Nearly 49 million people are expected to take to the highways to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends* — making it one of the busiest times of the year for road traffic.

If you’re planning to travel by car, try to avoid the peak travel times and follow these American Red Cross tips to help keep you safe:

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.
2. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
3. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.
4. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming.
5. Be well rested and alert.
6. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired.
7. Follow the rules of the road and use caution in work zones.
8. Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
9. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
10. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

If winter weather threatens and you become stuck in the snow, these tips are for you:

• Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
• Keep one window, away from the blowing wind, slightly open to let in fresh air.
• Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
• Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

PLANES, TRAINS Almost six million people will take a plane or train to get to where they are spending their holiday. If you’re one of them:

• Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else — other passengers, luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• It’s flu season. If you’ve been sick or been in contact with someone who is sick, consider postponing your trip. You could be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.
• Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.
• Bring your own pillows and blankets — they can act as a shield against the seat itself.
• Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

Bonus tip: Download the Red Cross Emergency app for safety tips and customizable weather alerts for where you and your loved ones live, and areas where you are traveling.

Source: redcross.org

Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank those who have served in the military for their sacrifices and dedication. It’s an important day to show appreciation.

You might consider writing a heartfelt letter or spending time with a veteran, listening to their stories and sharing in their experiences. Volunteering at a local veterans' organization or donating to nonprofits that support veterans' health and well-being can also make a meaningful impact. Even simple acts like attending a Veterans Day ceremony or flying the American flag show respect and solidarity.

Your efforts can help veterans feel valued and supported, not just on this day, but throughout the year.

Here are some ideas.

Say "Thank You Veterans" by Showing Up

Attend a Veterans Day event in your area -- not just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that.

Donate to Veteran-Focused Charities

There are a plethora of wonderful organizations that offer all manner of support, services and appreciation for our service members. To get a few ideas for veteran donations, check out some charities that make a difference in the veteran community.

Fly a Flag - Correctly

• Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag. Just make sure you're observing the proper rules for display. Here are a few of those important tips:
• Never drag a U.S. flag on the ground or let it touch the ground.
• Don't drape it over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
• Don't display the U.S. flag above any other flag, and keep it at the center when it's surrounded by other flags.
• Don't display a tattered or torn flag. Flags that are tattered and torn should be disposed of in a respectful way, preferably by burning.
• Never use the flag as apparel, bedding or drapery.
• Ask Someone About Their Service

It seems like we all know someone who has served, and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Learning more about their service can help you appropriately say "thank you."

Questions You Can Ask Veterans

• Here are some questions to get you started:
• What did you do in the military?
• How long did you serve?
• What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?
• Did anyone else in your family serve?
• Why did you go into the service branch that you did?

Do not ask whether they've killed anyone. If you’re talking to a combat vet, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say much of anything; just listen and give them your full attention.

Write a Letter to Say ‘Thank you, Veterans’

If you know a veteran, write a simple letter, postcard or email that recognizes them on Veterans Day. If you don't know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there. Small acts of recognizing someone's service, even anonymously, are appreciated.

The military-focused nonprofit Soldiers' Angels organizes volunteers to write letters to deployed troops, veterans and their caregivers through its Letters for Soldiers initiative.

Don't Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day

Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.

Visit a VA Hospital

Find out what the policies are at your nearest VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back and saying "thank you veterans."

Get Outdoors with a Veteran

Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park; admission is free for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran.

Source: military.com

The National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when they are alert and refreshed. Our goal is to help people get the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep-deprived.

Together, we can help people drive alert and work to prevent thousands of motor vehicle crashes each year.

Fall-asleep crashes are often caused by not getting the sleep you need

Drowsy driving is more likely to cause a crash.

Just like drunk, drugged, and distracted driving, drowsy driving is a real public health issue, causing thousands of car crashes each year and killing an estimated 6,400 people in the U.S. alone according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports an estimated 100,000 crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving, resulting in more than 71,000 injuries and $12.5 million in damages.

Drowsy driving is really risky.

