How to Survive a Winter Car Emergency
Author: C.L. HendricksIt is very important to know how to survive a winter car emergency if you live in an area where winter weather brings snow, ice and freezing temperatures. First and most important rule of winter survival: You should never leave home without an emergency kit in your car.
Even a 10-mile trip could turn deadly should you become stranded. Hypothermia and frostbite are the two most common injuries that are sustained in winter emergencies. Hypothermia can kill you and frostbite can leave you permanently disfigured or worse.
Simple precautions taken before winter sets in could save your life. In your vehicle you should keep a minimum of one gallon of water. Since fluids freeze at 32 degrees it is best to store two containers half full and allow for the freezing water to expand.
Dry high calorie and high protein snacks need to be included. Power Bars, granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, and semi sweet chocolate are just a few of the foods that have a high calorie and protein count. Other items can be added such as ready to eat soups and individual serving foods. While costly, MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) are chock full of the required nutrition to keep a person alive.
Blankets and a sleeping bag should be rolled and placed inside a plastic trash bag. The trash bag will provide additional warmth and provide a waterproof outer covering. It can also be used to hold waste material should you be unable to leave your vehicle to relieve yourself. Any type of wool blanket would be the best but polyfil and down comforters work very well also.
A sturdy pair of winter boots, extra socks and at least one complete set of clothes is imperative. Layering improves the ability of the body to stay warm and as such survive a wintertime emergency.
Remember to plan ahead for all members of your family. If you have children plan ahead and keep a small backpack ready for when they venture out with you during the winter. Add a few toys, a book or two and a blanket sleeper to help them stay warm. Extra sock hats and gloves or mittens round out the clothing that should be ready in the event that you need it.
Regardless of the weather, all vehicles should be equipped with a working first aid kit. All vehicles should also carry an emergency car kit which should include; a reflective flag or sign, flares and emergency lighting such as flashlights.
It has been suggested that emergency kits no longer carry candles. There is a fire hazard to using candles in a home or vehicle but studies also show that a single burning candle will keep a person from freezing to death. Leave a window slightly cracked to improve air flow and prevent suffocation.
A small shovel, some sand and cardboard kept in the trunk will provide traction on ice and in snow should your vehicle get stuck.
Keep a supply of plastic grocery bags with rubber bands and toilet paper in your supplies. These will allow you to relieve yourself without going outside when weather conditions are treacherous. If you place these items in a 1 gallon bucket with a lid, it is easier to use and to dispose of the waste material.
If weather conditions prevent you from reaching your destination do not leave your vehicle and try to walk to safety. The dangers from hypothermia and frostbite are too high. Turn your engine off, turn your headlights off and wait. Once an hour start your vehicle and let it run for 10 minutes. This will warm the vehicle and allow the battery to charge.
If you see or hear another vehicle honk your horn and flash your lights in an attempt to get their attention. Placing your reflective sign or flag from your emergency kit on your antenna will also help emergency personnel locate you in an emergency.
The best way to avoid being in a winter survival situation is to avoid it. Before leaving your home check the weather and make sure you have the necessary supplies stock in the car. Be ready to cancel the trip altogether if there is any possibility of severe winter weather. Once you are on the road remain alert to driving conditions and to worsening weather conditions.
Common sense and advance preparations will help ensure that you know how to survive a winter car emergency.
C.L. Hendricks is a "jill-of-all-trades" and an expert in some. She writes on a variety of subjects for several websites, including InvitingSmiles and Survival Homestead, to name a few.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/how-to-survive-a-winter-car-emergency-708243.html
