What to do if Stranded in a Vehicle in Winter

Getting stranded in winter can be dangerous. Your chances are better if you:

• Stay with your vehicle.

• Put on warm clothing right away, 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.

• Move all your emergency supplies from the trunk to the interior of the car as soon as you realize you are stranded. Check your supplies to see what you have to work with and arrange them in order for their use. This will help you ration them in case you are stranded for a long period of time.

• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.

• Run the engine sparingly, 15 minutes every hour and adjust if needed. If it is extremely cold, keep the engine running as it may not restart if shut off.

• Keep your feet off the floor if the heater is not on.

• Don't go to sleep with the engine running as you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Position the vehicle so it faces into the wind.

• Tie a colorful item on the car antenna. If you need to leave the car for any distance during the storm, Tie a nylon rope to the car and yourself so you can find your way back to the car.

• 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.

Stash these tips in your glove compartment... just in case. Maybe with an extra pair of gloves.