When you drive without adequate sleep, your motor skills are seriously impaired. In fact, we’ll go as far as saying that drivers who’ve only slept 3 to 5 hours in the last 24 hours are unfit to drive. Most people understand it’s risky, but they don’t think about the consequences.

Drowsy driving is dangerously common.

Young drivers (aged 16-25 years) and shift workers are at greatest risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, but most drivers can relate to a time when they have nodded off while driving. Importantly, drowsy driving is preventable.

Source: thensf.org/

Halloween is a time for spooky thrills and imagination. But the holiday also brings some extra risks for children and teens.

Did you know that child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than on any other night of the year, for example? Help keep Halloween fun and safe for your family with these tips.

Safety on the trick-or-treat trail

Halloween street smarts

• Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If trick-or-treating doesn't start until after dark where you live, consider checking with your town or park district for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day. Research shows that evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are the riskiest times of day for child pedestrians. Earlier festivities also help you stick to your child's regular bedtime.
• If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone.
• Talk with kids about the risk of distracted walking. This includes text messaging, talking on or looking at their cell phone and listening to music.
• Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Most (62%) child pedestrian traffic fatalities occurred mid-block, rather than at intersections. Make sure kids know not to cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways or alleys.
• Don't assume cars will stop just because they have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.

Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.

Source: healthychildren.org

Whether your family’s version of Halloween fun involves thrills and chills at one of the scariest haunted houses, trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, or something in between, there’s one thing you can’t go without: a great costume.

Sure, everyone in the family could do their own thing, but why not wow the neighborhood with an epic group costume instead?

We’ve found a bunch of easy, DIY family Halloween costume ideas to make the most of this spooky season. Copy one of these great costumes, put your own twist on a classic, or take inspiration from your favorite book, movie and TV characters —either way, you can’t go wrong.

And, don’t worry if you can’t sew.  There are plenty of no-sew ideas on this list. Plus, plenty of budget-friendly options that can be made out of clothes you already own. Check out the links for each costume idea for easy how-to instructions.

Halloween is a great time to allow kids to express their creativity, get active, and learn responsibility. From a holistic health and wellness perspective, these are great attributes to help develop well-rounded and emotionally healthy little ones.

Source: partnersinpediatrics.com

This easy caramel apples recipe is a must-try! Coat crisp, tart apples with perfectly sweet, glossy from-scratch caramel for a festive fall treat or gift the whole family will love. (Plus, get ideas for how to decorate your caramel apples!)

It’s fall, and that means apple recipes galore in my house, whether I’m whipping up an apple dessert or decorating delicious caramel apples with the boys! With a few simple ingredients, basic tools, and a little time, you can make gourmet caramel apples right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Unlike regular salted caramel sauce, the homemade caramel for this easy recipe is thick, buttery, and clings to the apples perfectly. The caramel for caramel apples needs to be sticky enough to hold on to the apple but soft enough to eat, which is why I add corn syrup to the caramel. It cannot be substituted here and is the simple trick for perfect homemade caramel apples.

Which apples are good for this?

Granny Smith apples are the best apple for caramel apples. They are very tart, which balances out the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp apples also taste really good! No matter the type of apple you use, make sure that it is firm, with no soft spots.

Equipment

Candy thermometer
Apple sticks
Silicone mats or parchment paper
Medium pot
Wooden spoon
Brush

Ingredients

10 Granny Smith Apples
2 cups packed light brown sugar (440g)
1½ cups heavy cream (360mL)
1 cup light corn syrup (240mL)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (70g)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Apple Preparation:

Remove all stems from apples and wash them by rubbing the skin vigorously with a paper or kitchen towel in hot water to remove the wax coating. Dry well. Push an apple stick or wooden skewer into the stem end to create a handle. Refrigerate the apples for faster caramel setting.

For the Caramel:

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Place over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted.

Once melted, brush down the side of the pot with a wet pastry brush. Cook without stirring while occasionally brushing the sides down until the temperature reaches between 235°F and 240°F on a candy thermometer.

Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla then set aside to cool for 10 to 20 minutes. The caramel is ready for dipping once it’s cooled to about 190°F. You can always dip a test apple to see if it looks right.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or lightly grease the sheet with butter.

Dip an apple into the caramel, allow the excess to drip off then place on the baking sheet to cool. If desired you can add a drizzle of chocolate or roll in chopped nuts or sprinkles before the caramel sets. Refrigerate the apples until the caramel is set, 15 to 30 minutes.

Recipe/Image: preppykitchen.com

Fall is one of the best times to visit Massachusetts. From family-friendly activities like apple and pumpkin picking to our iconic fall foliage, there is so much to do and see throughout the state this season.

Leaf Peep

Fall in Massachusetts means seeing some of the best foliage in the world. Check out our Fall Foliage guide for some itinerary ideas on how to get the most out of the season, including where and when you can see some pretty autumn leaves. If you’re not afraid of heights, here’s where you can see the best fall vistas from high above the trees.

Head to a Massachusetts Farm

There’s no better time to support a local business and have some family fun. At one of Massachusetts’ many farms and orchards, you can go apple picking, grab some pumpkins, try a cider, get lost in a corn maze, or all of the above!

While you’re there, you have to try an apple cider donut – one of the great fall traditions in Massachusetts. Many local farms and bakeries offer their own unique spins on this iconic tasty treat. You’ll have to try them all to figure out which one is your favorite!

If apple picking is your thing, you can’t go wrong!

Check out a fall fair

Fall in Massachusetts means it’s time for The Big E – the largest agricultural fair on the east coast. Each year millions of attendees come to West Springfield to see live music acts, try some unique food, take their chances at midway games, and to celebrate New England.

But the Big E isn’t the only fall event worth going to. Don’t miss Fall Fest in Egremont on September 23, the Belchertown Fair on September 24, Franklin’s Harvest Festival on September 30, North Easton’s annual Harvest Craft Fair on October 1, Crantoberfest in Middleboro on October 14, or Fall Fest in Newburyport on October 14.

Take a drive

Want to do all of the above? Driving along one of Massachusetts’ many scenic routes is a great way to see the state’s beauty. You may want to check out the iconic Mohawk Trail, which crisscrosses its way through North Central and Western Massachusetts and is chock-full of one-of-a-kind vistas. At the end of the Mohawk Trail you’ll find Mount Greylock, which can be seen on foot or by car.

Or you can head down the Cape and try out the Old King’s Highway, a great way to see Cape Cod’s best sights off-season. North of Boston, you can’t beat the Essex Coastal Byway, which will take you along the shoreline to see the towns of Gloucester, Rockport, and more.

Source: visitma.com

Drive Less

Fewer miles driven means fewer emissions.

1. Follow these tips to reduce the time you spend driving:
2. Walk or bike when you can.
3. Use the bike-share programs if your city or town has them.
4. Take public transit when possible.
5. Carpool with friends instead of driving alone.
6. Use ride-sharing services.
7. Plan ahead to make the most of your trips and “trip chain.” If your grocery store is near other places you need to visit, do it all at once.
8. Work from home periodically if your job allows it.

Drive Wise

The way we drive can reduce emissions from our vehicles.

Follow these tips to effectively reduce emissions, drive more safely, and save money on fuel costs all at the same time:

• Drive efficiently – go easy on the gas pedal and brakes.
• Maintain your car – get regular tune-ups, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and use the recommended motor oil.

Choose Fuel Efficient Vehicles

When shopping for a new car, look for fuel efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions. These cars can help the environment while potentially saving you money on fuel costs at the pump. Follow these tips:

1. Use EPA's Green Vehicle Guide to learn about vehicles that are more efficient and less polluting, including:

• Electric vehicles;
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; and
• Cleaner burning gasoline vehicles.

2. Use the EPA's Fuel Economy and Environment Label to compare different vehicle models and find the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle that meets your needs. This information is also available on the joint DOE and EPA website fuel economy.gov.

