If you are stranded in your vehicle during
a winter storm:
Stay with your vehicle.
Use your cell phone to call 911. Be aware of your location and situation.
Move all your emergency supplies from the vehicle’s trunk to the interior of the car as soon as you realize you may be staying for a while.
Check your supplies to see what you have available and arrange them in order for their use. This will help you ration them in case you are stranded for a long period of time.
Run the engine sparingly. Start with 15 minutes every hour and adjust if needed. While running the engine, keep a downwind window cracked to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
If the cold is extreme, it may be necessary to keep the engine running continuously. It may not restart if shut off.
Never go to sleep with the engine running.
Turn on the dome light at night while the engine is running. It may help others to locate you. Turn it off when you turn off the engine so you don’t run down the car’s battery.
Put on warm clothing right away, before you start to get cold. It is easier to stay warm than it is to regain lost warmth. Loosen tight clothing so body heat can circulate. Remove metal jewelry, as it can chill you.
Keep your feet off the floor if the heater is not on.
Use newspapers, maps, or even the removable car mats for added insulation.
Do mild exercises to help you stay warm.
Watch for signs of frostbite or hypo-thermia.
Eat a snack of high calorie food just before sleeping to stimulate your metabolism (heat production). If you awaken due to the cold, eat some more high energy food and add another layer of insulation such as more clothing or a blanket.
Tie a colorful banner on the car antenna. If you need to leave the car for any distance during the storm, tie a nylon rope to the car and yourself so you will be able to find your way back to the car.
Winter Weather Preparedness Guide
SD Department of
Public Safety
Phone: 605.773.3231
Fax: 605.773.3580