What to Do If You're Stranded in Winter Weather

winterstorm

Winter driving can be treacherous. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers the following tips on how to stay safe if you’re ever stranded on the road in severe winter weather:

  • Stay in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be extremely dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, collapse and risk your life. Your vehicle itself provides good shelter.
  • Avoid overexertion. Attempting to push your car, trying to jack it into a new position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm conditions, and you could risk heart attack or other injury.
  • Calm down and think. The storm will end and you will be found. Don’t work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation quality making you more susceptible to the effects of hypothermia.
  • Keep fresh air in your vehicle. It is much better to be chilly or cold and awake than to become comfortably warm and slip into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system causing deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your vehicle. Check the exhaust pipe to ensure it’s clear of snow.
  • Don't run the engine unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to prevent the engine from overheating.
  • Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to one another. Rub your hands together or put them under your armpits or between your legs. Remove your shoes occasionally and rub your feet.
  • Don't except to be comfortable. The challenge is to survive until you're found.
  • If you have access to a cell phone, dial 911 to summon help.When you talk with authorities, be prepared to describe the location, condition of your companions and the trouble you are experiencing; follow any instructions, such as staying where you are to guide rescuers or to return to the scene; and do not hang up until you know with whom you spoke and what will happen next.

 

 

EMERGENCY KIT FOR
YOUR CAR

Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each car:

  • 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, high-energy munchies and a nonelectric can opener
  • Several bottles of water. Melt snow before using it for drinking water. Eating snow lowers your body temperature, increasing risk from hypothermia
  • Cans of broth or soup
  • A small shovel, a pocketknife, 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. Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing
Copyright ©2008 Trustmark Affinity Markets Marketing and Administration, Inc. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from Starmark. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace professional medical advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance for benefit information.