A snowstorm in Virginia stranded lots of of drivers on Interstate 95 this week, leaving them shivering hour after hour, questioning why they couldn’t transfer and when assist was coming.
Within the aftermath of the storm, security consultants have supplied recommendation on how folks can keep protected if they’re caught of their automobiles. Their high tip? Be ready.
However first, a caveat: Examine the climate forecast earlier than hitting the street, they stated. If a snowstorm is anticipated, it’s best to remain put.
For individuals who enterprise out anyway, listed below are some vital security ideas ought to catastrophe strike.
Pack a ‘go bag.’
Some vital necessities to carry are meals, water and a charged cellphone, stated Dr. Ken Zafren, an emergency medication professor at Stanford College and an emergency doctor on the Alaska Native Medical Middle in Anchorage, Alaska.
Past that, consultants stated it might be useful to have the next: parkas, blankets, sleeping baggage, boots, mittens, hats, flares, medicines, wipes, a shovel, a first-aid equipment, a cellphone charger, an ice scraper, jumper cables and a full tank of gasoline.
Even higher: Preserve this stuff in your automobile year-round, consultants stated.
Keep heat.
You might be on the street. Snow is blanketing the bottom. Visitors is gridlocked. What now?
First, don’t go away your automobile, consultants stated. It’s the most secure place to be till the storm dies down.
“Regardless of how chilly it’s contained in the automobile, it will likely be colder exterior,” stated Gordon Giesbrecht, a professor on the College of Manitoba who has studied human responses to excessive environments.
Winter Storms in the US
From the East Coast to the Western U.S., a barrage of winter storms has wreaked havoc throughout the nation.
Resist the temptation to go out and discover assist, he added. When you go exterior, you could possibly get hypothermia or change into misplaced.
As a substitute, generate warmth by turning on the automobile for as much as 10 minutes each hour, stated Dr. Steve Mitchell, a medical director on the Harborview Medical Middle’s emergency division in Seattle. Any longer may waste gasoline.
Human our bodies naturally generate heat, though youthful folks lose warmth quicker, he added. Put on a hat so you don’t lose warmth out of your head.
Dr. Giesbrecht suggests maximizing your physique warmth by hugging your chest and placing your fingers in your armpits.
There is just one state of affairs through which you need to step exterior: if you might want to test that your tail pipe is obvious, to get rid of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust, consultants stated.
Handle your self.
It’s simple to really feel remoted or scared, however bear in mind that you’re surrounded by different people who find themselves additionally stranded, stated Dr. Grant Lipman, the founding father of the World Outside Emergency Help, an app that gives ideas for emergencies.
In case you have them, eat meals which can be excessive in fats and carbohydrates, which provides you with vitality and assist generate heat, he added. That features nuts, chocolate and sweet bars.
When you run out of water, drink melted snow, Dr. Mitchell stated. However don’t drink alcohol. It should disorient you.
Have wipes and a bottle helpful if you might want to go to the toilet, Dr. Lipman stated.
Whereas your telephone might present a wanted distraction, it is very important protect your battery to be able to make emergency calls, he stated. Shut your browser and another battery-draining apps.
As a substitute, you’ll be able to distract your self by doing small workouts within the automobile, which can even enable you to keep heat, Dr. Lipman stated.
What about pets?
Lean breeds, older canine, and puppies are extra inclined to hypothermia, in accordance with the American Kennel Membership.
Consultants stated you need to embody objects in your pets in your emergency equipment, resembling a blanket and meals. Whereas within the automobile, you could possibly huddle along with your pet for heat. Ideally, you’ll be able to cowl the pet with some type of insulation.
Be seen to rescuers.
When your engine is operating, flip in your hazard lights or dome lights so rescuers can see you, consultants stated.
The Nationwide Climate Service suggests tying a bright-colored material to your antenna or door. When the snow lets up, elevate the hood to sign for assist.
Driving when the storm passes.
Drive slowly to keep away from skidding, and be aware that it takes longer to decelerate in icy street situations, in accordance with AAA. Accelerating too quickly may cause wheels to spin uncontrolled.
Keep distance from different automobiles, vehicles, and snow plows.
Tire strain drops in chilly climate. Drivers ought to examine tires month-to-month and earlier than lengthy journeys, in accordance with steering issued by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration.