It’s winter and there’s probably no more hazardous season than this one. Most of us can handle the iffy road conditions and know how when it’s safe to drive and not. But, not all of us know what to do if you get trapped during a snowstorm. Imagine you get stuck in a white out snowstorm and can’t drive any further, do you know how to survive being stuck in your car during a snowstorm in the Northern Illinois winter?
For most of us, blizzards and more intense winter conditions are often experienced at home through our windows while we’re curled up all cozy in our blankets. If you find yourself trapped in your car, whether close to others or in an isolated area, you need to know how to get yourself through the storm safety. Here are our tips for waiting out a blizzard in your car.
Always be aware of road conditions
Before heading out anywhere, you should always evaluate the level of danger that the driving conditions present. And you should weigh the importance of your trip. Make sure to always check winter advisories and know what station the weather channel is on the radio. You should also keep some winter tools and supplies in your car to make sure that if you do need to venture out, you’re prepared in the event that you would get stuck.
- Sand or cat litter for emergency traction
- Wool blanket in case of getting stuck, this helps with freezing temperatures
- Extra boots if you are wearing inappropriate foot gear, your feet could freeze
- Extra gloves, hat, scarf in case of being stuck in freezing weather
- A portable phone charger and/or extra batteries
- Ice scraper (two, one a long handled and the other a short, handheld version), shovel, snow brush
- Hazard triangles, LED flasher lights, and a good flashlight with extra batteries
- Snacks, plenty of extra water, something to pass the time like cards or a game
- First aid kit that you review, refresh and update frequently
- Jumper cables in case your battery dies and you need a jump
What to do if you get stuck in a snowstorm
- Don’t abandon your vehicle. If you are unable to move, or are unsuccessful in getting your vehicle unstuck, stay where you are. A car is a good shelter. Unless you know that there is a building nearby, just be safe and stay in your car.
- Notify the authorities with your cell phone. If you have a phone, before your battery dies, pinpoint your location with your GPS and tell the authorities where you are and who is with you. Make sure to include relevant information like how much gas you have and if you have food and water.
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Use a piece of colorful fabric, honk out SOS in morse code, but only if your vehicle is running to conserve battery, stomp out help in the snow, or find some other way to notify passerby and authorities that you are stuck and in need of help.
- Clear the exhaust pipe regularly. You are going to want to run your engine periodically, and if you let it clog, you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use gas sparingly. You want to run your engine to make sure your battery doesn’t die and your fuel line doesn’t freeze. Be smart about how much fuel you have left, and if the sun is out, take advantage of its natural warmth and only run the engine at night.
- Keep warm and put on the clothes and blankets that are in your vehicle. You can also block off unused space and try to insulate the windows with whatever materials you have in your car.
Once the storm passes, make sure to listen to the radio and evaluate the road conditions to make sure it’s safe to set out. The most important tip we can give you is to be prepared and to always make sure that it is safe to drive. Now that you know how to survive being stuck in your car during a snowstorm, take on the winter weather by getting your vehicle prepared mechanically at Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire. It’s never too late in the year to prepare it for bad road conditions, emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
