Snowstorms can be dangerous if you are caught unprepared for them, particularly on the road.
Never venture out in the winter months without a Bug Out Bag in your car. In addition your Winter Emergency Road Hazard Kit should also contain:
- A warm blanket or two
- Extra antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid
- A snow scraper
- A tow chain
- An extra hat, scarf and set of gloves
- Road salt or sand
If you should become snowbound in your car during a blizzard or severe winter storm, calm down, use your head and try the simplest solutions first. If you have a cell phone or CB radio in your vehicle, call for help. Your next priority has to be to take steps to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Do everything you can to prevent losing heat from your body. If you have extra clothes along, put them on. Then:
- Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
- Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most 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. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
- You may be tempted to keep the engine running to run the heater for warmth. DO NOT DO THIS. You will consume too much fuel. Instead, run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, if you do not have enough blankets for everyone in the vehicle, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
- Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply. § If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
- Leave the car and proceed on foot, only if necessary – once the blizzard passes. If you are forced to move, make sure you clearly mark a trail from the vehicle. Leave a note in your vehicle stating your intention, the time you left,the direction you set out in and where you where headed.
SNOW SURVIVAL TIP: You can use snow as a source of water, but do not eat snow to prevent dehydration. Eating snow will lower you body temperature, and it uses your body’s energy to melt it, which can speed hypothermia. Melt snow in a cup, water bottle, or other container, and then drink it.
Other useful resources:
Survival MD (Best Post SHTF Medical Survival Guide Ever)
Blackout USA (EMP survival and preparedness guide)
Backyard Innovator (All Year Round Source Of Fresh Meat,Vegetables And Clean Drinking Water)
Conquering the coming collapse (Financial advice and preparedness )
Liberty Generator (Easy DIY to build your own off-grid free energy device)
Backyard Liberty (Easy and cheap DIY Aquaponic system to grow your organic and living food bank)
Bullet Proof Home (A Prepper’s Guide in Safeguarding a Home )
Family Self Defense (Best Self Defense Strategies For You And Your Family)
Sold Out After Crisis (Best 37 Items To Hoard For A Long Term Crisis)
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