Winter Safety: If Stranded with your Vehicle

 

The absolute best way to avoid being stranded with your vehicle is to stay off the roads. Emergency and transportation officials will always ask the public to curtail travel to allow road crews to do their work. Listen to them!

However, sometimes the most careful of us is overcome by events.

At the start of winter, create an emergency kit for your car, including flares or reflectors, snacks and blankets.

And here are some tips from the National Safety Council in case you are caught in your vehicle in a winter storm. You'll notice that these tips make use of items from your car emergency kit.

If You Become Stranded

• Stay with your vehicle unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help and are certain you will improve your situation
• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the vehicle a safe distance away
• Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna
• If you are sure the vehicle's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending on the amount of gas in the tank
• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia; use woolen items and blankets to keep warm
• Keep at least one window open slightly as heavy snow and ice can seal a vehicle shut
• Eat hard candy to keep your mouth moist

For More Information

• National Safety Council Winter Driving Safety

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