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Stranded in a vehicle during a blizzard

Becoming trapped in a vehicle during a severe snowstorm or blizzard presents dual hazards: freezing temperatures and carbon monoxide poisoning. Staying with your vehicle provides shelter, wind protection, and an easily visible target for snowplows and rescue crews.

Do this now

  1. Stay inside your vehicle: Do not leave your car to walk for help during a blizzard unless a visible building is within 90 meters (100 yards). Blowing snow produces whiteout conditions where drivers easily lose orientation and freeze.
  2. Clear the exhaust pipe before running the engine: Check that snow and ice are completely cleared from the tailpipe. A blocked exhaust pipe forces lethal carbon monoxide gas directly into the passenger cabin.
  3. Run the engine 10 minutes every hour: Start the engine for 10 minutes each hour to run the heater and recharge the car battery. Turn off the engine for the remaining 50 minutes to conserve fuel. Keep a downwind window open 1 cm (half an inch) for fresh airflow while the engine runs.
  4. Turn on interior overhead light at night: Turn on the dome light when the engine is running to make the vehicle visible to rescuers in the dark.
  5. Exercise in your seat: Move your arms, legs, fingers, and toes periodically to maintain blood circulation, but avoid working so hard that you sweat, as damp clothing loses insulation value.

Marking your vehicle for rescue

  • Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or window: Fasten a neon orange or bright red cloth, towel, or shirt to your car antenna or hang it from the top of the driver side window.
  • Turn on hazard lights when hearing rescue vehicles: Use hazard lights sparingly to save battery power, turning them on when you hear snowplows or emergency sirens approaching.

Winter vehicle emergency kit

Keep these items in your vehicle during winter months:

  • Thermal blankets or sleeping bags: Heavy wool or synthetic blankets.
  • High-calorie non-perishable food: Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries: LED headlamps are ideal.
  • Small shovel and windshield scraper: For clearing snow and tailpipe.
  • Portable phone power bank: Kept warm inside your jacket pocket to preserve battery charge.