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AE-1237, November 2002

Heating and Ventilation

There are several ways to keep warm when you are stalled in a vehicle during a winter storm. The basic one is to STAY WITH THE CAR; eliminating concern about the wind chill factor. Other ways are wrapping up in warm clothing, eating and exercising. Eating makes it possible for the body to produce more heat. That heat can then be captured with the use of warm clothing, sleeping bags, etc.

If additional warmth is needed, there are several possibilities with emergency heating devices. However, they must be used with extreme caution. Spilled fuel, a tipped over heater, and combustibles too close to heaters all present a severe fire danger. Your car is your only protection against the wind and cold, you don't want to lose it to a fire! The interior of most cars contains a lot of plastic which will burn amazingly fast.

Carbon monoxide is also an ever-present danger when you depend on combustion for heat. The danger of asphyxiation is a very important consideration when using these heaters in a very confined space such as the interior of a car.

Sources of emergency heat

• A lighted candle provides very little heat in the car. Candles may produce up to 75 to 85 BTUs per hour to be used for melting snow to drink.
• A multi-wick candle is claimed to keep the interior of a car comfortable for 24 hours. This product, which could be made at home, consists of a number of wicks in a paraffin/sawdust mixture poured into a shallow pan. It must be used with extreme care since several flames are burning at a time. The heat produced increases with the number of wicks burning.
• A can of Sterno will burn for about an hour depending on the size of flame and the size of the can. The open flame requires that extreme care be given to its use.
• Propane heaters will provide approximately 12,000 BTUs of heat. The open flame makes it a very dangerous heater with extreme risk in a very combustible environment such as a car`s interior. The size of the flame affects the burning time and the heat produced.
• Catalytic heaters, used properly, are considered to be quite safe except for the carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
• A roll of toilet paper can be put in a three-pound coffee can with a small amount of ethylene glycol antifreeze for fuel. The toilet paper acts as a wick and the antifreeze burns with a low, clean flame, that produces carbon monoxide!

All heaters that produce heat from combustion produce carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that kills. Carbon monoxide ties up the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood and asphyxiates you; it is a silent killer.

Since these heaters all use oxygen while they operate, always open a window slightly on both sides of the car to prevent asphyxiation and allow for moisture removal. Opening a window on each side of the car allows for fresh air to replace the fouled air from the oxygen-using heater.

Do not sleep with the heater operating. It could asphyxiate you, or tip over and start a fire.

A small, dry chemical fire extinguisher should also be kept with the emergency heater in the car. The extinguisher will be useful if the emergency heater should start a fire and it is caught right away.

Another source of heat is the car's heater. There are several problems with relying on this, however. Leaks in the exhaust system can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if ventilation of the car's interior is not safely managed. The wind can carry exhaust fumes up to the air intake of the heater, causing a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the car. Two other problems associated with using the car's engine and heater are managing the fuel supply and preventing the engine from icing up when it is periodically started, warmed up, and then shut off.

If possible, face the vehicle into the wind. The car and its heater are designed to operate safely in this position. Keep the exhaust clear of snow. If the car cannot be moved to face into the wind, open a window slightly on the upwind side, for ventilation. This will tend to pressurize the interior of the vehicle with clean air and keep exhaust fumes out. An open window on the downwind side may actually draw exhaust fumes into the car, causing a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide.

The fuel capacity of the vehicle may be another problem. The average eight cylinder engine, while running at idle, will consume about one gallon of gasoline per hour, while six and four cylinder engines burn less. It is not likely that you will have more than a day's supply of fuel for continuous running of the engine when you become stranded. For example, some will have been used already in attempts to get the vehicle free.

The coldest weather usually follows a blizzard, so you may want to conserve the fuel available for that time. But you will also be faced with the problem of keeping the engine warm enough that it will start when you do need heat. This leads to the suggestion that the engine should be used intermittently to keep you warm.

The frequent starting of the engine will put an extra hard strain on the battery when it is not at its best. Remember, batteries are weaker in cold temperatures. The intermittent starting and stopping of the engine will also allow time for snow to blow and drift into the engine compartment, melt, wetting the engine's electrical system and then freeze. This may make it virtually impossible to start the engine the next time.

