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Friday, January 2, 2009, Israel permitted hundreds of Palestinians who possessed foreign passports to leave Gaza and return to their families in the United States, Norway, Russia and other countries.

Of the estimated 250 foreigners, most of them were women married to Palestinian men. Representatives of several international organizations on diplomatic missions have also evacuated the area. They left Gaza after gathering near the Red Cross headquarters and left by bus for the Allenby crossing and entered Jordan where they were met and given humanitarian aid. Many other women chose to stay in Gaza, but if the fighting escalates in the Middle East, more foreigners will most likely flee the area.

Those who fled stated that Gaza is experiencing worsening conditions—lack of gas. water, electricity, and medical supplies needed to care for the injured. The International community has called for a ceasefire. So far, the United States State Department has assisted 27 U.S. citizens to evacuate Gaza.

Tensions mounted when the six month truce expired on December 27th. At that time, most Hamas leaders went into hiding, leaving Gaza and its residencies in harm’s way. Israel’s bombing of a mosque was reported to house weapons as well as Hamas operatives sustained extensive damage. Israeli weapons have now destroyed the homes of more than a dozen Hamas operatives, although most were empty. The death toll is now over 400 in Palestine.

According to USA Today, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated the United States is seeking a “durable and sustainable” cease-fire. She continued, “The Hamas has used Gaza as a launching pad for rockets against Israeli cities, and has contributed deeply to a very bad daily life for the Palestinian people in Gaza and to a humanitarian situation that we have all been trying to address,” she said…”

Israel has stated that is willing to consider halting aerial assaults if the situation is monitored internationally and brought back into previous compliance, and states that they are taking measures not to target civilians.

The U.N. World Food Program is now distributing bread in Gaza to Palestinian families. The Red Cross continues to stay in the region and offer aid.

On August 10, 2007, the TSA (Transportation Security Association) implemented a new standard in what type and size liquids and gels would be allowed on airplanes. They have determined that in small quantities, liquids do not appear to raise the risk of the ingredients that terrorists use to make explosives

There has been some confusion about this new system, and many travelers have tried to go through security only to find their shampoo, toothpaste, and other personal items confiscated.

By knowing ahead of time and making a few simple adjustments to your packing, you can avoid the hassle of being delayed in security and leaving items behind.
All you need to remember when packing is “3-1-1.”

Gels and aerosols are allowed—as long as they do not exceed 3 ounces and fit in the one quart size baggie. Prescription medications may also be packed, but should be n their original bottles.
The 3-1-1 rule applies to carry on luggage.

3 ounces of liquids or gels of any item, and all those items must fit in one quart size baggie, one bag per traveler—3-1-1.

By consolidating all the bottles into one baggie, a TSA officer can place the baggie on an X-ray machine and the items can be easily scanned.

What if you have larger liquid items that need to go with you on the trip? (Cough medicine, breast milk or formula for infants, contact solution or work supplies, for example) It’s simple. Pack any liquids larger than 3 ounces and check this baggage in. The 3-1-1 rule is for carry on bags. Do declare these items (in a reasonable amount), and realize they will be inspected.

You will not be asked to “taste test” any liquid (nor will your infant/toddler be required to test/drink their milk or forumula). The TSA officers have the proper equipment to test any liquid for explosive ingredients.

Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic/zip-top baggie from their luggage and to place it in the bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray.

Click here to read about traveling with formula, breast milk, juice, and baby food.
What types of liquids will not be allowed on the airplane? Check here for a list of prohibited items. Be patient. These new security measures take time, so prepare your items properly before you head to the airport.

Airlne safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The 3-1-1 system is easy to remember and follow.

If it saves even one life, it’s worth it.

For many travelers, the holiday season of 2008 isn’t so jolly tonight. Much of the northern United States continue to be walloped with storm after storm causing flight delays in most major airports including Chicago’s O’Hare, JFK, and Laguardia. Chicago’s O’Hare airport was hit with another round of ice and snow dumping another 3+ inches on Tuesday along with wind gusts and very low visbility.

Spokane Washington experienced 8 inches of snow and passengers of an Air Alaska flight became sick when the fumes of the de-icing solution apparently seeped into the cabin causing eye and throat irratation. For many travelers, delays are now up to 7-12 hours and affecting more than 500 fights around the country.

Air travel isn’t the ony mode of transportation effected. Motorists are experiencing traffic jams due to ice and snow in many regions. There are also train delays that are weather related as well.

Travelers are asked to be patient and follow the guidelines to ensure a safe and timely travel experience.

For millions, flying is a necessity.

