Wilderness Survival Guide 75 TRAPPED IN A CAR DURING A BLIZZARD www.adventuresmart.ca If stranded: • Stay with your vehicle and don’t try to walk to safety. • Try to make sure you’re parked in a safe spot, especially during a snowstorm or whiteout. • Don’t search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing or drifting snow. • Run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Slightly open a window on the leeward side for fresh air. • Light the survival candle from your winter kit. Remember the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Also, turn on the car’s dome light when the car is running making your car more visible to rescuers. • Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. This can stall the engine and cause fume problems. • Tie a bright coloured cloth to the antenna if your car has one, or where you can on the vehicle. • Raise your hood to indicate trouble except during a major snowstorm. A snow clogged engine compartment could stall the engine. • Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving your arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep the blood circulating and to keep warm. • Don’t stay in one position for too long and huddle together for warmth. All the occupants shouldn’t sleep at the same time. • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. • Don’t overexert yourself. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart and unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or worsen existing medical conditions. • Be aware of symptoms of dehydration. • Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats, including those in the trunk, for added insulation.
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