Tips On Being Stranded In Snow

Winter is a phenomenal season in Arnold, Oakville, Imperial, and Jefferson County, MO, particularly if a new layer of snow covers everything. Wintertime could also be a very hazardous season. If you are thinking of traveling during the long cold winter, it is good to be completely prepared for winter driving and to have winter car supplies in your motor vehicle. Unfortunately, being trapped on the side of the road in severe winter conditions is not unheard of. CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, Missouri has provided these guidelines to help you in case you ever find yourself in that situation.

If You're Marooned While Driving In Winter:

1.   Call 911. If you have access to a cell phone, call 911 to get assistance. When you speak with authorities, be ready to:

• Describe the place, condition of your companions and the trouble you're encountering.
• Listen for questions.
• Follow any instruction. You may be told you should stay where you are to assist rescuers or to return to the scene.
• Do not hang up until you know whom you have spoken with and what's going to happen next.

2.   Remain in your vehicle. Walking in a storm can be very dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, collapse, and risk your life. Your vehicle itself is a great shelter.

3.   Try to avoid overexertion. Attempting to push your automobile, trying to jack it into a new position or shoveling snow takes great effort in storm conditions. You may risk heart attack or other injury.
4.   Calm down and think. The storm will end and you'll be found. Don't work enough to get hot and sweaty. Wet clothing loses insulation quality making you more prone to the effects of hypothermia.
5.   Keep fresh air in your automobile. It is much better to be chilly or cold and conscious than to be comfortably warm and slide into unconsciousness. Freezing-wet or wind-driven St. Louis area snow could plug your automobile's exhaust system making deadly carbon monoxide gas get in your car.
6.   Don't run the engine unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects. Keep the radiator free from snow to prevent the engine from getting too hot. Run the engine at 10 minute intervals for heat.
7.   Turn on the dome light during the nighttime, but only when running the engine.
8.   Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothes, changing positions frequently, and moving your arms and legs. Huddle close to each other. Rub your hands together or put them under your armpits or in between your legs. Remove your shoes from time to time and massage your feet.
9.   Do not expect to be comfortable. The challenge is to survive until you are discovered.
10.   Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

Whenever you get free from danger, your motor vehicle may have some cosmetic or internal damage. If that's the case, consider taking your car or truck to CARSTAR Arnold in Arnold, MO. They have auto body experts prepared to handle any damage that your vehicle could have incurred.