They fly for their work or to see family that lives too far to make driving feasible. Many people are uncomfortable flying. Their fears are based in not be able to control the situation.

There are certain preparations and precautions that can greatly reduce the risk factors associated with flying. By following these ten easy steps, you can travel safely and efficiently.

Airline Safety Tips:

1. Fly on Nonstop Routes. Did you know that most airline accidents happen during the takeoff, climbing, descending, and during the landing phase? By simply choosing to fly nonstop, you cut your risks significantly—as well as your travel time. If you book 14-21 days ahead, you can usually find a decent rate and have more options to choose from.
2. Choose a Larger Aircraft
Did you know that larger aircrafts have greater safety measures and were designed and certified under stricter regulations? Small aircraft accidents have a much greater risk of fatality whereas larger aircrafts have more safety measures built into the plane. l.
Passenger fatalities by aircraft model.
3. Listen Up: That Preflight Briefing Could Save Your Life
Don’t worry about acting like you don’t care. Listen up, read the pamphlet and get acquainted with the aircraft. Know where you closest emergency exit is. Not all airplanes are the same, so pay attention because in a real emergency, you’ll be glad you did. A great tip is to count how many rows back or forward you are to the nearest exit. Imagine the cabin all black and full of smoke. How would you get out? By holding onto the back of the seat and feeling your way to the nearest exit. Remember that number—it could save your life.
4. Ask for Heavy Articles to Be Stores Elsewhere
You’re more likely to experience air turbulence than an actual plane crash. But air turbulence can be deadly if those overhead storage bins are over packed with heavy objects. The aircraft has other storage places, so speak up and ask if that bag the person could barely lift could be moved elsewhere.
Top 10 Baggage Tips
Risks from Overhead Baggage
5. Is Your Seat Belt Fastened?
It should be. If you’re not going to the restroom, it’s a good idea to keep your seatbelt fastened. Again, turbulence can cause serious injuries. .
Turbulence Risks
6. Pay Attention to Those Around You
Be alert. Pay attention to everyone–from the flight attendant who is your new best friend because he/she could save you in the event of an emergency evacuation—to the drunk guys in the row behind you. Air rage is a real and dangerous scenario. You want to be prepared for anything. You don’t have to paranoid, but be extra alert. The air craft cabin pressure effects alcohol consumption—in other words, you can get more drunk faster than on land, and that’s why someone can over-drink at the airport lounge and not realize it until they’re on the plane and feeling cocky. .
Air Rage
7. Wear the Right Clothing for Airline Travel. It’s a good idea to wear natural fibers—cotton, wool, denim, or leather. Natural fibers don’t burn as quickly as polyesters and nylons. These synthetic materials not only burn faster but they melt into the skin—so go with the natural materials. Women, nix the pantyhose. You don’t want second or third degree burns because the aircraft was on fire or you slid down the evacuation slide and your legs received severe burns—the friction is surprisingly strong on those slides. Closed toe (no sandals or flip flops) shoes are best, such as tennis shoes or a low heeled leather dress shoe. Remember that safety and comfort come before fashion when travelling.

These simple tips can save your life and make airline traveling easier.

Join us for Part Three of Airline Safety Tips.

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The year of 2008 saw plenty of disasters.
But each disaster was met with a response–aid to people and communities in need.

The American Red Cross announced the top five disaster responses for 2008.
The top five disasters were Hurricane Dolly, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, the Midwest Flooding, and the tornadoes that hit Indiana.

As the list illustrates, there were a record number of tornadoes that ripped through towns and rural areas. There were two strong hurricanes–Gustav and Ike. Flooding also took its toll as it ravaged a large swath of the Midwest. Not mentioned on the list were the Tea Fires of southern California that destroyed close to 500 homes and displaced thousands.

And before and after each disaster, the American Red Cross was in place ready to give aid–everything from sandbagging efforts to food and emotional support.

“No matter where our help was needed, we were there,” said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross, “But helping those affected by all of these disasters has been costly. We’ve spent all funds contributed for Red Cross Disaster Relief.”

During 2008, the American Red Cross opened over 900 shelters to serve that in need. They also prepared 6.5 million meals and handed out close to 300,000 comfort and clean-up packets. Red Cross workers numbered close to 30,000 that responded to these five disasters alone.

What made this possible was the $100 million fundraising campaign that brought in necessary funds needed to support communities in times of devastation. Contributions to the Red Cross allow for their critical work to continue.

“We thank all those who have supported our disaster relief efforts,” Becker said, “and ask those who have not yet made a donation to please give whatever they can to help us continue to be there with food, shelter, and comfort when disaster strikes.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fourteen animations can be downloaded from the site in high definition format. The 3-D animations show, from the perspective of a several different Southern California locations, how intensely the ground would shake and shift during a very strong 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault.

