It’s Memorial Day weekend – a time for BBQs, a dip in the pool, and of course – Road Trips!

The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 5.8 percent from last year, with approximately 32.1 million travelers taking a trip away from home. 

If you’re one of those hitting the highway, make sure you leave prepared! Put together a disaster supplies kit, just in case you get stuck somewhere. If you want to make it easy, you can purchase a pre-made Red Cross Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit from the St. Louis Area Chapter. It’s a convenient backpack that can be kept anywhere – your home, car, even your office.

Here’s another idea for those who might not be traveling this weekend. Memorial Day is supposed to be a time to honor the service of those in the United States Armed Forces. So why not take the time to donate blood in honor of a military service member? You would be helping to save a life, in honor of someone who gave theirs.

Right now the Red Cross is asking for anyone who is Type O to donate, because this “universal” blood type is in high demand during the summer. For a list of local blood drives and donation centers, click here.

So wherever your holiday plans take you – have fun and stay safe!

Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.