When Caught In A Winter Storm

Outside

Find Shelter:

• Try to stay dry 
• Cover all exposed body parts

No shelter:

• Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention
• Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect the heat

Melt snow for drinking water:

• Eating snow will lower your body temperature

In a Vehicle

Stay in vehicle:

• You will become quickly disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat
• Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked

Be visible to rescuers:

• Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine
• Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door
• After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help

Exercise:

• From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm

Inside

Stay inside:

• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.

No heat:

• Close of unneeded rooms
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
• Cover windows at night
• Eat and drink.  Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Keep the body replenised with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.
   

When Caught In A Winter Storm

Outside

Find Shelter:

• Try to stay dry 
• Cover all exposed body parts

No shelter:

• Build a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind
• Build a fire for heat and to attract attention
• Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect the heat

Melt snow for drinking water:

• Eating snow will lower your body temperature

In a Vehicle

Stay in vehicle:

• You will become quickly disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold
• Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat
• Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked

Be visible to rescuers:

• Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine
• Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door
• After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help

Exercise:

• From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm

Inside

Stay inside:

• When using alternate heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use fire safeguards and properly ventilate.

No heat:

• Close of unneeded rooms
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
• Cover windows at night
• Eat and drink.  Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.  Keep the body replenised with fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.