The science-based earthquake scenario, developed by USGS scientists and partners, is used for both the Great Southern California ShakeOut drill on November 13 and the statewide Golden Guardian 2008 emergency response exercise from November 13 - 18.

The ShakeOut earthquake scenario animations provide a graphic tool for first responders, engineers, decision makers, Southern California residents and other members of the public to understand, visualize and prepare for the devastating effects, even far from the epicenter, of a large, damaging earthquake. The San Andreas Fault has produced earthquakes of this magnitude in the past and could again in the future.

The USGS is also making available new broadcast-quality background interviews and footage of the San Andreas Fault-crossing Cajon Pass, a narrow corridor through the San Gabriel Mountains known as an important “lifeline corridor” where roads, railroads, water and energy pipelines, and electrical and communications infrastructure provide service to millions of residences, businesses, commuters and communities in Southern California. In the ShakeOut earthquake scenario, this narrow corridor would be greatly affected, as the 3-D animations also show.

For more information, visit the USGS.gov.

Floods are the number one natural disaster most of us will ever face.
Your chances of being flooded are much greater than experiencing a house fire (4 in 10,000, or even killed in a car accident (3 in 10,000).

Why are floods so much more common–and more dangerous?
Because people underestimate the power of water. Also, flood accompany other natural disasters, such as ice or snow storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.

Yes, you can get flood insurance, but is that enough?
Won’t the government “bail” you out of a natural disaster?
(Do you really want to depend on that?)

Many people live in a 100-year floodplain. That means that your chance of being flooded several times within that 100 year time period is much higher. There’s a 1 in 4 chance you’ll experience a flood (if you live in a flood plain) during your 30-year mortgage. Look outside and count four houses. It could be any one of you. During your 30-year mortgage period, you are 27 times more likely to experience a flood than having a fire.

But don’t let this news overwhelm you. There are precautions you can take to avoid being flooded, and to minimize the damage.

Precautions to Take Before a Flood:

Buy flood insurance! Make sure your policy covers “act of God,” as well as home accidents.

Research the area you’re planning to buy in. Some areas are prone to flooding. Do you really want to deal with that hassle? Is there a reason you like that area? If so, take every preventative measure you can to protect your life and property. Don’t rely on your real estate agent to divulge the area’s flaws–do your own research.

Go through your house and take photographs of EVERYTHING you have. If you want to be reimbursed, you have to prove you had it in the first place. Even photograph your landscape, cars, license tags, and pets–anything that a visual record would help locate.

Make copies of your photos and videos (including your house photos). These are oftentimes considered a person’s most beloved possessions. Scan the pictures or negative into your computer, make CDs’s or copies and give them to people (this makes a great gift)–you can also store them on a flash drive.

Purchase a small safe that’s fireproof, flood proof and portable. Keep your important documents (passports, social security cards, house, medical, and car insurance) in this box and know where it is so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Clean out gutters regularly and create runoff paths in your yard if pooling water is a problem. Better to make a gulley than your entire yard to become one.

Purchase a home that doesn’t sit in a valley. Look for signs of erosion in the yard. Check the roof for leaks, and talk to the neighbors about their experiences.

If you have a basement, consider purchasing a sump pump. This is great for minor flooding–and can help you avoid damage and clean up. If you live in a flood prone area, you’ll also need a generator to keep your sump pump working.

Anchor fuel tanks. Propane tanks and septic tanks can rise in floodwaters and contaminate your house and yard as well as damage other homes if they’re swept downstream–and you may be held responsible. .

Your electrical wiring (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) should be placed at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation. If you have an older home, this may not be the case. Contact a certified electrician to fix this problem. It’s cheaper than the damage a flood can do to your electrical system–and safer.

Buy a portable battery or crank radio so that you can stay informed of impending disasters if your power goes out.

Have your emergency kit packed and ready–include bottled water, first aid kid, energy bars, and glow in the dark tape so you can be found.

Your furnace, hot water heater, washer and dryer should also be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

If you know a flood is coming, move your furniture and valuable to higher ground–second floor, counter tope, high in cabinets, etc.

Prepare your family for evacuation.
Do you have a designated meeting place? Out at the street? The mailbox? Do you have a plan for getting out if your house is on fire? Your family’s safety is of utmost importance. Talk about this, especially with children. Don’t worry about scaring them; just reassure them that having a plan is the BEST way to be safe. Kids are smart, and they appreciate parents who look out for their safety.

