With Jack Frost already nipping at our nose, it is time to think about winter safety when traveling on Saskatchewan roads. Since the development of cell phones, many people do not take the extra precautions when traveling during winter due to the fact that ‘If’ something should happen they can just call for help. However, with many living in a mostly rural area, even with a cell phone, help may be a long ways away, you may not know your exact location in order to direct emergency services to you or you may not even have cell phone service as there are many ‘dead’ zones within our province.
Some simple, inexpensive tips could help save your life so this winter take the time to make sure you are winter-ready and prepared for an emergency. There are two categories of winter car survival kits; one to help you get your vehicle unstuck and one to help you survive in case you can’t get unstuck. Go through the following lists and make sure you are prepared for yet another long winter season!
Items to help get your vehicle unstuck:
1. Snow Shovel
2. Windshield Scraper and Brush
3. Traction Mats, Sand, Salt or Cat Litter for traction
4. Small Tarp or Cardboard for kneeling on when working in the snow
5. LED Flashlight and Batteries
6. Rope or chain
7. Booster Cables
8. Heat safe gloves for handling hot items such as your exhaust
Items to help you survive if you cannot get unstuck:
1. Stainless Steel Water Bottle for melting snow to drink (DO NOT eat snow to hydrate as it lowers your core body temperature to melt the snow)
2. Food – Crackers, Chips, Nuts and any other item that can be eaten without cooking first
3. Wool Blanket or Reflective Emergency Blanket
4. Change of clothes in case your clothing becomes wet from snow while trying to become unstuck; and an extra pair of gloves
5. Waterproof matches and Candles
6. Road Flares
7. First Aid Kit
If you will be traveling on the highway, always check the weather and highway hotline to check for road conditions prior to leaving. If you encounter bad weather, become stuck and cannot free yourself DO NOT leave your vehicle running without first ensuring your exhaust is free and clear of all snow and ice and only run it for about 10 minutes every hour to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. STAY WITH your vehicle. Do not try to walk for help as you can easily become disorientated and lose your sense of direction.
It only takes moments for an accident to happen and although many people believe it won’t happen to them, taking a few extra steps to ensure your safety could also save your life in an emergency situation.
Written by: Bobbi - Lynne McGarry
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