Red Cross and T-Mobile Offer Cell Phone Tips to Holiday Travelers

The and T-Mobile conducted a small press gathering at the Red Cross's Mineola headquarters Monday morning to demonstrate how cell phones can be used to their fullest capacity as invaluable devices for safe holiday traveling.

The two organizations are no strangers to one another, as Nassau Red Cross Director of Public Relations Sam Kille pointed out that T-Mobile "has generously donated cell phones to all of our key personnel as well as to go in our emergency response vehicles." Two years ago the groups teamed up and held a similar educational seminar, but this year marked the first time for a 'holiday and winter-related traveling emergencies' theme.

Practices were encouraged to facilitate the rapid response of assistance if travelers find themselves in an accident related to the icy roads that are a winter staple. As the occasional snowflake floated down from the heavens outside, dropping hints of a seasonal transition, the duo suggested residents program roadside assistance numbers and local police/fire department numbers into their cell phone. They pointed out that 9-1-1 should inherently be the first number dialed in an emergency situation.

"About 55 to 65 percent of all 9-1-1 calls come from wireless devices," according to T-Mobile Northeast Senior Manager for External Affairs Jane Builder. In the interest of making sure emergency calls get through, the partners stressed the habit of keeping your cell phone battery charged. Measures residents can take include carrying a portable charger, a backup battery, and minimizing the use of applications such as Bluetooth and mobile internet.

Builder also noted that with the "drastic change" in cell phone technology since the last time T-Mobile and Red Cross addressed this issue, saying that "police are now getting accident photos sent to them from smart phones." Such technology can be beneficial because it gives emergency responders details before they even arrive at the scene.

Even in non-emergency situations, Builder demonstrated the handiness of a cell phone by using one to play the film, "Avatar."

"As long as you are stuck by the road," Builder said, "you might as well have entertainment."

The Red Cross also displayed several other traveling items essential for commuters in a conundrum. This 'winter storm safety checklist,' which is viewable at RedCross.org, included water, blankets, a flashlight, granola bars and even toilet paper. "Get stuck without it and see how important it is," Nassau Red Cross CEO Frank Cassano said.

The organizations made sure to close by reminding about the necessity of using a hands-free device while driving in order to prevent an emergency from occurring.