The North is enjoying it’s first round of real winter weather with the coming storm. This is just a friendly reminder to be safe and some notes for winter car safety.
Regardless of how long you have been driving in the winter, it never hurts to brush up on your winter car safety. Here’s a video from AAA with some great driving tips:
But safety isn’t just about driving. It is also about preparing for being stuck in the cold. I grew up in Minnesota and know very well what it is like being out in middle of a cold snap. I am an avid outdoorsmen and know all too well how quickly things can go wrong in the cold once they start. Here are a couple of easy things you can do to help keep you and your family safe this winter:
1. Keep your car in great shape. A car that is taken care of is less likely to break down stranding you in the cold.
2. If you warm up your car, make sure it is outside of your garage to avoid CO poisoning.
3. Have an emergency kit available in your car. It should include a blanket, candles, matches, some non-perishable food, bottled water, and a cell phone charger that is solar or battery powered. Communication is key to being rescued. Here’s a list of kit items from The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/life/safety/autosafety/article/winter-survival-kit_2011-10-30
Or, you can purchase a Winter Emergency Kit.
4. If you get stuck while traveling, stay in your car. If you keep your car running, make sure to keep snow away from your muffler. It will provide shelter for you and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Don’t pull a Rick Grimes and risk the zombies coming out of the woods or the cold snowstorm while you try to walk to safety. Also, don’t eat the snow. You burn far too many calories melting it that you will benefit from the water.
5. Take your time. Drive slow and drive safe.
Have a great week everyone!
