What To Do If You’re Stranded in a Vehicle

By Sara Thomson

Being stuck in the middle of a winter storm is never pleasant, but what can you do if you find yourself stuck in your car during mid-blizzard? While it may sound unusual, hundreds of Americans become stranded in their vehicles during winter storms each year.

Keep an emergency kit in your car stocked with necessary supplies like a first aid kit, bottled water, warm clothing, and maps, and be sure to include repair tools such as screw drivers, tire chains, jump cables, antifreeze, and sand or cat litter for traction.

If a storm is in the forecast, fill up your fuel tank and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. If you do become stranded, stay in your vehicle and run the engine sparingly– about 15 minutes per hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of any snow and position your car so it is facing the wind, if possible. Keep your feet off the floor if the heat is not on, and do not fall asleep with the engine running. Move your emergency kit into the interior of the car if you anticipate being stranded for a while, and put on the warm clothes or blankets before you get cold.