Stuck in a Storm in Your Car
People who travel during a winter storm are at the most risk for death or injury. In fact, 70% of winter storm-related deaths occur in cars. Dangerous conditions with snow and sleet can occur with lightning speed, leaving conditions dangerous and motorists trapped with emergency services unable to reach them. If you do become trapped or stuck, should you stay in or walk for help? Is it ok to run the engine? Is it better to just try and keep going? Here are some guidelines to help you stay safe until you can be on your way again.
• Stay in your vehicle.
Snow and cold can be very disorienting, so it’s best not to walk for help – your car can provide much needed heat and shelter.
• Run your motor 10 minutes an hour.
About 10 minutes every hour, turn on the engine for heat. Do not leave it continuously running to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning from gas trapped by snow and crack your window to let in fresh air. Check that your exhaust pipe is not blocked.
• Don’t sit still.
Be sure to move your arms, legs, toes and fingers regularly to keep blood circulating. Stretch if possible. If you have kids in the car, be sure to have them do the same. You could even make it a game of patty-cake or peek-a-boo to keep it fun.
• Be seen
Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your car. After the snow stops falling, if your vehicle is disabled or trapped, lift the hood to indicate that you need help. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running (be sure to turn off when you turn off the engine).
• Conserve power
Be careful not to waste battery power – limit use of radio and lights. Run the heater and fans while the engine is on.
• Carry a winter storm survival kit
Be prepared for the unexpected with an emergency car kit. Your kit should include:
-Mobile phone charger
-Blankets
-Flashlight with extra batteries
-First aid kit
-High-calorie, non-perishable food
-Extra clothing
-Sack of sand or kitty litter
-Jumper cables
-Ice Scraper
-Snow shovel
-Waterproof matches and small can that could contain a fire
Source: http://www.nesec.org/hazards/winter_storms.cfm
www.nws.noaa.gov
