End-of-Summer Travel Tips to Help Families Stay Safe and Prepared
(NewsUSA)
- As summer winds down, travelers looking to squeeze in one more getaway may find that post-Labor Day trips come with plenty of perks. Fewer crowds, lower rates and crisp late-summer weather can make September an ideal time to travel. But even as the busy season slows down, safety and peace of mind should remain a priority.
For families staying in hotels or vacation rentals, one important safety consideration can be easy to overlook: carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon monoxide is impossible to see, smell or taste, making it difficult to know when it may be present. Planning a trip already comes with plenty of details to consider, but travelers should also think about the safety features available at their destination. With no federal requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in hotel rooms or vacation rentals, checking on CO safety before arrival is an important part of travel planning.
That’s why Kidde, North America’s #1 home fire safety brand1, has created a new line of its most advanced carbon monoxide alarms. Select models include enhanced features such as low-level CO detection2, which can help users identify the presence of carbon monoxide sooner, as well as a backlit display designed to provide clear, easy-to-read alerts.
Taking Safety on the Road
Many travelers take steps to help protect their homes from fire and carbon monoxide before leaving for vacation. However, it can be just as important to think about the safety conditions at the destination.
Before checking into a hotel or vacation rental, travelers can contact the property directly to ask about its fire and carbon monoxide safety standards, including whether CO alarms are installed where appropriate.
A few minutes of preparation can help make it easier for families to focus on enjoying their trip rather than worrying about what they may have overlooked.
For travel expert Brian Kelly, packing the essentials is a non-negotiable when traveling with family:
“Safety is everything when traveling, which is why I always bring Kidde’s AA Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm with me,” says Brian Kelly. “As a dad, having that peace of mind is essential, especially knowing children, pets, and the elderly are more susceptible to lower levels of CO.”
For more ways to prepare before the next getaway, travelers can review Kidde’s Travel Safety Checklist.
Add a Portable CO Alarm to Your Packing List
In addition to checking the CO regulations ahead of a trip, travelers can also consider packing a portable carbon monoxide alarm, such as Kidde’s AA Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm3, which features low-level alerts in certain models designed to help provide early warning and peace of mind while traveling.
Depending on the model, features can include:
• Easy-to-read alerts: A backlit display on select models can light up with the push of a button, making it easier to check the alarm day or night.
• Fewer nighttime interruptions: Travelers can enjoy features designed to help avoid being disturbed by alerts that aren't critical during nighttime hours.
• Long-lasting battery power: Kidde AA batteries are designed to last up to a year under normal operating conditions, helping make routine battery replacement easier to remember4.
Travelers should also make sure any portable CO alarm they purchase is listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Look for an ETL Listed or UL Listed Mark on the packaging or back of the device. These marks indicate that the product has been independently tested and listed to meet specific safety performance standards.
Whether the trip involves a weekend road trip or a longer family vacation, be sure to make safety a part of the packing list, as it can help travelers head out with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Important Product Information: Kidde portable carbon monoxide alarms are not approved for RV or boat use. Pack carefully to help avoid damage to the device. Remove batteries prior to travel and reinsert upon arrival. For use in conditioned spaces only. Test the device before use to ensure proper operation.
1 Based on total household installations as of December 2023.
2 Children, elderly adults and pets are more vulnerable to low levels of carbon monoxide and may be affected faster.
3 Children, elderly adults and pets are more vulnerable to low levels of carbon monoxide and may be affected faster.
4 Under normal operating conditions. Check User Guide for additional details on battery replacement.
