Top Tips For Surviving A Night in Your Car During a Winter Storm in Southeast Wisconsin

Today instead of talking about fire, flood or water damage, we wanted to share some safety tips that you need to be aware of when you are out and about in your car during a winter storm or blizzard.

Do you remember the first few days of February 2011? We were going through our own blizzard, much as the East Coast is now. It had been predicted for a few days as I recall but nonetheless there were many folks who didn’t heed the warnings or felt that they were invincible and could still navigate the roads. Many of them were wrong…..and got stranded! In their cars. Overnight. During a raging a storm. Now while I might like an adventure, being stuck in my car during a blizzard isn’t my idea of a fun adventure. I have a feeling that those that got stranded will take storm warnings a bit more seriously in the future.

What about you? Would you know what to do if by some chance you found yourself stranded during a blizzard? It happened to a friend of mine during the above mentioned blizzard; he was working in Downtown Chicago, and thought he could get home before the brunt of the storm hit. Unfortunately he and hundreds of others found themselves stranded on Lake Shore Drive during the height of the storm. He managed through the night, but what about you or me for that matter…would we know what to do to survive a night in our car, during a blizzard?

The following tips will help you survive in your car during a blizzard. Read them, think about them and instead of thinking “yep, I am going to make sure I am prepared” and do nothing about it, make sure you take some time this week to put together an auto safety kit. In fact, once you have compiled it, send us a photo of it, so we can share it with others.

1. This is a total no brainer but if possible DON’T GET STRANDED IN THE FIRST PLACE. I know this is easier said than done but if you know a storm is coming, and know chances are good you will be away from home when the storm hits, have a plan B in place. Maybe that is to make plans to stay with a friend, or book a hotel room, or even cancel plans and stay home. If you can avoid being out in the storm, Do So!

2. If you have to be out, then be prepared with the following items:

a. Blankets (wool would be the best)

b. Pillows

c. Extra warm clothing (I try and keep a couple of extra sets of clothing in my car at all times.. along with extra mittens and hats. I bet right now, I could outfit at least 2 adults with the extra clothes in my car. It might seem a bit humorous at the moment, but if you were stranded in a storm with me, you would be thankful!)

d. Non-perishable foods (nuts, crackers, granola bars, tuna/salmon in easy to tear pouches, etc.)

e. Water

f. Flashlight and extra batteries

g. Matches

h. Medications (if you have a condition in which you need your meds on a regular basis, it only makes sense to always keep extra on hand for a reason just like this)

i. A fully charged phone

j. Snow shovel (one that folds up to go in the trunk would be perfect)

k. Ice Scraper

l. Jumper Cables

This is by no means an exhaustive list…..do some research and put together a winter car safety kit that is personalized for your family.

3. Prepare to hunker down and wait out the storm in your car. Typically with blizzards, winds are fierce and will create white-out conditions, which means that if you move only a few feet away from your car, you may not be able to find it again. Instead, unless it dangerous to do so, remain in your car. If you must leave the car for a few moments, tie something to the antenna so you will be able to spot your car and return to it.

4. Now that you have determined you need to remain in the car, all will be good, right? Not necessarily. There are some safety precautions you must take while remaining in your car as well.

a. Make sure the exhaust pipe is free from snow or other debris; otherwise toxic fumes will seep inside the car.

b. Run the engine for 10 minutes at a time, about every 45 minutes or so.

c. When you run the engine, roll down the windows a bit to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

d. Periodically check that exhaust pipe to see that it remains clear of snow.

e. If you have candles and decided to light them for warmth and heat, again make sure you crack a window to keep the fumes at bay.

5. Ration your food and water, especially if you are not alone. The rule says: You can last 3 weeks with little to no food but you can only last 3 days without water.

6. DO NOT JUST THINK YOU CAN EAT THE SNOW! It must be heated, boiled or strained first to remove any harmful organisms. Also eating snow without melting it down can significantly lower your body temperatures and if you don’t have adequate coverings, you could be creating another problem for yourself instead of solving one.

7. There are 3 things you want to be aware of while stranded with your car. They are carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia and frostbite. If you keep the window slightly cracked and keep check on your exhaust pipe, you should be OK with that element. Layer up in all those extra clothes you have in your car; by doing this, you should be able to also keep hypothermia and frostbite at bay. The other thing to keep in mind is to move around a bit….which is easier said than done when stranded in car, but move your feet, and hands, do some stretching, etc., this will all help to keep your blood circulating and your muscles loose.

Even with the knowledge and supplies listed above, being stranded in your car during a storm is going to be a challenge for even the most prepared person. The keys to surviving this ordeal will be to remain calm, focused, determined and clear- headed, this is not the time to give into negative thinking or doubts. You may be challenged and tested during the storm, but your mind must always be giving you the message of “I WILL SURVIVE”, and typically within the next 12-24 hours, you will be rescued.

For more information head to http://prepforshtf.com/surviving-blizzard-car/#.VMfFaDHF_9U

From beginning to end, we can handle 100% of the restoration process so you don’t have to. This can include content pack-outs, cleaning & storage of personal property, structural drying & mitigation, mold remediation, lead & asbestos abatement, and full re-construction services. We are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. We abide by all state and federal laws, and are certified as a “Lead Safe Renovator” with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and accredited with the IICRC.

For more information on Emergency Fire & Water Restoration, or the services we provide, give us a call at 414-810-3522, or visit our website at www.emergencyrest.com