stuck in snow

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bladeNUT82

Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
122
Hello,
The other day, my wife to be, asked me what would i do if we got stuck in a whiteout and the car didn't work, say we ran out of gas in the middle of a bad snow storm. Being that we live in Michigan, and its almost winter time, I have been thinking about this question myself. So I was wondering, what you would do?
 
Grab the USGI arctic surplus bag I keep in my truck come winter, my nuwick emergency candles and emergency food supplies, put out a bright blue or orange flag/banner on a long spare tent pole to mark my location/signal and weather out the storm. If I were equipped, I'd try to dig out. Depending on what gear I have in the car will dictate what I do. Above all, remain calm.
 
Well, that all depends I guess, on a number of things really. Are you in a rural part of Michigan? Mostly travel by paved roads or dirt/gravel? What kind of supplies do you normally carry in your car? So on and so forth.
For a winter car kit I'd suggest wool blankets, and perhaps an extra change of clothing(a one size fits most outfit if possible) in the event that your clothes get wet(snow can often turn to just cold rain). I'd also have ofcourse, things that I assume are standard for most of us year round(jumper cables, tools, extra hoses and belts, water/antifreeze, fuses, FAK) in addition to either a PSK or CSK(car survival kit a new term? :confused: ).
Just a few items(along with the blankets and cloths) that I'd carry specifically for winter white out conditions would be: Extra fire starting materials, flashlights, orange flagging tape, a book or two(for boredom in the best case, and for flammable tinder in the worst), I'm sure I could think of various others if I really put my mind to it, and I'm no doubt leaving tons of things out just because I assume they are a given.

Remember, if nothing else, rubber burns.

Gautier
 
Definitely carry cold weather gear, food, and water, and stay with the vehicle. A very high percentage of the backwoods fatalities in my area involve people abandoning stuck vehicles and attempting to walk to safety. Needless to say, you always tell someone reliable your travel plans and ETA.
 
I'd stay put, snow messes with your head, lights change, in Churchill Manitoba they find people in the snow every year that should have known better. white outs are just that and when you can't see your feet, I've heard of people being lost between the truck and house.... Screw the fuel mileage and pack extra stuff, never know what might come in handy. And use the cell before the trouble hits, every time Quebec gets an ice storm they find people who didn't call when the rain started and couldn't when the tower went down. most of all I'd say, don't ever exert, hypothermia sets in fast when your body is depleted of energy, and cold temps make it easy for the muscles to out-work the heart, even on young guys like me. Urban or Rural, the rules are the same. just watch for the plow.
 
It's always a good ideal never to let your tank get below a 1/2 tank in the winter because of moister build up in the tank and it never hurts to use a bottle of Heat here and there.

I always have insulated coveralls, pac boots, heavier gloves, hat, short handled snow shovel, 50lbs of #4 grit or coarse rock salt, road flares, windshield washer fluid, gallon jug of water, blanket, basic first aid kit and a scraper/brush.

If the whole family is going on a weekend trip add some blankets and make sure they have appropriate attire with.

The key IMO, if you go off the road or do happen to run out of gas is flag the vehicle, use the road flares, turn on the hazards and stay put. If you have gas and are just stuck leave it running and turn on the heat for the loved ones, just make sure you clear the exhaust pipe of snow before you start digging the vehicle out.

Getting stuck in a whiteout would suck, I'd move to the side and hold out, road flares would work nice again, it never seizes to amaze me what people will try and drive through.

Helle
 
funny, I was going to mention the coffee can kit too. My parents have coffee can kits in all of their vehicles, although not quite a complete as the wisconsin dot kit. i need to add a few things to my vehicles for the upcoming snow.

a few years ago a neighbor and his wife got stuck a mile from my parents house in a snowstorm. they sat almost 24 hours until my father found them, and they were fine, because they had gasoline. keep your tank as full as conveniently possible, fill it whenever there is snow predicted. i know your car or truck COULD be disabled in the accident, but it is more likely that you will be only stuck, and able to run the engine to keep warm. however, don't use your full tank as a reason to be unprepared.

later
xdshooter
 
just saw that the wisconsin kit recommended 2 quarters and 2 dimes for a payphone. guess thats a little outdated. better make that 12 quarters for calls, 12 dollar coins for food, and 12 TWENTIES for the tow truck driver.
 
I have found that you can get wool blankets pretty cheap at Army/Navy stores and on websites like the Sportsman's Guide. Even though I live in Texas, I keep a wool blanket in my truck just in case I ever need it. It doesn't get cold here often, but hypothermia can occur when it is as warm as 50 degrees and I figure you can never be too prepared.
 
