2023-Jan-13
Assembling a Winter Survival Kit & What to do if you Are Stuck in Your Vehicle
With weather conditions becoming more unpredictable and storms becoming increasingly severe, being prepared on a winter drive can make a life-or-death difference. Preparing a winter survival kit for your vehicle can save you if you are stuck on the side of the road in poor conditions.
Aside from keeping you fuel tank filled and making sure you have an ice-scraper and washer fluid that works down to -40ºC, a winter survival kit for your vehicle should include:
- a charged cell phone
water and non-perishable food- flashlight
- blanket and warm clothes
- a first aid kit with seat belt cutter
- jumper cables
- shovel
- traction mats or sand
- candles and a lighter or matches
- tow rope
- antifreeze
- warning light or flares
- whistle
- fire extinguisher
The government of Canada has a winter car kit checklist to help you prepare here.
If you are stuck in your car during a snow storm
- Stay in your car!
- If you leave your vehicle, you may become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold
Stay calm and do not try to move the car after a few unsuccessful attempts- Do not shovel the snow outside your car – you may exhaust yourself which can be dangerous in freezing temperatures
- Clear snow from the exhaust pipe and run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat
- While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide
- Put on extra clothing if available
- Try to keep your clothing and footwear dry
- Keep moving your limbs and stay awake
- Be visible to rescuers
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- Switch on external warning lights and turn on the dome light at night when running the engine
- Set up a road flare and tie a bright colored cloth, to your antenna or door
- After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help
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Get more tips and tricks for winter driving here.