Safety tips if you get stranded while driving during winter storm

The Indiana State Police and National Weather Service have the following tips if you get stranded in your vehicle during the winter storm.

  • Before you leave, let someone know where you are headed and your route of travel.
  • Make sure you have a full tank of gas. If you are stranded and keep your car running, you will use an average of one gallon of gas per hour. A full or near-full tank gives you more time with your heater running.
  • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
  • While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Do not leave your car if stranded. It is your best protection.
  • Carry a winter survival kit in your car that includes blankets, extra warm clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, brightly colored cloth, sand or a bag of cat litter, shovel, candles and matches, non perishable high calorie foods, (nuts, raisins, and protein or energy bars), newspapers (for insulation), a first aid kit and jumper cables.
  • Make sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • At night, leave your dome light on.
  • Always have your cell phone and a charger so you can call the Indiana State Police or local police.
  • Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
  • After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.