Have a
well-stocked Winter Emergency Car Kit.
Keep your gas
tank at least half-full.
Install good
winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.
Keep a
windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows
clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.
Check your
antifreeze, battery and windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
Plan long
trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest
weather forecasts and road conditions. Consider Public Transportation.
Travel during
daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.
Let others
know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time. The
first ½" of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking
distance from the car in front of you.
Slow down.
Many times hazards like black ice are not seen until it is too late. Remember
bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways.
Be extra
alert. Snowdrifts can hide children or other vehicles.
Yield to
snowplows, giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be patient and
follow at a safe distance.
If a blizzard
traps you in your car, pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a
brightly colored distress flag/cloth from your radio antenna or window
Remain in
your vehicle where rescuers are more likely to find you. Do not set out on
foot, unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take
shelter.
Run the
engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is
running, crack open the window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear
snow from the exhaust pipe.
Exercise to
maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps,
seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers.
Take turns
sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Drink fluids
to avoid dehydration.
Be careful
not to waste battery power. Balance electricity energy needs: the use of
lights, heat and radio.
At night,
turn on the inside dome light so work crews and rescuers can see you.
After snow
stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT
- · Flashlight with extra batteries
- · Charged cell phone/automobile charger
- · Basic first-aid kit
- · Necessary medications
- · Pocket knife
- · Blankets or sleeping bags
- · Extra clothes (include rain gear, boots, mittens, socks)
- · High-calorie, non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)
- · Manual can opener
- · Container of water
- · Windshield scraper & brush
- · Fire extinguisher
- · Shovel
- · Sand/road salt/cat litter for generating traction
- · Tire chains or traction mats
- · Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
- · Tow rope
- · Battery jumper cables
- · Road flares/reflectors
- · Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag
- · Road maps
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