For many Overlanders, winter is just another season in a year-round devotion to the outdoors, and many of us enjoy the relative isolation in our favorite spots without the fair weather masses. The unexpected can and will occur, and a few tips can keep you safe. 

I’ve been stuck in the snow, rescued by California Highway Patrol, and took a bad turn in Moab resulting in an unexpected overnighter sleeping in the back of the rig. It happens.

Michael Murguia – Overland Bound

By Aaron Laurich, paramedic for the travel firm Global Rescue
and former U.S. Army combat medic.

If the unlikely occurs and you do find yourself trapped in your car during a blizzard, it’s important to know what to do. Do you call for help right away? Do you get out of the car? What supplies should you have just in case?

“The first thing to do is remain calm,” said Aaron Laurich, paramedic for the travel firm Global Rescue
and former U.S. Army combat medic. Here’s something you should have in your car at all times in case a blizzard strikes…
Be Prepared With An Emergency Kit
There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for a snow-in situation. First, make sure your car is stocked with supplies in winter if you live in an at-risk area. “Absolutely keep an emergency kit , and keep your gas tank above three quarters,” Laurich said. The fuel adds weight to your car, which keeps the vehicle centered on the road while allowing for better handling in icy situations. Laurich also recommends keeping the following in your vehicle during winter:

Warm, dry layers
Blankets
Jumper cables
Flashlight
Signal devices like flares “to let rescuers know of your location”
Food that is easily digestible and easily stored, like granola bars
A small shovel

Have A Source Of Water
In case you find yourself stuck, it’s essential to have enough water. “Keep around three gallons per person per day,” Laurich said. “That’s the general rule, but it’s a lot of water to carry so as long as you have some . I also recommend you keep a water container or metal jug to collect snow in.” In an emergency situation, potable water can be retrieved from snow by melting it on your dashboard in a container. “Let it melt first because you burn up energy trying to melt it as you take it in,” Laurich said. “So if you have a stove, melt the snow in small quantities or in a metal jug.”
Keep Your Vehicle Well-Serviced
Another way to be prepared for blizzard driving is to keep your car well-maintained. “Regular maintenance and recommended oil changes ,” Laurich said. “In wintertime, make sure you have good tires — snow tires with good tread. Refilling windshield washer fluid is not a bad idea either.” Laurich also recommended weighing down your car by keeping a sandbag or a bag of kitty litter in the back. By doing this, you’re increasing stopping time and traction while decreasing potential swerving.
Take Inventory Of The Situation
Once you’ve assessed your situation, shovel out a trench in front of your tires. Then, put down sand or kitty litter, and use that as traction to get back on the road. Once you’re mobile, find a more suitable spot — like a parking lot or a clearing — to pull over and find safety.
Stay In Your Vehicle
Should you stay or should you go? The golden rule is to stay in your stranded vehicle, unless you’re in sight of a building. In that case, seek alternative shelter. “The difficulty comes if you’re in a white-out blizzard because leaving could leave you disoriented,” Laurich said. “The car is a safe place.”
Stay Warm
If you’re going to be inside your vehicle for a long period of time, warmth is key. “Circulation will drop and so will body temperature,” Laurich said. “Do some workouts and keep moving. Get in the back seat so you can stretch your legs. Keep the blood flowing. Run your car for 10 minutes every hour after making sure the exhaust is clear.” While your car is on, you can charge your phone and put a container of snow on the dashboard to melt for water.
Don’t Drive In Storms
Finally, the best thing you can do to avoid getting stuck in a blizzard is to not drive during one. “Prevention is worth everything in cases like this,” Laurich said. But if you must brave the elements, be sure to dress the part. “If you live in a city — a lot of people commute to work and are not dressed for winter — keep extra layers in your car. It doesn’t take much to throw those items in the back.”

Global Rescue has provided travelers all over the world with medical advisory and evacuation services since 2004, with more than 15,000 missions completed. Before your next trip, consider a Global Rescue membership as part of your survival plan. For more, go to www.globalrescue.com.