With just a week to go until the Easter weekend, the National Emergencies Committee has presented its plans to prepare for one of the Dominican Republic's biggest travel holidays.

Special Operation Easter 2007 will go into effect starting April 5 and will include the deployment of public safety personnel and volunteers along major highways and roads and at most beaches, rivers and mountains. First aid stations will be dispersed along many of the highways and hospital emergency rooms are prepared to handle any increase in accidents or other emergencies. All emergency response agencies have been bolstered to guarantee whatever assistance may be required by the country's citizens.

Other measures to reduce the risk of accidents during the weekend include the closing of dangerous beaches and swimming areas and recommendations to travellers that they refrain from excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages, avoid swimming after eating large meals and to always use their seat belts when in a vehicle.