Managing the use of the engine for heat can be very difficult at best. It is best to store the necessary clothing, sleeping bags, and food in order to be prepared for the time when the engine cannot be depended upon for heat. Remember, there are those who successfully enjoy winter camping and fare quite well without a lot of additional heat. However, they are definitely prepared for it. You can survive winter blizzards with adequate preparation and wise use of what you pack ahead of time.

Supplemental Heaters - Roll of toilet paper saturated with antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in large coffee can, multi-wick candle unit, box of kitchen matches.  Use these items with extreme care.

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What To Do If Caught In A Storm

Expect to spend three days in the car! Therefore, plan to use your resources gradually. Be organized in what you do. Take time to consider each step carefully. STAY IN THE CAR! Your chances of survival are much, much better if you do. Call an emergency number on the cellular phone; or periodically call for help with the CB radio if you have one. Use channel 9, the emergency channel on your CB, or other channels where you may hear local conversation. Bad weather may cause freak transmissions and poor reception.

If possible, position the car so it faces into the wind. The car was designed to be warmest when headed in this direction. Be sure that the exhaust is free of snow and check it periodically if you use the engine for heat. Otherwise, STAY IN THE CAR!

• Tie a colorful, red preferably, banner on the car antenna. Tie a nylon cord or rope to the car and yourself if you must leave the vehicle for any distance during the storm. This will help to ensure your return.
• Move all of your emergency supplies from the trunk to the interior of the car as soon as you realize you will be staying for a while. Put on the warm clothing NOW, before you get cold. It is easier to stay warm than it is to regain lost warmth. Loosen tight clothing so body heat can circulate. Remove metal jewelry as it can chill you.
• Check your supplies to see what you have to work with and when you can plan on using it. Arrange supplies in order for their use.
• Manage your heating systems carefully. Make sure everyone knows what is be done and how it is being done.
• Listen to weather reports on the radio. Prepare to send signals for help if road or rescue crews are reported to be in your vicinity. Flashing lights and horns can be effective for a distance if the wind has died down.
• Now, RELAX AND TAKE IT EASY! Whatever you were planning on attending or visiting, stop worrying about it � you are not going to get there in time. It must be accepted that you will not be going anyplace for a while, so enjoy the opportunity for some free time.
• A tip from cold weather campers -- eat a snack of high calorie food just before sleeping to stimulate your metabolism (heat production). If you awaken due to the cold, eat some more high energy food and add another layer of insulation such as more clothing or a blanket. These campers survive � so can you!

Clothing To Bring Along -- Winter coats or parkas, balaclava, insulated gloves, stocking cap, insulated footwear, heavy socks, sleeping bag or quilts.

Emergency Food Supplies -- High energy breads or pastry, drinking or distilled water, breakfast bars, nuts, fruit, high energy candy bars. Keep these items warm, not frozen.

Medical Supplies -- Toilet paper and large can, facial tissues, first aid kit, prescription medical supplies, tooth brush and tooth paste. Keep these items warm, not frozen.

Entertainment Materials -- A variety of magazines, paperback book, personal tape/CD player, small radio, fresh spare batteries, stationery, pen or pencil.

Supplemental Heaters -- Roll of toilet paper saturated with antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in large coffee can, multi-wick candle unit, box of kitchen matches. Use these items with extreme care.

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These telephone numbers are available for statewide road and weather information.

Weather reports are also broadcast over the NOAA weather radio network.

Illinois 1-800-865-5394 Indiana 1-800-261-7623 Iowa 1-515-288-1047 Michigan 1-800-381-8477 Minnesota 1-800-542-0220 Montana 1-800-226-7623

North Dakota 1-701-328-7263 Ohio 1-888-264-7623 South Dakota 1-605-773-7515 Wisconsin 1-800-762-3947 Wyoming 1-888-996-7623

These Web sites will connect you with statewide and area weather forecasts and state road maps which show road conditions as affected by weather and construction. Check them before leaving on your trip!

Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Wyoming

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For more information on this and other topics, see: www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu

AE-1237, November 2002