Most people don’t think about what items to put in your car when going on a winter road trip, or just simply traveling in the winter when the roads are hazardous. Below you will find what small items can save your life, and what to do when you find yourself in trouble on the road.
ITEMS TO KEEP IN YOUR CAR:
• Gloves & Hat
• Small Camping Shovel
• Bag Of Salt
• A Flare & Distress Flag
• A flashlight
• Boots
• Spare Tire
• Ice Scraper
• Change of Clothes, (in case you get wet)
• Blankets
• Candle & Matches (to keep warm in case of an overnight stay) – One candle is enough heat to keep you safe.
• An empty can to melt snow or ice into drinking water with the candle.
Tips On What to Do if You’re Trapped In Your Car:
* Pull off the highway. Set your hazard lights to “flashing” and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial 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.
* Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
* Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
* Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look out for rescue crews.
* Be careful not to use-up battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat and radio – with supply.
* At night, turn on the inside dome light so work crews can see you.
* If stranded in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large colored cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane. Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.
* Use the can to melt snow or ice into drinking water with the candle.
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• How to Prepare Your Car For Winter
• Ways That Cold Weather Impacts Your Vehicle
• Modern Trends in the Automotive Industry
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• What to Know Before Buying a Used Car
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• Why Jeep Wrangler is A Smart Buy
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• Winter Driving Tips in Bad Weather
• Worst Thing You Can Do To Your Tires
• End-of-Summer Car Maintenance Checklist
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• How to Prepare Your Car For Winter
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For Upcoming Car Show Events Click here!
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