Make sure even your youngest children know how to call 9/11. Even a three year old can do this. Teach them their name, address, and phone number. Designate someone you know–family member or friend who does not live with you as your “contact person.” In case of a disaster, if your family gets separated, they should know to check in with this person and say where they are.

As much as you love your pets, don’t risk your life. Pets are remarkable–they can find their way out and survive when a human can’t. Do everything you can to get everyone (including pets) out safely, but put humans first. Trust they’d want you to.

Flood waters can rise quickly, so if you’re ordered to evacuate, do so. Don’t wait too long–it’s best to get your family to safety. Items can be replaced.

This is a continuation of Women and Safety Travel Tips: Part I.
Make copies of your passport, credit cards, and pertinent info. Keep one in your suitcase, and one back at home. It’s wise in many countries to keep your passport on you at all times–in case you get stopped by the authorities.

Leave fancy jewelry at home. Travel light and be inconspicuous.

Wear sunglasses and/or avoid eye contact, particularly in developing countries.
Some cultures consider eye contact an invitation, and in other cultures, it’s disrespectful and considered aggressive. Consider reading Culture Shock, and travel books about where you’re visiting in order to understand their customs and way of thinking. Even Europeans think Americans look gullible because we’re considered to be too open and “happy for no reason.”

Dress and act like a local. Learn to eat and drink local cuisine–you’ll actually have a more authentic experience if you don’t look and act like a Westerner.
Even if you’re not married, consider buying a cheap band. Married women are less likely to be hit on.

What to Do If You’re Touched Inappropriately, Harassed, or Raped:

Say no–and learn it in their language–and act like you mean it.

If you have pepper spray, use it. Run and scream!
If they’re after your purse of packages, throw it at them and take off.
Run into a place of business if there’s one open. Get to people, lights, and safety as soon as you can.

If you’re grabbed, poke at the eyes, elbow the nose, knee them, or act like you’re going to throw up, pee, act crazy, bite (even with AIDS, you can take a drug to counter the effects). Do everything you can to stay put and DON”T get into a car or go into a person’s house you don’t know.

Try everything you can to make sure you are not kidnapped or taken to a second location.

Bank tellers and other people who have chosen careers in which becoming a hostage is a possibility are told that it’s better to be shot in a parking deck and lie bleeding on the concrete than to be taken some place. Pitch a fit–pee, scream, bite, flail, act crazy–anything to avoid getting into a car–fight like crazy to not get in that car–kick off your shoes or leave something behind.

If you’ve been raped know that it’s not your fault. Get to people–a business or a house as soon as you can. Report it. Call the police and let them take you to the hospital. Nothing you did, said, or the way you dressed caused you to deserve this. Don’t bathe or wash up–that could destroy evidence. No matter what they threatened, report it. Other women’s lives are also at risk-and it’s just a threat.

If you’ve been in a natural disaster or plane/train accident, your first priority is to get out of danger–move to higher ground, get out of the burning building, evacuate the plane…then call for help, and let your loved ones know you’re safe.

When traveling abroad, always check travel advisory updates, and if you have any trouble, contact the US Embassy.

Don’t let these facts deter you from traveling. Use precaution and common sense–and know that there are some great travel adventures waiting. By just being aware and taking a few precautions, you can stay out of danger and have a pleasure travel experience.

Are you a woman traveling for business or pleasure?
Don’t stop! Traveling adds a dimension to your life that’s enjoying and fulfilling, but be aware that you need to take a few extra safety precautions.

The number one safety factor is to simply be aware.
When you’re getting in and out of your car, in restrooms and public places, and particularly when you’re at your hotel–pay extra attention and know a few tricks that can help you avoid becoming a crime victim or keep you safe during a natural disaster.

Overall Safety Practices for Women:

Be extra alert when you’re traveling.
Look and act confident.

Know that you are vulnerable when you are dealing with transportation–getting into or out of a cab–parking your car or going through security. You are distracted by the process and it’s the perfect time for a thief to act, so instead, make it a practice to become more aware.

Walk down the street like you’re late and someone’s meeting you.
Don’t act lost even if you are.
Carry mace or pepper spray and a cell phone.
Act like you’re talking to someone if you’re uncomfortable. Even yell at someone up ahead–as if they’re the person you’re going to meet–anything to make a perpetrator believe you are not alone.

Let people know where you are. Leave an itinerary and update with someone any changes. \
You may enjoy your freedom and privacy, but leave a trail.

If someone is harassing you, try ignoring them. If that doesn’t work, yell in a strong voice–”No! Get away!” It’s better to be rude than hurt.

It’s wise to keep a small flashlight in your purse.

