Oregon Travel Safety Tips

May 15, 2018

Rhody Days is the start of the travel season.
Here are some pointers which will make travel easier and safer for you. Bon Voyage!

Travel tips

  • For road conditions, call 511 or visit tripcheck.com.
  • To report a roadside hazard, call 1-888-275-6368.
  • For social services:
    1. Call 211
    2. Text the zip code near your location to 898211
    3. Download the 211info mobile app
    4. Search the resource database at 211info.org.
  • Winter travel tips visit oregon.gov/odot/pages/winterdriving.aspx
  • Beach safety visit oregon.gov/oprd/parks/pages/beach_safety.aspx
  • Let people know where you are going and when you will return.

Hotel & motel safety

  • Review the escape plan posted in your room and ensure your room has a smoke detector.
  • Take time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked If they are locked, report it to hotel management right away.
  • Keep your room key by your bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
  • If the alarm sounds, leave right away if safe to do so, closing all doors behind you. Use the stairs — never use elevators during a fire.
  • If you choose to escape, don’t go through the smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
  • If you can’t escape:
    1. Shut off fans and air conditioners.
    2. Stuff wet towels in the crack around the door.
    3. Call 911 and let them know your location.
    4. Wait at the window and signal with a flashlight or light colored cloth.

Emergency preparedness

  • Plan ahead and come prepared for you and your family. With:
    1. Extra food and water for each family member and don’t forget your pets
    2. First aid kit
    3. Medications
    4. Emergency contact information
    5. Map of the area
    6. Cell phone and charger or extra battery
  • Cell phones may not work, or be reliable, in remote areas. During high usage periods, consider texting.

Wildfire prevention

  • Know fire risks and respect fire restrictions such as campfire bans.
  • Avoid parking or driving on dry grass as your vehicle can start a wildfire.
  • Vehicles are required to have a shovel and fire extinguisher or at least a gallon of water in many areas.
  • Smoking materials:
    1. Dispose of smoking materials in deep, sturdy ashtrays. Make sure they are extinguished by using water or sand.
    2. Never discard butts on the ground or in vegetation.
  • During a wildfire, there are three levels of evacuation preparedness:
    1. Level 1 – Ready: Pack your valuables.
    2. Level 2 – Set: Monitor the news reports.
    3. Level 3 – Go: An official notice from the sheriff’s office or fire agency to evacuate.

For more information on wildfire prevention and fire restrictions, visit keeporegongreen.org.

Campfire safety

  • Check to ensure if campfires are allowed.
  • Keep a shovel and water nearby to extinguish any escaped embers.
  • Select a site away from grasses, shrubs, overhanging branches, and stacked firewood. –– Existing fire pits in established campgrounds are best.
  • Scrape away leaves and litter to bare soil, at least 10 feet on all sides of the fire pit.
  • Circle your campfire pit with rocks. Keep your campfire small and add wood in small amounts Start your campfire with paper, cardboard, or manufactured fire starters. Don’t use gasoline or diesel.
  • Never leave the campfire unattended. –– Before going to bed or leaving the campsite, drown the fire with water, stir the coals, and drown again. Repeat until the fire is out and it is cool to the touch.

Recreational vehicle safety

If you are traveling in an RV, visit oregon.gov/osp/sfm/pages/rvsafety.aspx for safety tips.

Cars and ATVs

  • Operate ATVs only on established roads and trails on public lands.
  • Park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs to avoid a vehicle’s hot exhaust system touching dry grass.
  • Ensure all parts of your vehicle, from mufflers to chains, are secure and not dragging.
  • Check tire pressure, wheel bearing lubrication, and the possible metal-on-metal contact of worn-out brakes.
  • Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors.
  • ATVs are required to be inspected when in use on public lands.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

To locate your nearest medical facility, look for these signs.