Montgomery- Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker wants Alabamians to travel safely and efficiently this holiday season. With the hectic pace of holiday travel and events, it is easy to forget simple tips and rules that will make your airport and highway travel run more smoothly.
“Airport screeners see just about anything you can imagine at the security checkpoints in our airports,” Director Walker says. “A big problem this time of year is wrapped gifts. Do not wrap gifts you intend to take with you on the plane. Either place the wrapped gifts in your checked baggage or wait until you arrive at your destination to wrap a gift. If the security screener has to unwrap your presents, it is going to slow down passenger screening and frustrate you in the process.”
According to the Transportation Security Administration, here are several holiday food items that you either need to place in your checked baggage or ship ahead of time: cranberry sauce, creamy dips, gift baskets with food items, gravy, jams, oils and vinegars, snow globes and any alcoholic beverages.
Walker adds, “If you are traveling by car, this is a perfect time to remember the importance of having an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Vehicle emergency kits should have the necessary supplies to sustain you for hours, and possibly even days. Winter weather can strike quickly and you need to prepare for it, especially if you plan on being on the road for an extended period of time.”
Director Walker also joins his colleague Colonel Chris Murphy of the Alabama Department of Public Safety in reminding Alabamians that state troopers will be out in full force looking for impaired drivers on Alabama's roads this holiday season.
"Have fun, but do not put your life or the lives of others at risk by driving while impaired by alcohol," Director Walker cautions, "and make sure to wear your seatbelt."
Drunk drivers are responsible for about 40 percent of state traffic deaths in Alabama, and in over two-thirds of roadway fatalities the victims are not wearing their seatbelts. Troopers will also be on the lookout for vehicles that are speeding, following too closely, driving aggressively, and making lane changes without signaling.
Director Walker says, “If you travel smart you can influence the things you have control over. For circumstances you cannot control, have patience and kindness and meet every challenge with a smile and a positive attitude.”
For more information on prohibited items in carry-on luggage, visit www.tsa.gov. More information on emergency supply kits can be found at www.readyalabama.org.