There’s not a whole lot that is scarier than getting stranded during a big winter storm. A few years ago there was a blizzard across the East Coast where my husband was hauling a load – and he was literally stuck stranded on the interstate for over 48 hours. Luckily he had blankets, bottled water, and snacks which he shared with the stranded motorist around him. But you aren’t always lucky enough to have someone around that can help – which is why you need to be prepared to stay safe if you are stranded in a snow storm.
Move Out of the Way. Do your best to get your vehicle out of the road and out of harms way; leave plenty of room for plow trucks, and emergency vehicles to get through and of course keep you and your family as safe as possible.
Call 911 to Give Them Your Location. Though with a big snow storm/blizzard emergency crews might not be able to get to you right away, it’s a good idea to let them know your location. They may have a crew heading your way, plus it gives you peace of mind if your cell phone dies!
Clear Your Car. The most important part of keeping your car cleaned off is making sure there is no snow blocking the tailpipe; this will help keep you from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Also keeping the car cleaned off will make you more noticeable to emergency vehicles passing by -giving you a better chance of getting rescued!
Keep an Emergency Kit on Hand. Keep an emergency kit on hand at all times in your vehicle for all types of emergencies is a smart idea. Keep jumper cables, a jack, flashlights, a shovel, spare tire, blankets and sleeping bags, tow rope, and some basic tools like a wrench, screw driver, etc.
Get a Traction Aid. Most folks opt to keep the traditional bag of kitty litter in the trunk of their car. While cat litter is a fantastic traction aid, it can become quite bulky and awkward, taking up precious trunk space. A better option would be Traction Magic, which can readily be found at http://tractionmagic.com/.
Emergency Food & Clothing. I always keep snacks and bottled water in my car at all times. Keeping emergency clothes & hats and gloves is a great idea to do in the winter. Throw a gym bag with enough clothes for the entire family and leave it there – its better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it!
Get a 4×4. If you live in an area where you have a lot of snow, I would recommend purchasing a good 4×4 vehicle. Trucks and Jeeps are great in the snow, and I know quite a few people who buy winches to put on their trucks/Jeeps to tow others out of the snow!
First Aid Kit. Along with your emergency kit, a first aid kit should be in you car all the time. This can help treat minor injuries until emergency services can arrive.
Put Up Flairs & Reflective Gear. Along with keeping your car cleaned off, putting up flairs and reflective gear is a good idea, especially if it’s not sunny out. Better safe than sorry!
Above all, be safe! Stay in the car, stay warm and hydrated and wait for help to come!
