Flooding can occur with advance warning or, in the case of flash floods, rather suddenly. In either case, floods present a danger for travelers. Flooding tends to occur near waterways, so beach vacationers or those staying near a river are most at risk. Flooding also tends to disrupt transportation and communication, and travelers who can't make it out before a flood risk being stranded. Flood warnings are broadcast on TV, over the radio and online via the National Weather Service. Listen to weather authorities are advising evacuation and take note of evacuation routes or emergency shelters made available during a flood. If you're in an unfamiliar area where you don't know anyone, make sure friends and family back home know of your whereabouts in the event of a major flood.
Blizzards strike in the cold regions of the world and are especially adept at canceling flights and interrupting driving plans. Slick runways and icy planes interfere with air travel, while ice on roads and highways makes driving difficult and dangerous. Travelers are generally not at risk of physical harm as a result of blizzards, though if a blizzard cuts the power supply off, travelers caught without indoor heating may be vulnerable to hypothermia and other cold-related ailments. For travelers, the only procedure is usually to sit out the storm until normal transportation resumes. Until then, travelers should protect themselves from the cold and seek shelter in a place with heat and electricity.
The hurricane season lasts from June until November each year. The coastal Atlantic region of the U.S. as well as the islands of the Mediterranean and the east coast of Mexico are vulnerable to hurricanes. These powerful storms present multiple threats to travelers because they can ground flights, knock out power, cancel day to day travel plans and create hazardous and chaotic situations during (as well as after) the hurricane. The National Weather Service broadcasts 24-hour information before and during a hurricane with instructions, shelter locations and weather updates. Typically the advisories are simultaneously broadcast on television and made available online. If possible, travelers who think they may be at risk of encountering a hurricane should carry a disaster supply kit with basic survival items such as non-perishable food, bottled water and first aid supplies.
Wildfires are unpredictable blazes created by the unfortunate confluence of different weather patterns, including high winds and long bouts of dry weather. Out-of-control wildfires may threaten, damage or even destroy campgrounds, accommodations and travel destinations, and put travelers at risk of harm due to smoke and fire. Additionally, wildfires interfere with flights and can strand vacationers for hours or days if their scheduled flights are canceled. One important concern for vacationers dealing with wildfires is to develop an escape plan in the event of an emergency evacuation. Many families have fire escape plans at home but lack the same for their hotel or rental home on vacation. Make sure your lodgings are also equipped with a smoke detector and fire extinguisher.
