Road trips abound in the spring and summer, as nicer weather beckons us to get outside and explore. Whether you’re jumping in the car for a day trip or an overnight—or longer—here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe and healthy when you hit the road:

1. Wash your hands! Hand washing is critical to preventing the spread of germs and bacteria that can make you sick. Before you reach into that snack bag or lunchbox, be sure to wash up. Bring along instant hand sanitizer as an alternative if soap and water aren’t available.

2. Snack smart. Focus on shelf-stable, non-perishable snacks you can enjoy on the go. Things that don’t require refrigeration are the easiest. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers, peanut butter, nuts, granola, popcorn, trail mix, and even cereal. For fun, make your own mix with your family’s favorite snack foods.

3. Keep food cool. If you travel with perishables, pack your cooler with plenty of ice, and make sure anything that stays outside the cooler more than 2 hours—or 1 hour if it’s hotter than 90 degrees—is thrown away. Your cooler should stay below 40 degrees, so toss in a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Open the cooler as infrequently as possible, to preserve the cool inside. And keep coolers and lunch bags inside the car with you where they’ll be cooler than in the trunk.

4. Think about safety. Double-check your car’s emergency kit to ensure it’s fully stocked with items like flares and a working flashlight. You should also be confident your car is in tip-top shape before hitting the road. Get a tune-up and be sure to check tires, fluids, belts, and your battery. And lastly, before you leave, make sure your cell phone is fully charged—even better, bring your phone’s charger as a back-up.

5. Stay hydrated. Bring plenty of water to drink during the trip, and extra in case you experience an emergency.

Finally, make sure you know how to reach your Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance agent from the road—just in case you need to report a claim.