Car Preparedness and Safety

After much thought and prayer, I feel the need to post information on car preparedness and safety. Especially in this cold and snowy weather, it is extremely important that we prepare ourselves for the possibility of being in our cars for an extended period of time. There were many people in Virginia (during the last big snowstorm) that were stuck on the highways for hours. Also, there was a news report about an elderly couple from Oregon whose GPS led them down an remote forest road. They were stranded for three days, but because they were prepared with warm clothes, food, and water, they survived. (Click here to read the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2009-12-28-GPS-stranding_N.htm?csp=34) A good way to get started: purchase some inexpensive emergency blankets (they look like foil and you can get them at any camping store, emergency website, or even in the camping section at Walmart) to keep in your car(s). I just stuck a bunch of them in my glove box a few weeks ago. It's amazing how doing something as simple as that makes you feel so much more prepared and a little less fearful. The following is information from the Emergency Essentials website:

Car Preparedness and Safety
The following is a recommendation of items to put into an emergency car kit:
Water for drinking and cooking
Food and snacks (compressed high energy snack bars are excellent because of their ability to withstand most car temperatures)
Flashlight with extra batteries, or handcrank charging flashlight. (batteries last longer in LED flashlights)
First aid kit with burn care dressings and gel
Sanitation and sundry items including soap (hand sanitizer is a great idea because it does not require any water)
Maps and compass
AM/FM radio. We recommend having a radio with more than one source of power, or hand crank radios,(now come with flashlights also).
Chemical lightsticks are recommended because of their safety
Road flares can be used but are not as safe as the lightsticks
Candle with windproof/waterproof matches (remember, in some cases it is not wise to light a match in case of a gas leak)
Emergency blanket or bag
Extra clothing

Other useful items to remember:
Jumper cables
Car repair kit
Try to always maintain at least one-half tank of gas
Cell phone to report any emergencies (many disconnected cell phones may still be able to call “911” when charged)
Fire extinguisher
Paper and pencil for leaving notes or recording any thoughts
Toys and other special consideration items for children
Books and games for entertainment
Short rubber hose for siphoning
There are many ways to customize your emergency car kit. It is also important to consider special needs such as those with diabetes or hypoglycemia, babies, elderly, and people with allergies or chronic illness (always consult your physician). For a person with diabetes, remember to have extra insulin on hand. For a person with hypoglycemia, store high energy snacks in addition to their ration of food. For babies, store extra diapers, formula, blankets, and clothes.
If you have no way of calling for help, tie a bright red piece of cloth on your antenna. This is generally recognized as a call for assistance. Remember to always let someone know what time you left and what time you expect to arrive at your destination.
By taking these precautions, you can prepare your family for an emergency and feel more confident in your travels.
Roadwise Emergency Kit
Wavelength Emergency Radio, Charger & Flashlight
Emergency Road Side Kit
Calorie Food Bars
Aqua Blox

Preparing for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Here is some information that is posted on the FEMA website that I found to be very helpful. Please read it over and prepare yourselves accordingly.

Are You Ready?
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, storm surge, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia.

Know the TermsFamiliarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:
Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Take Protective Measures
Before Winter Storms and Extreme ColdInclude the following in your disaster supplies kit:
Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

To winterize your car, attend to the following:
Battery and ignition system should be in top condition and battery terminals clean.
Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Ensure the heater and defroster work properly.
Check and repair windshield wiper equipment; ensure proper washer fluid level.
Ensure the thermostat works properly.
Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability.
Check for leaks and crimped pipes in the exhaust system; repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Check breaks for wear and fluid levels.
Check oil for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains.
Replace fuel and air filters. Keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.

Dress for the Weather
Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

During a Winter Storm
The following are guidelines for what you should do during a winter storm or under conditions of extreme cold:
Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first, and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts

If a blizzard traps you in the car, keep these guidelines in mind:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open an upwind window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for res-cue crews.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.