Surviving A Blizzard Warning: What To Do If You're Stranded In Your Car
I remember one winter, years ago, a friend of mine got caught in a surprise blizzard. She was only about an hour from home, but the snow started coming down so thick and fast, it was like driving through a bowl of whipped cream. Visibility dropped to zero. She ended up pulling over onto the shoulder, hoping it would blow over. An hour turned into two, then three. The car, bless its little heater, was working overtime, but the fear was definitely setting in. She called me, voice shaky, asking what on earth she should do. It got me thinking. Most of us have experienced some gnarly weather, but what happens when that weather decides to personally deliver you to Snow Globe City, population: You and your car?
So, let's talk about it. Surviving a blizzard warning, specifically when you find yourself, shall we say, unexpectedly stationary in your vehicle. It’s not exactly the kind of adventure most people sign up for, right? You picture cozying up by a fire, not wrestling with Mother Nature in a metal box. But hey, life throws curveballs (or snowballs, in this case), and being prepared is like having a secret superpower. Or at least, a way to avoid becoming a cautionary tale for future generations.
The Dreaded Blizzard Warning: It’s Not Just a Suggestion
First off, that blizzard warning? It’s not the weather forecast equivalent of a suggestion box. It’s a heads-up, a big ol’ flashing neon sign saying, “Things are about to get serious.” Ideally, you’ve already heeded this warning and are snuggled up inside, sipping hot cocoa and watching the chaos from a safe distance. But sometimes, plans go awry. Maybe you’re on an essential trip, or maybe you just underestimated how quickly things can turn. It happens. We’ve all been there, scoffing at the weather report until suddenly, we’re staring out at a whiteout.
If you’re driving and a blizzard warning is issued, and you have the slightest bit of wiggle room, my advice is simple: Don’t be a hero. Seriously. Pull over, find a safe spot (and we'll get to what 'safe' means in a bit), and wait it out. Unless you’re a seasoned Arctic explorer in a tank, driving in a blizzard is a recipe for disaster. Think of your car not as a trusty steed, but as a potentially very cold, very stuck metal box.
Okay, So I'm Stuck. Now What? The Immediate Survival Plan
So, the snow has piled up around your tires, the wind is howling like a banshee, and you’ve officially entered "stranded in your car" territory. Deep breaths, friend. This is where your calm, cool, and collected (or at least trying to be calm) self needs to kick in. Panicking is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine right now. It burns energy and clouds judgment. We need to save that energy and brainpower for important things, like figuring out how to stay warm and visible.
Stay Put, Stay Visible
This is rule number one, etched in ice: Do not try to walk home. Unless you can see your front porch from your window, and it’s a brisk five-minute walk, forget it. The cold is a silent killer, and getting disoriented in a blizzard is incredibly easy. Your car, even when stuck, is your best bet for shelter. It’s a contained environment, and it’s a lot easier for rescuers to find a vehicle than a lone person wandering through the snow.
Speaking of being found, visibility is your new best friend. If you have them, tie bright-colored cloth (like a bandana or scarf) to your antenna or door handle. This is like a beacon in the whiteout. If it’s dark, and you have flares or reflective triangles, use them. And if you have emergency lights, now's the time to deploy them. The goal is to make your car as conspicuous as humanly possible. You’re not trying to be subtle; you’re trying to be a giant, brightly colored target for any passing rescuer.
The Engine: Friend or Foe?
This is a tricky one, and it depends on a few things. The general advice is to run your engine periodically to stay warm, but not constantly. Why? Well, there are two main reasons:
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: This is the big one, and it’s no joke. When your car is covered in snow, the exhaust pipe can get blocked. Running the engine with a blocked exhaust pipe means that deadly carbon monoxide gas can seep into your car. So, before you even think about turning the key, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ice. Check it every hour or so, especially if you’ve been running the engine.
- Fuel Conservation: You don't want to run out of gas before help arrives. Running the engine for about 10 minutes every hour is generally enough to circulate the fuel and keep you warm.
So, the strategy is: run the engine for a bit, turn it off, clear the exhaust, then conserve fuel and warmth until the next interval. It's a little game of "keep warm without poisoning yourself or freezing your gas tank."
Conserve Your Phone Battery
Your smartphone is your lifeline to the outside world. When you’re stranded, that battery life becomes more precious than gold. Turn off unnecessary apps, dim your screen, and use your phone for essential communication only. If you have service, call for help immediately. Let someone know where you are, what your situation is, and who you are. If you can’t get through, try texting. Texts often go through when calls don’t. And if you have a portable charger, this is its moment to shine. Don't waste it on Candy Crush.
Building Your Blizzard Survival Kit (Or What to Do if You Don't Have One)
Ideally, you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. But let's be honest, most of us are more likely to have a half-eaten bag of chips and a stray pen. So, let's talk about what’s in that ideal kit and how to improvise if you're lacking.
The Dream Kit: What You Should Have
If you’re a planner, your car probably already has these essentials. If not, consider this your shopping list for next fall:
- Blankets and extra warm clothing: Think wool, fleece, and anything that traps body heat. Hats, gloves, scarves – the works.
