Be a smart traveler this Holy Week
Before you embark on that long- awaited Lenten break, keep in mind some practical tips for a hassle-free and safe journey from Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).
• Before heading out, make sure your house and whoever is left at home are safe.
• For motorists, inspect and ensure the readiness of your car — battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas/ fuel, fluids, tires, accessories, cleanliness, tools and horn. Make sure the spare tire is usable. Lock all car doors, keep valuables out of sight, and do not make unnecessary stops.
• For those who are taking public transportation such as bus, plane or boat/ ferry, please make sure you have your travel documents like tickets with you to avoid hassle before embarkation.
• When using public transportation, account for everybody, especially children, in your group from leaving every stop station. Keep an eye on your hand- carried belongings. Make sure you are awake as you approach your point of debarkation so you won’t overshoot your get-off point.
• Always carry a valid ID with you with information on whom to contact in case of emergency.
• Travel with family or friends. There is safety in numbers.
• Do not accept food or drinks from total strangers — they may be drugged.
• Be careful of what you post in social media sites. Maximum utilization of the security features of the social networking sites for personal safety is highly encouraged.
• Carry just enough money for your needs. When going out of town, carry enough reserve for emergencies in a separate wallet. Avoid showing a lot of money when making purchases along the way.
• Rely on credible sources such as TV/radio broadcasts for information concerning emergencies — do not listen to rumors nor always believe in text messages.
• Bring an emergency first aid kit, including extra dosage for members of the family who are taking maintenance or prescription drugs.
“You deserve to have peace of mind and quality time with your loved ones. Make it more fun and memorable by keeping in mind basic safety and practical tips to help avoid serious difficulties that could dampen a wellplanned break,” said Ramon Isberto, head of public affairs at Smart.
“We want to promote the culture of preparedness at any given time. One must be able to respond effectively in any kind of situation, not just during disasters,” added Isberto.
Smart, which has the widest coverage, has an array of network services to keep you connected either through your phone or mobile device.
“More than just a handy device for taking those ‘selfies‘ and sharing them to your social network, your mobile phone is your lifeline too in cases of emergencies especially when you’re on vacation,” said Isberto.
So keep your phone fully charged, bring extra batteries, and ensure you have enough load to make calls and send text messages for at least three days. In the event of power outages, conserve battery power by avoiding unnecessary voice calls as text messaging uses less power. Store emergency numbers and that of family members you can call for help in cases of emergencies. Keep a hard copy as well in case you run out of battery and need to use the numbers. You may also check out www. smart.com.ph for call, text and data offers for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers.
As has been its tradition, Smart, in partnership with TV5, has set up Libreng Tawag stations at the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City (April 14-16, 5 a.m.-1130 p. m.), and Shell Balagtas of NLEX Northbound (April 1611 a.m.-7 p.m.). Those who will be taking public buses at that terminal can avail of free local and international calls.
In partnership with the Manila North Tollways Corp. ( MNTC), there will also be libreng tawag stations on April 16-17, 19-20 at the following sites: Caltex Parañaque CAVITEX, Shell Balagtas, Total San Simon, Petron Lakeshore, Shell Mexico, Mega Caltex San Fernando, and Shell of Asia Guiguinto.