If you’re alone, don’t wander off the major thoroughfares after dark. Stay with a crowd. Blend in as if you’re one of them when you’re on the street.

Keep your purse close to your body. Disperse your money–some in your bra or shoe as well as money belt, if you’re traveling internationally.
Pick pockets are big in other countries, so be aware.

Thieves like crowds, so be aware on a busy street corner, and if you are really packed in or get knocked or jostled, assume someone was trying to pickpocket you and make a quick body check.

Join this blog tomorrow for Part II.
“Stay safe but don’t stay home!.”
~Zahara Heckscher,

Hotel Safety is something everyone should consider.
We’re all vulnerable when we travel. We’re distracted, thrown off our routines–and oftentimes, tired, sleepy, and can easily forget that we’re easy prey for those who want to do harm.

The most important point is to be aware.

Don’t think that just because you’re staying at a major chain in a nice looking part of town that you’re automatically safe.
Ask yourself a few questions before you make your reservations.
Have you checked online for hotel reviews?
Do you know much about the area?
Do you know anyone who has stayed there before?
Is it in an unsafe part of town known for high crime rates?
If you’re traveling out of the country, be sure to check the travel advisory site. Many times, we don’t have a choice about where we’re staying if we’re traveling for business.
It’s wise to talk to another co-worker who has stayed at that hotel. Ask them about their experience and if there’s anything you should watch out for. You can also check with the CDC for other travel warnings.

Parking Lot Safety:
If you’re a woman traveling alone, or if you have small children with you, spring for the extra bucks and use valet service. Park in lighted area and don’t let unloading your luggage distract you from noticing your surroundings.

Hotel Check In Safety:
If you’re traveling alone, go ahead and ask for both keys. That way, there isn’t an extra key floating around the front desk.

As mentioned in Part I, never open the door without checking through the peephole, and if you haven’t requested room service, or other hotel services, don’t open the door. Call the front desk to confirm. It’s better to appear rude and be safe.

Check All Entry Points:
When you enter your room, do a quick check–inspect the closets, under the bed, go into the bathroom and pull back the shower curtain before the bellman leaves. If you’re traveling alone and don’t have a bellman with you, call someone and chat while you do this.

Check windows and doors when you enter your room. Make sure the locks work. There should also be a safety bar on sliding glass doors. Don’t think that just because you’re on a higher floor that you’re safe–balconies can allow someone access to your room from another room. Is your room adjacent to another room via a door? Check to make sure the deadbolt lock works. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, ask for another room.

Don’t let your kids run around the hotel unsupervised. There are too many strangers and rooms that your child could disappear into. Use the buddy system for children who are old enough and mature enough to use safety precautions. Let them take your cell phone, and check on them often If you wouldn’t let your eight year old roam around alone in your neighborhood, then don’t consider it at a hotel.

Other Ways to Stay Safe:
Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob even when you’re not there–or after your room has been cleaned.

Turn on the TV or radio on while you’re not there as well. Leave a light on and if someone is in the hall, act like someone’s inside the room–talk out loud to them as you open the door, or call someone and tell them you’re going into your room.

Always go in and out of the same hotel door. If you use the room service card to order your breakfast, be aware that your name and room number is listed on the card. This could allow an attacker to call you by name and pretend to be from room service.

Always let people know where you are. If you travel a lot, it’s easy to let your guard down. Send someone an email and tell them where you’re staying. If you find a hotel you like and feel that their safety standards are acceptable, stay there often and recommend them to others. If you’re not happy and don’t feel safe–speak to management. It’s important not only for you, but for other guests as well.

Hotel Bar and Restaurant Safety:
Many guests who stay in hotels frequently are bored and can drink too much. Be aware of your drinks. Don’t leave your table to go to the restroom and leave your food and drinks or purse unguarded. Be aware as you walk to the bathroom–that you’re not followed. If you can lock the door to the bathroom, do so. If you feel you’re being watched, wait to use the bathroom in your room.

If you feel you’re being followed, don’t get in the elevator alone–go and talk to the person at the front desk–ask a question, get some local information. Just kill some time until they lose interest and they catch on that you’re not an easy prey.

If you’re being haggled by drunks, speak to your server or bartender. Ignore them, but don’t look scared. If you’re approached and you don’t feel comfortable, state in a loud, firm voice to leave you alone. Then be very aware before you go to your room or to your car. Wait it out and hopefully, they’ll leave. You can ask the bellman to walk you to your room. Tipping them is a small price to pay for your safety.

There are numerous travel safety products available, including door locks and alarms, but be aware that tasers or mace will be confiscated at the airport.

You don’t have to paranoid, but being aware is the smartest way to stay safe.