Keeping your car(s) in good condition will decrease your chance of
being stranded in cold weather. Have a mechanic check your battery,
antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system,
thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater,
brakes, defroster, and oil level. If necessary, replace existing oil with a
winter grade oil. Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have ade-quate
tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter
conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their
roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever travel-ing
in winter weather.If you should become stranded, you will be
able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
and snow removal.
each car used by members of your household.You should also
bring a thermos of warm broth if you are on the road during a winter
storm. If you should become stranded during a winter storm, these
items will make you more comfortable until the storm passes. The kit
should include the following:
– Several blankets or sleeping bags.
– Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and a
wool cap.
– Extra newspapers for insulation.
– Plastic bags for sanitation.
– Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy ?munchies.? Non-electric can
opener if necessary.
– Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body tempera-ture.
If necessary, melt it first.
– Cans of broth or soup.
– A small shovel, a pocket knife, and small tools, such as pliers, a
wrench, and screwdriver.
– A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, a set of
tire chains or traction mats.
– Jumper cables.
– A first aid kit and necessary medications.
– A flashlight with extra batteries.
– A candle in a metal can or other fireproof container. While candles
are generally not recommended in disaster situations, having one in
your car can be a source of heat and light if you are stranded.
– Matches.
– Cards, games, and puzzles.
– A brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.
fuel line from freezing.
hazardous. Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the
latest road conditions. Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible,
take at least one other person.
expect to arrive.If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent
along your predetermined route.
which can make driving very hazardous.The leading cause of
death during winter storms is from automobile or other transportation
accidents. During winter weather conditions, multiple vehicle accidents
are more likely to occur, resulting in injury and death. Avoid driving dur-ing
sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog ? these serious
conditions are often underestimated.
– Stay with your vehicle.Do not leave the vehicle to search for
assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. Disorientation and
confusion come very quickly in blowing snow. Avoid traveling during
winter storms. If you must travel and do become stranded, it is bet-ter
to stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
– Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help.Hang a bright-ly
colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the
hood (after snow stops falling).
– Occasionally run engine to keep warm.Carbon monoxide can
build up inside a standing vehicle while the engine is running, even
if the exhaust pipe is clear. Experience has shown that running the
heater for 10 minutes every hour is enough to keep occupants warm
and will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserve
fuel. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or 5 min-utes
every half hour). Use the heater while the engine is running.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and slightly open a downwind
window for ventilation.
– Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so
that you can be seen.
– Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.Clap hands and
move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position
for too long.
– If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
One of the first signs of hypothermia is sleepiness. If you are not
awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation,
you can freeze to death.
– Huddle together for warmth.
– Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for
added insulation.Layering items will help trap more body heat.
– Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly
open to let in air.
– Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.Severe cold can
cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger. Keep
fingers and toes moving for circulation, huddle together, and drink
warm broth to reduce risk of further injury.
– Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.Bulky winter clothing can
cause you to sweat, but cold dry air will help the sweat evaporate,
making you unaware of possible dehydration. When individuals
are dehydrated, they are more susceptible to the effects of cold
and heart attacks. Melt snow before using it for drinking water.
Eating snow lowers your body temperature, increasing risk from
hypothermia.
– Avoid overexertion.Cold weather puts an added strain on the
heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a
car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions
worse.
