First Snow Means it’s Time to Think about Winter Safety

The first good snowfall of 2016 arrived Sunday and just like every past year, there were accidents related to the weather. It seems like there should be refresher training for driving in the snow.  Police, Fire, EMS, and tow trucks had their hands full all day with everything from run-offs to accidents. If you didn’t get prepared in time, make sure to be ready for the next snow. We all know there will be plenty more snow to deal with, and driving in it takes some planning. Here are some tips on how to make a winter survival kit. If you drive anyplace in the Midwest, you should carry a winter survival kit in your car. In an emergency, it could save your life and the lives of your passengers. Here is what you need, a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight with extra batteries and a battery powered radio. Make sure you remember to take water, snack food, including energy bars, raisins and mini candy bars. If you get stranded you will need to keep warm, so pack matches and small candles, extra hats, socks and mittens. Don’t forget the First Aid kit along with a pocket knife. You never know when you could be stranded for several days, so take any necessary medications, blankets or sleeping bags. It is frowned upon to help or be helped by someone using their vehicle. Most people do not have any flashing safety lights or enough flares to make sure the scene is safe when you are pulling someone or being pulled out of the ditch. If you can’t wait for help make sure you have a good quality tow chain or rope, road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction. Booster cables, emergency flares, reflectors, fluorescent distress flag and a whistle to attract attention can come in handy. A very important item you will need is a cell phone adapter to plug into the lighter.

A few simple tips to keep your kit ready would be, reverse batteries in flashlight to avoid accidental switching on and burn out. Store items in the back seat or passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut. Choose small packages of food that you can eat hot or cold and that will not freeze. Also, keep your drinking water inside the vehicle. If you need to call for help, keep contact numbers handy in your phone and if you must dial 911 here are some tips. If possible, call 911 on your cell phone, many have GPS tracking and will provide the dispatcher with your location.Pay attention to where you are during travel so you can provide your location, condition of everyone in the vehicle and the problem you’re experiencing. Follow instructions, you may be told to stay where you are until help arrives. Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next. If you must leave the vehicle, write down your name, address, phone number and destination. Place the piece of paper inside the front windshield for someone to see.

These very simple survival tips may make a difference in an emergency. Prepare your vehicle by making sure you keep your gas tank at least half full. Plan your trip and tell someone where you are going, the route you will take and the estimated time of travel. Modern technology gives you options to be tracked by your loved ones during your trip.

These features on today’s smart phones tell you where on the map you are, your speed and direction of travel. If you do get stuck, be very careful when exiting the vehicle. Other drivers may not be paying attention and they do not expect vehicles to be parked along the side of roads outside of the city limits. Tie a florescent flag or brightly colored handkerchief on your antenna or hang it out the window.  At night, keep your dome light on. Rescue crews will be able to see the small glow at a distance. To reduce the drain on your battery, use emergency flashers only if you see or hear approaching vehicles. If you’re with someone else, make sure at least one person is awake and keeping watch for help always. Stay in your vehicle, walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You might become lost or exhausted. Your vehicle is a very good shelter and you should have it stoked for several days if needed. Avoid overexertion if you are shoveling snow or pushing your car, it takes a lot of effort and you don’t want to risk a heart attack or injury. That work can also make you hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation value, making you susceptible to hypothermia.

Keep the vehicle windows open for fresh air. It’s better to be cold and awake than comfortably warm and sleepy. Snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car. Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow and only run the engine for 10 minutes an hour. Don’t expect to be as comfortable as in your own home if you are stranded. You want to survive until you’re found and this may not be like a night in the Hilton Hotel but in the end, you will be found safe.

Until next week, stay safe

Chief Rindfleisch