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Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Always keep a winter survival kit:

    • Ice Scraper​

    • Snow Shovel

    • Sand/Salt

    • Flashlight

    • First Aid Kit

    • Blankets

    • Extra Winter Clothes

    • Food & Water

  • Check your tires to determine whether or not you need to replace them or if you need snow tires.
  • Consider purchasing roadside assistance if you don't already have it.
  • Consider increasing your insurance coverage by adding comprehensive or collision coverage.
  • Top off antifreeze & windshield wiper fluid.

Breaking Down/Getting Stuck

  • Always stay in your car and wait for help.
  • Run the heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm.
  • Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide build up.
  • Move around to maintain heat.
  • Don't overexert yourself by trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
  • Take turns sleeping so someone is awake to alert rescuers.
  • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Turn on the inside car light at night so rescuers can find you.

Road Trips

  • ​Only drive if absolutely necessary.
  • Keep gas tank at least half full in case of getting stranded or stuck.
  • Clear snow/ice off of your vehicle before leaving a driveway or parking lot.
  • Stay on main roads and avoid shortcuts.
  • Drive with your headlights on and make sure they are cleaned off.
  • Avoid using cruise control in icy or snowy conditions.
  • Be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, they are commonly the first areas to become icy. 

Cold Weather Related Injuries

  • Frostbite: loss of feeling, white appearance in extremities.
  • Hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, memory loss, slurred speech, and apparent exhaustion.
    • If any of these symptoms appear get the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and warm the center of the body first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

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