Imagine that you are driving in a snowstorm, it’s getting hard to see and all of a sudden your car begins to spin out of control. Next thing you know, you are surrounded by trees in what looks like a ditch, with your only exits blocked in. Your car won’t start and it’s below freezing outside. Would you be prepared to handle a situation like this? If you have never thought about preparing yourself and your vehicle for a similar situation, now is the time to begin.
How to Prepare for the Worst:
People run into difficult or dangerous situations every day. Sometimes, the difference between life and death is simply being prepared. This is why it is important for drivers to prepare their vehicle in case they were to become stranded in the cold winter months.
The easiest way to prepare your vehicle for an emergency in the winter is to take good care of the vehicle. Make sure that the car has had it’s proper oil changes and tunings, has tires that are in good shape, and has an adequate amount of necessary fluids. It is also a good idea to keep a good amount of gas in your car. If you become stranded, it may be necessary to idle your car in order to keep warm.
Another great way to prepare for a winter emergency is to make a disaster kit that is stored in the car at all times. This kit should contain a thick blanket or sleeping bag that will be able to keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures, food that does not spoil quickly, like pretzels, energy bars, and other snack foods, as well as a few gallons of water. Flashlights and light sticks are another great resource to have. Light sticks can be placed on the top of or outside of the car to attract attention and a flashlight can be used to see, as well as attract attention to the vehicle.
When driving in the winter, it is also important to keep your cell phone charged and on you at all times. Even if you do not know your exact location, this can greatly shorten the search for your vehicle. In fact, a charged cell phone can be the determining factor between waiting for hours or days to be found.
What to Do if You Becomes Stranded in Your Car in the Winter:
If you become stranded in your vehicle due to a large storm, it will be necessary to try to maneuver your vehicle to a safe place. If snow or ice is coming down so heavily that other drivers will not be able to see your car, a truck stop, gas station, rest area, or on ramp will provide the best safety. When stranded in your vehicle, it is important not to panic or try to exit the vehicle, unless you are at a place, like a truck stop, that will provide adequate shelter.
If you become stranded because of an accident, it is important to remain calm. As soon as you can, locate your cell phone and dial 911. Let the operator know where you are and allow them to locate you. Also, placing a light stick or flare on the vehicle can greatly help with the search. If there is a possibility that you may be stranded for a long time, carefully ration your food and water, as to avoid dehydration later.
Also, it is important to avoid keeping your car running for a long period of time. This will quickly burn through the gas in the vehicle, which will leave the vehicle unable to start or heat itself. Instead, alternate a few minutes of keeping the car on, with leaving the car off. This will help to ration the gas until the storm has passed. When preparing yourself for a winter emergency and acting with a level-head, you can save yourself from a disaster and safely handle the situation.