Help! I’m Stuck in the Airport!
Well, by now I hope you’ve heard that Colorado is officially a national disaster area, complete with activated National Guard and six foot snow drifts. This isn’t unheard of for this region. The gulf coast gets tropical storms, the west coast gets earthquakes, and we get blizzards. So if you ever plan to travel to or through Denver between November and late March, let me give you a few tips.
- Check the Local Weather
Before you leave home, check the weather for the place you a planning to go. Even if you think they are being silly, pack the little extras that will make living in that weather tolerable. Half of us locals thought that the weather guy was exaggerating when he told us to expect 10 to 24 inches of snow, but we checked our blizzard kits just in case. It was a good thing, too!
- Pack Your Toiletries in Your Carry-On Bag.
Planes get grounded for days at a time when this happens folks. We should be lucky this time. It’s shaping up to be only a 24 hour shut-down this time! DIA is handing out “hygiene kits” that seem to be gallon zip-locks with toothbrushes, hotel soap, and a cheap towel. See, when it gets this bad, you can’t leave the airport to find a hotel. It happens every few years, and there’s nothing to do but stake out a sleepin’ bench and buy a new paperback.
- Fully Charge Your Cell Phone …
… and laptop, and any other little devise you bring. Then pack the chargers in your carry on. Stay in touch with your family and employer when your travel plans are changed. Whether you are stuck in an airport for the day or were re-routed to Timbuktu, people need to know where you are. Having your charger handy will keep you out of line at the pay phones, which is also handy.
- Ask the Natives for Travel Tips.
Do not try to drive anywhere unless you check with the locals first. If someone who has lived through the last four blizzards refuses to cross the threshold, you probably won’t have any luck driving to your destination. Sorry guys, we don’t rent dog sleds at the airport!
Be safe and stay warm, travelers. When all else fails, dig in a wait. I’m expecting clear roads and mail service by the end of the week, and CDot and the Postal Servise agree with me. We’re used to this, so it will be cleaned up soon!
