Blizzards are the most dangerous winter storms. High winds and heavy snow combine to reduce visibility and produce potentially fatal wind chills. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 25 percent of all winter deaths are the result of people caught outside during a severe storm.
12 Survival Tips
Travel when any winter storm is in the forecast is ill advised. If, however, it is necessary for you to be on the road, the following tips from the Northeast States Emergency Consortium and FEMA will keep you safe if the weather worsens and you are unable to leave your car:
If you are traveling during a storm, provide family members or a friend with your intended route and your destination. Also leave a phone number where you can be reached at your destination and let family and friends know when you plan to arrive. Make sure you have a fully stocked winter emergency kit, extra clothing and a charged cell phone in your car.
If you get stuck on the highway or if visibility is poor, pull off the road if you can. Turn on your hazard lights and tie a distress flag or bright piece of cloth to your radio antenna.
Stay in your car during the storm where you are sheltered from the elements and rescuers can find you. Set out on foot only if you can see a building where you know you can take shelter. A caveat: distances can be distorted by the storm and what seems like an acceptable distance may be too far to walk in deep and drifting snow.
Run your engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, partially open a downwind window for ventilation. Periodically clear the tailpipe to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. Vigorously move your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep your blood circulating. Use road maps, newspapers, seat covers and even floor mats to insulate your body from the cold.
If traveling with passengers, take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to turn the engine on hourly and to be on the lookout for rescue crews. Huddle together for warmth.
Drink fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both can cause dehydration.
Be careful not to waste your car’s battery power. You do not want to kill your battery power while your car still has gas. Use the radio and lights conservatively. Use the fans and heaters with the engine on. If your battery starts to die, turn on the engine to recharge it.
At night, turn on the dome light when the engine is running, so rescuers can see you.
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance of the skin. Fingers, toes and noses are most susceptible to frostbite. Uncontrollable shivering, slow speech and drowsiness are signs of hypothermia.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large letters spelling out SOS or HELP in an open area and line with rocks and tree limbs to draw the attention of airborne rescuers.
If it looks like you will be stranded for several days, ration your supplies. If you run out of water, drink melted snow, but use snow found as far away from the road as possible so you won’t ingest chemicals and dirt. Only drink melted snow after it has warmed a bit in the car. Cold water will lower your body temperature. Check for any food that may have fallen between the seats or on the floor. As disgusting as it sounds, that stale cookie and mushed up candy bar are still sources of calories and energy.
No one sets out on a trip expecting to be caught in a blizzard, but preparing for the unexpected could save your life.