- Water and non-perishable snacks: Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit. Things that won’t freeze easily and give you energy.
- First-aid kit: Standard stuff, but good to have.
- Flashlight with extra batteries: Crucial for visibility and general poking around.
- Shovel: A small, collapsible one is perfect for clearing snow from your exhaust pipe and tires.
- Sand, salt, or kitty litter: For traction if you get stuck on ice.
- Tow rope: In case someone can help pull you out.
- Jumper cables: Because you never know.
- Phone charger/power bank: See the section above on battery conservation.
- Basic toolkit: Pliers, screwdriver, etc.
- Brightly colored cloth or distress flag: For visibility.
The Improvised Kit: Making Do with What You've Got
Okay, so you don't have a fancy emergency kit. Most of us don't! Let's get creative:
- Blankets: Floor mats, extra seat covers, even newspapers can provide some insulation. Layer up with whatever you have. Your car’s floor mats can be surprisingly effective at blocking drafts from underneath.
- Snacks: Check your glove compartment and center console. That stale granola bar from last summer might just become a gourmet meal.
- Shovel: If you have anything flat and sturdy, like a plastic food tray or even a sturdy piece of cardboard, it can help you dig out a bit of snow. It won’t be pretty, but it might work in a pinch.
- Traction: That bag of potato chips? Crush them and spread them around your tires. Same with coffee grounds if you’ve got any. Anything gritty can help.
- Warmth: If you have extra clothes in your trunk, put them on before you start feeling cold. Layering is key. Stuffing newspaper or towels inside your clothing can add extra insulation.
- Water: If your water bottles are frozen, you might be able to chip away at the ice to get a little bit of water. Sip it slowly.
The main takeaway here is to use your environment. Look around your car. What can you repurpose? Your car is a collection of useful items if you think outside the box. Even a map can be used for insulation if you're desperate.
Staying Warm: The Ultimate Goal
This is the big one. Hypothermia is a serious threat, and your car is designed to keep you warm, but it has its limits when the outside is actively trying to freeze you.
The Engine Cycle: Your Best Friend (Used Wisely)
We’ve touched on this, but it bears repeating. Run your engine in 10-minute intervals every hour. This is your primary heat source. While the engine is off, conserve the heat you’ve generated. Close all windows tightly. Huddle together if you have passengers. Put on every piece of warm clothing you have. If you have extra blankets or even just your coat, use them to cover yourself and the windows to trap heat inside. Think of it as creating a mini-greenhouse effect, but for your survival.
Layer Up, Layer Up, Layer Up!
This is not the time to be fashion-conscious. Put on every layer you have. If you have a few thin layers, that’s often better than one bulky one, as it traps more air, which is a great insulator. If you have gloves, a hat, and a scarf, wear them. You lose a lot of heat from your head and extremities. Even if you feel a little warm initially, keep the layers on. The temperature inside the car can fluctuate.
Movement is Medicine (Carefully!)
While you don’t want to exert yourself too much and sweat (which can make you colder later), some gentle movement can help boost your circulation and keep you from getting stiff. Wiggle your fingers and toes, do some simple stretches. If you have passengers, you can even do some light exercises together. Just don't overdo it. We're not training for a marathon here; we're trying to stay alive and warm.
Staying Mentally Tough: It’s Not Just Physical
Being stranded in a blizzard is also a mental marathon. The isolation, the cold, the uncertainty – it can all take a toll.
Positive Self-Talk is Your Superpower
Seriously. Tell yourself you're going to be okay. You're taking the right steps. Help is coming. Focus on what you can control – staying warm, staying visible, conserving energy. Don't dwell on the 'what ifs' that lead to panic. Think of it like this: you're in survival mode. Your brain is going to try and throw some scary thoughts at you. Just acknowledge them, then gently push them aside and focus on the task at hand. You’re a resilient human being. Believe it!
Distraction Techniques
If you’re with others, talk. Tell stories. Play a game of "I Spy" if the snow outside is remotely visible. If you’re alone, try to find things to do that keep your mind occupied. Recite poetry, sing songs (quietly, to conserve energy!), or plan your next vacation. Whatever it takes to keep your mind from spiraling. Boredom is a privilege you don't have right now. Use your mind productively.
When Help Arrives: The Relief!
The sound of a snowplow, a rescue vehicle, or even just another car brave enough to venture out is like music to your ears. When help arrives, remain calm and follow their instructions. They are trained professionals. Let them know if you have any medical conditions. They'll be able to get you to a safe, warm place and assess your needs.
And when you’re finally out of the snow and safe and warm, take a moment. Breathe it all in. You survived. You faced a blizzard warning, and you came out on the other side. It’s a pretty powerful feeling, wouldn't you agree?
So, next time you see that blizzard warning, remember this. Be prepared if you can, and if you find yourself in that chilly, snowy predicament, remember the steps. Stay put, stay visible, manage your engine, conserve your resources, and most importantly, stay mentally strong. You’ve got this.