With the snow that fell this past weekend, it is another reminder for motorist to have an emergency survival kit in your vehicle.
Moose Jaw Fire Department Public Education Officer Cathie Bassett said we are not immune to this type of weather and you never know when you will find yourself stuck.
“We live in Saskatchewan. We’re not going to miss (snowstorms). So survival kits are so important to having in your car and you might even need to use it around the city because I’ve seen lots of people getting stuck this week,” Bassett said.
Some of the items for your emergency survival kit include:
- A crank-style flashlight. Battery-powered can be used, but batteries tend to drain quicker in cold weather.
- Reflective triangles or flares to make yourself more visible to others.
- Snow brush and scrap for your own visibility.
- Traction aids such as traction mats or abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter.
- A small shovel with a long handle.
- Additional windshield washer fluid.
- Booster cables in case you vehicle battery dies.
- Gas line antifreeze
- Lock deicer, although Bassett recommends keeping the deicer on you or indoors when not in your vehicle as it can freeze.
- A small tool kit.
- Extra fuses for you vehicle.
- Warm blankets or sleeping bags.
- Extra socks, gloves, boots and hand and foot warmers.
- Bottles of water. Bassett recommended smaller bottles in case they freeze that they will thaw out quicker.
- Non-perishable food like granola bars as eating will keep body temperatures up.
- A first aid kit
- Candles in a deep can and matches.
When it comes to actual survival, Bassett said her number one recommendation is that, if the roads are bad, simply stay home.
“You put yourself at risk or anybody else in your vehicle when you know that there’s a storm coming,” Bassett commented.
If you are stranded or end up in a ditch and can’t get out, make sure that your exhaust pipes are clear of any debris so you can intermittently turn the vehicle on and off for heat.
Bassett also recommended staying close to your vehicle and don’t stray far.
“You might see some lights in the distance and you saying ‘Oh, I can get there. That’s not that far away.’ But people have passed away because they have tried to do that. It’s better to just stay with your vehicle. If you have a cell phone, hopefully, you have another charger with you just in case your cell phone is losing charge,” Bassett said.
She added you should call 9-1-1 for help. However, if the weather is bad it could take several hours before someone can get out to help you.
You can find more information about emergency kits at www.getprepared.gc.ca.