Tips from experts on winter travel

If you are stranded along the road during the height of a winter storm health experts and law enforcement officials say there are some precautions you can take to keep yourself safe.

“Initially when you first slide off the road, it’s very important to contact emergency services where your local fire or rescue department or 911,” said Mary Sibley, an emergency room physician for Kettering Health Network.

Sibley said it’s important to dress warmly and dress in layers.

“If there’s several people in the car, you should try and huddle together to have the warmth from other people,” Sibley said.

Other experts from Kettering Health also advised packing non-perishable snacks and extra water bottles in the event you become stranded. Experts also recommend clearing exhaust pipes of snow to prevent carbon monoxide build up in the car, and updating emergency personnel of any serious symptoms or injuries to help prioritize their response to you.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is on the frontlines when a winter storm strikes on area roads. Sgt. Jeff Kramer said it’s important to stay safe if you become stranded.

“If you’re on the interstate system, on a major roadway, you’ll want to stay inside your vehicle if you become stranded,” Kramer said. “If you’re breaking down or coming to a stop, you want to get off the roadway as far as possible. That may get you further into a snow bank or something like that, but it’s going to be a lot safer.”

Law enforcement also recommends keeping your car lit with headlights or four-way flashers, staying inside your vehicle and wearing a seat belt, and keeping your car fueled at a half-tank or above.

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness also offers some advice for stranded motorists during severe weather:

• Tie bright color cloth to antenna, door handle or mirror.

• Run engine and heater no more than 10 minutes each hour and leave a downwind window open slightly to allow for ventilation while the engine is running.

• Light a flare to alert others that you’re stranded.

• Remain calm.

• If you must leave your vehicle during a severe snow storm or blizzard secure a line of rope or cord to yourself and the vehicle to avoid becoming lost.

whio.com