S-79
Winter Survival: Roy Linn, Extension Safety Engineer, Montana State University
There are four basic essentials for winter survival:
•	HEAT—enough warmth to maintain body temperature, melt snow or cook if necessary, and make smoke signals.
•	SHELTER—protection from cold, wind, rain, and snow. KEEP DRY!
•	WATER—to sustain life.
•	WILL TO LIVE—chances are you will spend only one or two nights or maybe only a few hours before help arrives.
Once you are stalled, stranded, or lost, it is too late to make up a "Survival Kit.” Before leaving is the time to prepare and store such equipment in your vehicle. If you live in an area susceptible to violent storms, pack a suitcase of survival equipment and keep it in your vehicle. A little preparation and calm, level-headed action can mean the difference between life and death for you if you should become stranded in a blizzard.
If a Blizzard Traps You
•	Stay in your vehicle. You are more likely to be found there than if you wander around in blowing snow and become disoriented or lost.
•	Keep a window open on downwind side for fresh air. Freezing, wet snow can completely seal out oxygen.
•	Beware of carbon monoxide. Run engine and heater sparingly, and only with a window open on the side from which the wind is blowing for ventilation. Make sure that snow has not blocked exhaust pipe. If snow depth has reached twelve inches, do not run motor.
•	Don’t remain in one position. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs vigorously from time to time. If two or more passengers, huddle close together to conserve body heat.
•	Take turns keeping watch. If more than one person is in the vehicle, don’t all sleep at same time, if alone, stay awake.
•	Tum on interior (dome) light at night to make vehicle more visible to working crews or rescue parties.
•	Beware of over-exertion and over-exposure.
•	Keep dry. Wetness and wind cause body heat loss (hypothermia).
•	Wear headgear to avoid losing up to 30% of body heat.
•	Never eat snow. Melt it and drink the water.
•	Do not panic—STAY WITH THE VEHICLE.
Winter Storm Kit
An automobile winter storm kit should contain:
.... Sleeping bag, or two or more heavy blankets. A supply of newspapers to provide layers of insulation makes a good substitute.
.... Two empty 3-lb. coffee cans with lids. Use one for sanitary facilities, the other to burn candles,
.... Use a catalytic heater if available.
.... Matches and candles.
.... Winter clothing, including caps, mittens, overshoes, coats, trousers, insulated coveralls.
...Supply of facial and toilet tissue, paper towels.
.... First aid kit with pocket knife.
.... Roll of one-inch adhesive tape.
.... Flashlight with extra batteries.
.... Three highway flares.
.... Small sack of sand.
.... Tow chain (about 20 feet).
.... Shovel.
.... Food supply of high-calorie, non-perishable food (candy, canned nuts, raisins, sardines, dried soup, etc.) plus packages of instant tea or coffee.
.... Tools—pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench.
.... Plastic ice scraper.
.... Transistor radio with extra battery.
.... Battery booster cables.
.... Wire for getting gasoline from tank. Use #12 or equivalent size, copper or galvanized, of sufficient length to dip a rag into the gasoline through the fill pipe.
.... Full tank of gasoline; always drive on upper half.
Vehicle Parts Are Lifesavers
Put vehicle parts to good use:
•	A hubcap or sunvisor can serve as a shovel.
•	Seat covers and ceiling upholstery can be used as blankets.
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, West Lafayette, IN 47907