Extreme Cold: What to do if You’re Stranded

First posted on 01-25-2010

Arkansans still have months of winter weather ahead and should know the ropes to dealing with extreme cold in case of emergencies, said Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“Temperatures in the teens or single digits are uncomfortable,” she said. “But if you’re stranded outside, or without power inside, those low temperatures can be deadly.”

Before traveling, listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Do not travel in low visibility conditions. Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses and bridges if at all possible, McKinnon said.

“If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive,” she said. “Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.”

Other tips:

Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow as shattering may occur.

You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as needed. Be sure to have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with a tester and then add antifreeze as needed.

Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture and replace any worn tires, checking the air pressure occasionally. During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Equip your car for winter survival at the end of fall. Be sure to include blankets, a first aid kit, windshield scraper, booster cables, road maps, tool kit, paper towels, collapsible shovel, container of water and food, flashlight and extra batteries, bright cloth and canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair.
“Dress warmly for winter travel making sure you have a hat, scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, sleeves that ate snug at the wrist, mittens or gloves, water-resistant coat and boots, layers of loose-fitting clothing,” McKinnon said. “Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.”

Whether inside or outside, stay dry - wet clothing chills the body rapidly.

“Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm,” she said.

“As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer and huddle with other people for warmth,” McKinnon said.

Use a cell phone or find a way to obtain help as soon as possible to limit time in extreme cold, McKinnon said.

Share | |