travel safety information as we approach what is normally the busiest travel week of the year. MDEM would like travelers to remember three things:<\/p>\n

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  1. Know Before You Go.<\/li>\n
  2. If You See Something, Say Something.<\/li>\n
  3. Be aware of COVID-19 restrictions that may still be in place where you travel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cAs more people travel to be with family and friends this holiday season, it is important to remember to be aware of your surroundings,\u201d said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. \u201cSome of us may be visiting places we have not been to in a while and might be using modes of transportation we haven’t used recently. It is important to remain alert so you can have a safe, hassle free visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

    MDEM designated November 21-27 as\u00a0Maryland Travel Safety Week<\/em>\u00a0in preparation of the beginning of holiday travel to encourage safe travel all year on all modes of transportation.\u00a0 MDEM encourages travelers to learn about safe travel practices whether using roads, air, or rail, and as pedestrians and bike riders. You should also be aware of safety at various types of lodgings and at gatherings.<\/p>\n

    MDEM encourages Marylanders to review some of these simple practices recommended by safety specialists covering a variety of transportation methods.<\/p>\n

    Know Before You Go —<\/strong>\u00a0Do not leave your house for travel uninformed, unprepared, and hoping to learn about travel conditions and your destination while enroute. Check on road and traffic conditions along your route; check for last minute delays or cancellations before heading to the airport or train station; always check local weather forecasts to make sure you pack appropriate clothing and prepare for potential travel delays.<\/p>\n

    If You See Something, Say Something —\u00a0<\/strong>If you see a suspicious activity, device or package; or if you overhear a suspicious conversation, report it immediately to a facility manager, carrier employee, or law enforcement. If you see accidents or hazards along the roadway or hiking\/biking trails, make sure to alert local law enforcement, highway officials, or parks employees so it can be removed.<\/p>\n

    COVID-19 Restrictions —\u00a0<\/strong>Different communities and businesses have different pandemic travel restrictions related to vaccination status, test results, face coverings and distancing. Have electronic and\/or paper copies of your COVID-19 vaccination records and pack extra face coverings for all family members to use where required. Remember that federal regulations require masks in all passenger airports and aircraft.<\/p>\n

    General COVID-19 travel safety tips<\/h2>\n