· Always keep your gas tank full. By keeping it full it adds weight to the car, can be left running for long periods of time in case you are stranded.
· Carry sand or cat litter in trunk for traction.
· Road flares, heavy boots, warm clothing, flashlight with batteries.
· Keep emergency survival kit in your car.
Safe Driving Tips
· Keep windows, headlights and tail lights clear of snow and ice.
· Leave plenty of room for stopping. Many accidents happen from tailgating.
· Don’t use cruise control.
· Do not pump anti-lock brakes.
· Keep a look out farther ahead than usual.
· Remember trucks are much heavier than cars. Keep your distance in slippery areas.
In Case You are Stranded
· Stay in your vehicle. The vehicle is good shelter. If you venture out of your vehicle you risk the chance of getting exerted.
· Avoid over exertion. Shoveling snow, pushing the car, jacking it up can all take its toll on a person and may cause a heart attack. Take it easy and take your time. Get in and out of car to stay warm and avoid over exertion.
· If you are running the car, make sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged with snow.
· Keep your blood circulating by huddling together, rubbing your hands together, putting them under your armpits or under your legs.
Avoiding Frost Bite and Hypothermia
At -25 degrees skin can be frostbit in one minute.
· Keep your fingers and toes as warm as possible. If you have to take your shoes off and sit on your feet or wrap them in a blanket for a while to keep them warm.
· Once frost bitten, the same body part is more susceptible.
· Redness and burning are indications you will get frostbit.
· Numbness means frostbite has already occurred.
· Warm the affected area under arm pits or against other body parts.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot produce enough heat to keep it warm. Signs of hypothermia are:
· Uncontrollable shivering
· Memory lapse
· Incoherence
· Slow speech
· Immobility
· Drowsiness
· Exhaustion
Keep yourself from being exhausted as it wastes a lot of energy that is needed to keep your body warm.