Stranded? Stay in the Car
Stranded? Stay in the Car
Stay in your car! This is the first rule of survival.
Again, keep calm.
Let other drivers know you are in trouble. Use signaling devices in your survival kit. Use your car's emergency/hazard lights. Tie something bright to your antenna.
Run the engine periodically to keep warm, but do it sparingly to make the fuel last longer.
Check your exhaust pipe to keep it clear of snow. If your exhaust pipe is blocked or the car is surrounded by snow, you risk death from carbon monoxide poisoning. Open an upwind window a small amount while operating the engine.
Exercise, clap your hands, move your arms and legs to keep your circulation going.
Make sure at least one person in the vehicle stays awake at all times.
Adapted with permission from Montana Disaster & Emergency Survival Guide, http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf
Use Your Vehicle To Survive
Use you car as shelter. Stay in the car.
A sun visor can be used as a shovel.
Seat covers can be used as blankets.
Floor mats can be used to shut out wind or be used as covers for warmth.
Use your horn! It can be heard as far as a mile away. Three long blasts ten seconds apart every thirty minutes is a standard distress signal.
Adapted with permission from Montana Disaster & Emergency Survival Guide, http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/docs/brochures/winter_maint/winter_survival.pdf
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