Yikes! I'm stranded

Rachel had suddenly been caught in a blizzard. If you are caught in a blizzard while driving, there are many things you can do to be prepared.

Where to go:

• Stay in the car
• Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in the blowing and drifting snow.

Attracting attention:

• Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna (or a pole).
• Turn on the car's dome light (when the car is running).

Keeping warm:

• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally.Try not to stay in one position for too long.
• If more than one person is in the car, huddle together for warmth and take turns sleeping.
• Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
• To keep warm, each hour turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes and run the heater while the car is running.
• Conserve fuel by running the car for short, occasional periods of time.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Carbon Monoxide is odorless, invisible, and tasteless and is a by product of your vehicles exhaust. It is known as the “Silent Killer.”

Caution with exertion:

• Avoid overexertion.
• Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse

Keep hydrated:

• Be aware of symptoms of dehydration which range from minor to severe: increased thirst, dry mouth and swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding), confusion, sluggishness (even fainting), inability to sweat, decreased urine output.
• Urine color may indicate dehydration. If urine is concentrated and deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated.

References:

• FEMA: Factsheet: Winter Driving