People who travel during a winter storm are at risk of injury should they get stranded on the highway. In regions of severe winter storms 65% of the winter storm related deaths occur in cars, many from exposure in disabled cars. Dangerous conditions with snow and sleet can occur very quickly, leaving driving conditions dangerous and motorists trapped with emergency services unable to reach them.

If you do become stranded or stuck in a car you can survive the ordeal if you take some reasonable precautions. Here are some guidelines to help you survive being stranded in a car during a storm.

Stay in your vehicle:

Snow and cold can be very disorienting, so it’s best not to walk for help. Your car can provide much needed heat and shelter.

Run your engine approximately ten minutes an hour.

About ten minutes every hour run the engine for heat. Do not leave it continuously running to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Crack a window to let in fresh air. Check that your exhaust pipe is not blocked.

Don’t sit completely still.

Be sure to move your arms, legs, toes and fingers regularly to keep blood circulating. Stretch if possible. If you have kids in the car, be sure to have them do the same. If possible make a game to play with the kids.

Show a visual aide:

Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your car. After the snow stops falling, if your vehicle is disabled or trapped, lift the hood to indicate that you need help. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running.

Conserve power:

Be careful not to waste battery power by limiting use of radio and lights. Run the heater and fans only when the engine is running.

Carry a winter storm survival kit:

Be prepared for the unexpected with a winter emergency survival kit. Your car survival kit should include:

Mobile phone charger
Blankets
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
High-calorie non-perishable food
Extra clothing
Container of sand or kitty litter
Jumper cables
Ice Scraper
Snow shovel
Waterproof matches and small can that could contain a fire

You can survive being stranded in a car during a storm if you take these precautions and have an emergency kit in the car during the winter months.

Home Pet Safety Tips

How to Baby Proof Your Home

How to Prepare for Home Fire Safety

Installing Home Security Cameras