Sunday's Survival Tips - Winter Safety Tips If You Are Stranded in Your Vehicle

It is important to follow some basic safety guidelines if you become stranded in your vehicle during the severe weather conditions that accompany winter. Here are a few safety reminders in case you become stranded in your vehicle due to winter weather.

Winter Safety Reminders – Avoiding the Dangers When Stranded

1.) Do not leave your car unless you know your exact location.

2.) Know how far you will have to travel to get possible help.

3.) Make certain you will improve your current situation. If not, stay with your vehicle!

4.) Have the means available to attract someone’s attention. Have flares, reflectors or brightly colored cloth available to signal for help if you become stranded.

5.) Make sure the exhaust pipe of your vehicle is not blocked. This could make you vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.

6.) Run the engine and heater for about 10 to 15 minutes every hour. Keep a close watch on the amount of fuel in your gas tank while running the engine.

7.) Avoid using all the fuel in your vehicle when running the engine if at all possible.

8.) Use any type of clothing to help keep your body warm (mittens, wool blankets, etc.).
This will help protect you from possible frostbite or hypothermia.

9.) Keep a window partially open because ice or heavy snow can seal vehicles completely. This will allow you to get fresh air inside your vehicle if stranded.

10.) Keep a “Winter Survival Kit” in your vehicle at all times. Your kit should contain at a minimum: flashlights, extra food and water, tools (jumper cables, shovel, tow chain, snow chains, etc.), warm clothes and blankets, bag(s) of sand for restoring traction, a means of signaling for help, and safe sources for providing alternate means of heat.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker