Survival Tips If You are Stranded by Snow or Ice
It can happen before you know it; the
temperature plunges and you’re suddenly
driving in a blizzard or ice storm. And, it can
happen anywhere. Thousands were stuck on
roads and highways for over 24 hours in
Alabama and Georgia after surprise storms
moved in. Are you prepared if you were
stranded? Preparation is key, and search and
rescue groups have prepared these life saving
tips.
Be Prepared:
1. Always drive with at least three-fourths of a tank of gas during the winter months. In an
emergency, you will need as much gas as possible.
2. Prepare a survival kit, pack a fleece blanket, emergency food and a first aid kit in the interior
of your car. In an emergency the trunk might not be accessible, and fleece is one of the few
pieces of material that retains its ability to provide warmth if it gets wet.
3. Have a container in the car that is capable of holding snow. In an emergency it may be
necessary to collect and melt the snow in order to hydrate.
4. Replace all the interior light bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs use about one-twelfth of the
energy of an incandescent bulb and cost less than a tank of gas. In an emergency, conserving
the car battery is extremely important, and the LED bulbs make a big difference.
If You’re Stranded:
1. Don’t panic and don’t rely on your technology. Survival is never about technology and always
about temperament. In many cases cell phones and GPS devices may have been disabled by the
accident or will not have service. However, if they are functional, they should be used
immediately.
2. Always stay in your vehicle. If people are coming to look for you there is a better chance they
will see a car than a person. You will also be able to survive for longer in your vehicle than in the
elements. There are only two circumstances in which you should leave the vehicle. The first is if
you are familiar with the surroundings and are certain it would be easy to walk to safety. The
second is an option of last resort in which you believe you have absolutely no chance of
surviving unless you try to walk to safety.
3. Keep your seat belt on. In winter conditions it is likely that other drivers may slide into your
vehicle after it has become stuck.
4. Crack the back window slightly. Oftentimes the tail pipe is obstructed by snow, which can
cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes to get into the vehicle when the engine is running.
5. Clear the exhaust pipe regularly.
5. Run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes every hour. This will allow you to heat the car, melt
snow into water and even warm a meal if you have packs of survival food. It will also conserve
gas and prolong the life of both the engine and the battery. In an emergency, the vehicle is your
lifeboat, and you want it to be functional for as long as possible.
Read more lifesaving winter tips by visiting http://mycalcas.com/2013/12/life-saving-tips-forthe-severe-weather-ahead/
Being prepared also means calling a California Casualty advisor today to check that your auto
and home insurance will stand up to the dangers of winter. Get a policy review or comparison
at 1.866.829.5867 or visit www.calcas.com/afayerman.
Resources for this article:
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/safeDriving.html
http://mycalcas.com/2013/12/life-saving-tips-for-the-severe-weather-ahead/
http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-Being-Trapped-in-Your-Car-During-a-Snowstorm
http://www.ready.gov/kit
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law
enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.