Good post. This is something I - I live in Norway - have considered common knowledge (I'm not trying to brag or something). The minimum winter survival equipment here in Norway are winter tyres, chains and a snow showel. Another piece of equipment that is popular is something we call "grips" - a cross-shaped thing you can attach to your tyres if you're really stuck in the snow. But I must warn you about keeping emergency water in your car in the winter. The water will freeze solid, burst the container, melt when the car is heated and - you get the drift.
In addition, I keep the following arctic survival items in my car:

-plastic box to store the stuff.
-protective sheet (Fjellduken (Thermo) Extreme) more info at www.jerven.no
-2 military field rations - the Norwegian version of your MRE's.
-2 large chockolate bars (Cadburrys Fruit and Nut - accept no other)
-1 Norwegian military canteen - empty(!)
-a box with 5 sleeping bag heaters (the ones that are activated by some chemical reaction and last for 6 hours)
-4 cyalume lightsticks
-some string

For water I plan to use snow which I expect will be abundant. I would tie one of the sleeping bag heaters to the canteen with the string and pour snow into the canteen. This way you will have lukewarm water and a heatsource that doesn't release harmful fumes.

Here in Norway you have to attend a practical course on driving on slippery roads (very eye-opening) before you get your permanent driver's licence.
 
chickenrunner said:
But I must warn you about keeping emergency water in your car in the winter. The water will freeze solid, burst the container, melt when the car is heated and - you get the drift.
Click to expand...

The 500 ml bottled water is fine, they don't burst, I had them frozen in my truck many times.
 
AustinTXShooter said:
I have found that you can get wool blankets pretty cheap at Army/Navy stores and on websites like the Sportsman's Guide. Even though I live in Texas, I keep a wool blanket in my truck just in case I ever need it. It doesn't get cold here often, but hypothermia can occur when it is as warm as 50 degrees and I figure you can never be too prepared.
Click to expand...

i to live in TX and i keep a blanket and a beach towel in my truck,the blanket for whatever but the beach towel is to lay on the street in case of a flat ,dang ole' road gets hot when changing a tire or whatever,some thing light to lay on. also carry flashlight stinger 12v & 4d maglite(light/self defense),basic hand tools,jumper cables/20ft tow strap,folding shovel/jacket,cap,gloves.other items depending on season and my BK7 in spec-ops sheath with fire steel & sak in sheath pouch.
 
The 500 ml bottled water is fine, they don't burst, I had them frozen in my truck many times.
Click to expand...

You've been more fortunate than me. A good method of testing the tolerance level of a plastic bottle is to fill it with water. Wrap it in a solid plastic bag and place it in your freezer for several days to make sure it's absolutely frozen solid. If it's not broken in any way, you've found your bottle.
 
It would be a good idea, if you really anticipate a snow survival situation, to carry a GPS and cell phone. That way you can call in your location immediately to a 911 operator. If you are too remote, carrying an emergency locator beacon like backcountry skiers should carry is a good idea too, or all of the above.
 
chickenrunner said:
-2 large chockolate bars (Cadburrys Fruit and Nut - accept no other)
Click to expand...

one word for you; Firkløver! (accept NO other;))


Anyhow...I always have an insulated overall, woolen cap and a wollen blanket (along with some food) in my car in wintertime.


-Jontok
 
jontok said:
one word for you; Firkløver! (accept NO other;))
Click to expand...

Having been to Norway numerous times, I'll second that. The finest chocolate bar made, in my opinion. Regarding the water freezing, my solution is to not store it in the vehicle, but to bring it inside when the vehicle is not in use. A bit of a hassle, yes, but I prefer my water in a liquid state!
 
I'm not seeing a tow strap in here and that is the FIRST thing I put in my truck and van. Maybe they think the average idiot citizen isn't capable.

I'm new to the Michigan UP, but locals here have recommended a grate or kitty litter for traction.

The rest of the list looks like good stuff.
 
nemoaz said:
I'm not seeing a tow strap in here and that is the FIRST thing I put in my truck and van. Maybe they think the average idiot citizen isn't capable.

I'm not to the Michigan UP, but locals here have recommended a grate or kitty litter for traction.

The rest of the list looks like good stuff.
Click to expand...
:D I listed one a 20ft,it has alot of usage , not just for snow...I have kept one in my truck every since I have been driving !
 
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