When discussing winter travel preparedness, drivers must consider their personal needs, as well as making sure their automobile is ready to face unforeseen conditions. While avoiding driving in known hazardous conditions is the wisest choice, storms may strike with little or no warning. Likewise, driving may be necessary. Time spent in preparation is your best defense. If winter weather deteriorates, the prepared driver is less likely to panic and stress out. Panic and stress are leading factors in making the wrong choice during an emergency.
Preparing Your
Automobile:
Before frigid temperatures set in, have your vehicle prepared for winter driving. As part of your regular auto maintenance, have the battery condition checked. Cold weather and a weak battery can leave you stranded. Likewise, winter demands a greater use of lights, so make sure they're working properly. Make sure the tire tread is adequate for the conditions you will be driving in. Also, make sure all belts and hoses are checked along with routine maintenance. During winter, you must have a vehicle that will start and not leave you stranded with mechanical failure. Don't forget to have the cooling system fluid checked. Drivers should keep the gas tank at least half full, to avoid gas line freeze. Additive in the gas tank can also keep moisture from freezing in the lines.
Emergency Travel
Supplies:
Drivers should consider
emergency travel supplies as an essential part of preparing their car for
winter driving. Every driver should consider their personal needs,
when preparing emergency supplies. But remember, You can last 3 weeks with
little to no food, but you can only last 3 days without water, and only 3 hours
without adequate warmth.
If you have a mechanical
breakdown, or become stuck..... many
people die each year when they attempt to leave their vehicle during a
storm. Do not leave your vehicle, in search of help. Your
best chance of rescue is to stay with your vehicle. Do not panic. Tie
a red bandanna to your automobile antenna as a signal for help.
Turn on the car's engine
for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also,
turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.....Beware of carbon
monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind
window slightly for ventilation.
Here's a list of the
essentials you should make sure are in your vehicle.
Keep some extra clothing
in the car, you may have to dress in
layers at some point, also if the clothes you're wearing get wet you will have
to change, wearing wet clothes in a freezing situation can be a killer.
Have a flashlight,
battery powered radio, and extra
batteries.
Keep some granola bars
in the car, or other kinds of non perishable high energy foods. If you become
stranded beside the road during a storm you could be there for a while. The
bars will keep your energy levels up, keeping you warmer.
Have a knife, this is the most valuable life saving tool you can keep in the car.
Candles, water proof matches,
and a wide base can to hold the candle, besides light, it will give off heat.
Bottled water, you must
stay hydrated.
Something else I keep
the glove box is pencils, paper, and a compass.....If heaven forbid you do end
up having the hike back to a populated area, it will help you keep your bearing.
These are only my suggestions,
you know your personal situation better than I...so include those items you
think you may need.......
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