winter Travel
If you must travel...
- Avoid travel when the National Weather Service has issued advisories
- If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival
- Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your vehicle
- Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running)
- Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your vehicle unless safety is no more than 100 yards away
- Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can
- Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer
- Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air
- Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
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- Published: December 14, 2021
- Page reviewed/updated: April 27, 2023
