Why This Skill Matters

Surviving a blizzard in a vehicle with your family is crucial because severe winter storms can trap you in your car for extended periods. Understanding how to prepare and react can mean the difference between life and death. Blizzard conditions can reduce visibility to near zero and make travel impossible, leaving you stranded until conditions improve or rescue teams can reach you.

What You Need

Materials

  • Warm clothing: multiple layers of wool or synthetic materials, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Emergency car kit: flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, whistle, flares, and emergency phone charger
  • Food: non-perishable items like energy bars, dried fruits, and nuts
  • Water: at least one gallon per person per day, plus water purification tablets
  • Tools: ice scraper, snow shovel, and tow rope
  • Entertainment: books, playing cards, and portable games

Knowledge

  • Basic car maintenance: how to check and change tires, battery, and fluids
  • Winter driving skills: how to handle icy roads and drive in low visibility
  • First aid basics: how to treat common injuries and illnesses

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation Before the Blizzard
  2. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition: check the battery, antifreeze, heater, and tires.
  3. Fill the gas tank and carry a small fuel container for the heater.

  4. Pack your emergency kit and keep it accessible.

  5. During the Blizzard

  6. Stay in your vehicle unless you can see a building nearby within walking distance.
  7. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour to keep warm and maintain battery life.
  8. Open a window slightly for ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  9. Use blankets to insulate yourself from the cold.

  10. Eat and drink to maintain energy and hydration.

  11. After the Blizzard

  12. Once conditions improve, signal for help using flares or a brightly colored cloth.
  13. If you need to walk for help, tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
  14. Keep moving your arms and legs to maintain body heat.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Not Preparing in Advance: Always have your emergency kit ready and accessible.
  • Running Out of Fuel: Keep your gas tank full and carry extra fuel.
  • Freezing to Death: Use blankets and run the heater intermittently to conserve battery power.
  • Dehydration and Malnutrition: Carry non-perishable food and water.
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Open a window slightly for ventilation.

Variations, Tips, and Related Techniques

  • Stay Visible: Use flares, a bright cloth, or your hazard lights to signal for help.
  • Stay Warm: Use body heat to keep warm; huddle together under blankets.
  • Stay Informed: Keep a portable radio to listen for weather updates and instructions.
  • Stay Calm: Maintain a positive attitude and keep children entertained to reduce stress.

TLDR: Prepare your vehicle with an emergency kit, stay in your car during a blizzard, run the engine intermittently, and signal for help when conditions improve.

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