5 Winter Travel Survival Tips

1/1/2012

Tags: cold | emergencies | tips

Midwest winters can be harsh, and storms can quickly drop inches of snow. If you get trapped in your car, a few items could save your life. 

You'll need a kit: candles, clothing, a flashlight, dried fruit and water and batteries. Keep items in a plastic bin with a top. 

Stranded in a Storm?

1. Provide heat. You can safely make a small fire to warm the inside of a stranded car. Place a large metal coffee can in the middle of the car and light a medium sized smokeless candle inside of it. Keep a small crack in the window to allow any smoke to escape and to maintain a fresh supply of air.
2. Add layers of clothing. Keep these items in your kit: extra jackets, blankets, hats, gloves, socks, and long underwear.
3. Signal for help. If you don’t have a cellphone with you, use a flashlight to signal for help in the dark.
4. Stay fueled and hydrated. Nuts, dried fruit, candy bars and bottled water will provide needed nutrition, energy and hydration.
5. Keep track of expiration dates. Make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries, and keep extra in your kit. Use dry matches or a new lighter. Keep track of expiration dates on packaged food and water.

We hope you never have to use your kit. But, you never know when storms may blow in. It’s best to be prepared.

More helpful information about emergency road kits.