Chesapeake In The Know

If you were stuck in your car in the middle of a snow storm for over 24 hours, would you know what to do? It could absolutely happen so the time to prepare is now.

• Build a vehicle emergency kit that has jumper cables, flares, cell phone chargers, an ice scraper, snacks (think non-perishable high-calorie options like trail mix or beef jerky), water, wool blankets (wool dries quickly and is great at keeping in the heat), and extra cold weather clothes.
• Put a stack of newspapers in your trunk. Newspaper is a great insulator and can help keep the cold out.
• Keep a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk to use for traction if you get stuck.
• Keep your car maintained (regularly check fluids and battery) and keep your gas tank as full as possible at all times.

If you get stranded in your car in the winter:

• Call 911. Tell them your exact location and make sure your car is visible for rescuers.
• Don’t leave your vehicle if you can’t see a safe place to walk to. No matter how cold it may feel in the car, it’ll be colder outside. The car is your shelter.
• Manage your fuel level. If you’re running low, only turn the car on for a few minutes every hour to make sure your battery doesn’t die and your fuel lines don’t freeze.
• Regularly check your exhaust pipe to make sure it isn’t clogged with snow or ice. A clogged exhaust pipe could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more on staying safe in winter weather, visit Ready.gov/Winter.