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(NC)Getting stuck in a snow bank or stranded on the highway is a nerve-wracking experience, but planning ahead and remembering these tips from the Michelin-certified Alliance Tire Professionals can take the panic out of being snow-bound.
Keeping a road safety kit in your trunk year-round is a smart idea, but winter driving conditions make it a necessity. Last winter, a Manitoba woman was stranded in her car for four cold, snowy days, but thanks to an emergency kit that she had packed right before leaving her house, she lived to tell her story.
The Alliance Tire Professionals suggest that the following items should cover most situations, so make sure you keep them on hand - just in case:
. Windshield scraper and snow brush
. Lightweight shovel
. Bag of sand, wire traction aid or other abrasive substance like cat litter
. Properly inflated spare tire
. Wheel wrench and jack
. Rope
. Flashlight (batteries well-charged), flares and first-aid kit
. Battery jumper cables
. Toque, extra warm clothing and a blanket
. Candle and matches
. Paper and marker (in order to leave a message if you must leave your car).
In the event that you do become stranded or stuck in snow, there are a few common sense things to remember:
. Move your vehicle as far off the road as possible to avoid being hit.
. Turn on your hazard lights to remain visible and attract help.
. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave, so you can call for help.
. Check that your exhaust pipe is not packed with snow. If it becomes blocked, carbon monoxide poisoning can become a dangerous concern.
. Stay with the car and run the engine periodically to warm it up, and ensure the battery is still charged. It's important to conserve gas, so be sure not to run the engine continuously.
. Move your arms and legs to improve your circulation and to keep warm.
. Consider the outside temperature and wind chill before leaving your vehicle
. If attempting to free your vehicle, use extreme caution, and try to stay dry. Wet clothing can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.