Staying safe if you get stuck in snow

December 13, 2010|By Clifton French (cfrench@wsbt.com)

Lake effect snow left more than 70 people stranded in their cars in parts of Porter and Lake counties since the latest round of winter hit our area.

InDOT crews used front-end loaders to help dig out people stuck on part of State Road 2 and U.S. 30. Police say everyone rescued was found warm and safe in their vehicles. The wind from the north is causing problems on east-west roads.

So what do you do if you find yourself stranded in your vehicle?

The Red Cross has some tips to keep you safe while stranded in the snow.

The main message:Be Prepared.

"It's very important, things happen very fast," Deb Moore, Elkhart County Red Cross, said, "There's nothing more precious than your life or your child's life."

Moore says people should try to stay off the roads, but if they have to go out in the snow they should take some things with them:

Flashlight
Warm winter clothes (gloves, hats, etc.)
Blanket
Food
Water

"You should have a gallon of water per person per day, in your vehicle with you," Moore said, "So if you get stuck, you have your water right there with you, have sandwiches, fruit... just be prepared."

Moore says drivers should be sure to keep the water and food in the cab of the car so it doesn't freeze.

Also, drivers should pack a snow shovel and make sure their car is in good snow condition.

"Check your antifreeze, check your windshield wiper blades, check your fluid, there's a whole list of things you can check to make sure you're car is in good working order," Moore said.

If you are stuck, the Red Cross recommends tying something bright to the antenna of the car to alert responders that someone is inside the vehicle.

To be safe, tell someone where you're going, the route you'll be taking, when you expect to arrive and try to keep the gas tank above half-full.

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