During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, concerns about personal health and safety may even slip your mind, but some emergencies – whether it be an unforeseen accident, chronic condition, winter storm, or a break in – are more prevalent during the holiday season.

This year, with holiday travel volume projected to be its highest since 2005 in the United States, according to AAA, take heightened precautions to prepare for the unexpected and protect your health and safety.

We were able to compile a list of health and home safety tips between Backpack Health – a health tech company headquartered in Boston that builds tools to help people manage their health details, care, and communication – and Tasco Security – the Upper Valley’s residential and business security solution center since the 1960s.

Personal Health Tips Courtesy of Backpack Health

“As you embark on this year’s travel adventures, keep the spirit of the season alive and focus on all the good that awaits when you arrive,” Backpack Health advises. Below are a few tips courtesy of Backpack Health via Family Features.

Schedule a safety net.  During the holiday season, disruptions to your travel schedule are practically a guarantee. Plan for the inevitable by creating a travel schedule that gives you ample cushion for interruptions like traffic delays and late flights

Pack for the unexpected.  Plan around delays by ensuring you have snacks and entertainment to divert antsy children (and adults). Be sure to keep medications in your carry-on bags or where you can easily access them in the car. If you’re traveling by car, carry an emergency kit with items such as extra blankets, a first-aid kit and roadside flares.

Watch the weather.  If you’ll be traveling to an area that experiences severe winter weather, or if you live in an area that could have wintry weather when you return, it's a good idea to keep close tabs on the forecast. Timing your arrival differently by hours or a day can make a major difference in your travel time and safety.

Home Safety Tips Courtesy of Tasco Security

“According to the experts, the key is to make your home look lived in, even when you’re not there. Below are some excellent tips to give you peace-of-mind so you can thoroughly enjoy your time away,” Tasco Security Inc. Stystems & Service says. Below are five helpful tips courtesy of Tasco Security via its blog.

2. Place a hold on mail, newspaper, and other deliveries while you’re gone. Nothing says ‘Rob Me’ like an overstuffed mailbox or a litter of newspapers across your front step.

3. Park a car in the driveway each night. Often a neighbor won’t mind parking in your spot and the occasional shift of position makes your home look occupied.

4. Arrange for your driveway to be plowed and snow to be shoveled on your walkways, even if you’ll be away all winter. Not only will it appear you are home, but fire and police will have easier access in case of a fire, break-in, or emergency.

5. If you’ll be gone for more than a week, turn off the internal water valve. Too many homeowners have come home to find an old pipe broke or the washing machine hose failed and their home is flooded. Unplug everything but the freezer, refrigerators, and items you have put on timers. This will not only save money on your electric bill, but it will help avoid electrical problems.