Don’t Idle

Unnecessary idling of cars, trucks, and school buses pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Modern vehicles do not require “warming up” in the winter, so there is no need to turn on the engine until you are ready to drive.

Reducing idling from diesel school buses prevents children from being exposed to diesel exhaust, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and saves money on fuel. EPA's Clean School Bus Program includes information and resources that can help you reduce school bus idling in your community.

Optimize Home Deliveries

When getting home deliveries or shopping online, consider asking to have all your packages sent in one shipment and with minimal packaging. For scheduled home deliveries, try to be flexible by choosing longer time windows so delivery trucks can optimize their routes and avoid extra trips.

Use Efficient Lawn and Gardening Equipment

Gas-powered engines in lawn and garden equipment emit significant amounts of pollutants. Follow these tips to reduce the impact of your landscaping:

• Use a manual (reel) mower for small lawns.
• When shopping for mowers and garden equipment, look for new technologies such as electric and battery-powered machines that are quieter and pollute less than gas-powered ones.
• Properly maintain lawn and garden equipment - tune mowers and change the oil as needed.

If you are purchasing commercial grade landscaping machinery, a number of products are now available with advanced emissions reduction technologies including catalysts and electronic fuel injection that result in significantly less pollution.

Source: EPA.gov

Law enforcement officers, emergency responders and other roadside workers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe — and that’s why it’s important to move over when you see them along the side of a road.

What You Need To Do

When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should:

• change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or
• slow down to a reasonable speed if you’re unable to safely make a lane change.

Move Over – It's the Law

All 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on roadways, yet one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws. Violation of the Move Over law results in fines and in some cases jail time.

Remember, next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road or roadside workers, Move Over. It’s the Law.

Source: nhtsa.gov

Properly storing a classic car is not as simple as parking it and leaving it untouched. Preserving them requires careful planning and execution. Here are some important tips that are generally recommended by car experts for storing a classic car effectively:

Regular Visual Inspections:

Conduct visual inspections for signs of rust, leaks, and wear. If you do find rust on your vehicle and want to know how to get it off, there are many articles on the topic, like this one from Motor Trend that might help. As far as other things to look for during your regular inspections, it might help to check for loose bolts, damaged seals and any potential issues that might worsen over time.

Fluids Levels

Regularly check oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid levels. If any of these are low, you should fill them up as necessary to help prevent engine damage and overheating.

Tire Care:

Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Rotate tires regularly to extend their lifespan. If your classic car will be idle for a long time, it may help to use jacks to lift the car up and take pressure off the tires. For more guidelines on storing a classic car, check out our classic car storage tips article.

Battery Health:

Experts say that keeping the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free is an essential step. While you can always replace a battery, sources like Batteries Plus states a corroded battery can still cause damage to other parts of the vehicle if the corrosion spreads. If your classic car will sit idle for extended periods, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drain.

Brake Maintenance:

Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake lines. If any of these look like they're in poor condition, consider replacing them. Depending on how often you drive the vehicle, it may be a good idea to check your brake fluid as well and top it off as needed. Classic car brake service is crucial to ensure optimal stopping power and safety.

Electrical System:

Check lights, signals, and gauges for proper functionality. Faulty electrical components can lead to more extensive issues if not addressed promptly.

Fuel System:

Ensure the fuel tank and lines are clean. Consider using fuel stabilizers if the car will be stored for an extended time to prevent fuel degradation.

Drive It Regularly:

You may be tempted to simply start your classic car once or twice a month in an effort to keep it in good condition. But the thing is, classic cars love to be driven. According to Auto Art, for example, driving your classic car on short trips, about 10-15 miles each month, gets fluids going enough to help keep the engine lubricated and prevent parts from seizing.

Wax and Polish:

Protect the paint and maintain its shine by waxing and polishing your classic car regularly. This shields the finish from UV rays and environmental elements.

Interior Preservation:

Clean and condition the interior to prevent cracking, fading and other forms of deterioration. It is generally recommended that you use products specifically designed for classic cars, as the materials can be different than what's used in modern vehicles, which means it can react differently.

Source: foremost.com