The press is regularly pushing predictions about an upcoming ‘Snowmageddon’ and ‘Killer Freeze’. It is easy, particularly here in the UK where our weather is never the worst of its kind, to just ignore them or even laugh them off.  However, in some parts of the UK, these winter episodes do cause localized or even widespread issues with travel.  It is not uncommon to hear of motorists trapped in snow for several hours at least. Being stranded in snow can occur on major routes like motorways or more rural areas of Scotland and Northern England and Wales.

So, if you are travelling, and the weather forecast makes a snowfall look likely, what preparations can you make to ensure that if you do get stranded in snow, you will be safe and secure for however long it will last?

Here are some basics to keep in mind and build in as part of your prepping:

 

Remain calm and positive

If you get stranded in the UK, it is likely to be for hours at the most.  We are not in the winter wilds of North America or Canada where you could be stranded for days. If you have prepared yourself for the eventuality of being stranded in the snow, you have nothing to fear and whilst it may be uncomfortable, the ordeal will be over relatively soon.

 

Stay in your vehicle

One of the basic needs of survival is shelter.  Even if it is safe to leave your vehicle where it is, if you are not within walking distance of shelter, stay where you are.

 

Run your vehicle every 10-15 minutes

If you are prepping in any way, you keep plenty of fuel in your car instead of waiting for the light to come on before filling up (you do don’t you?).  So, your fuel level should allow you to run your vehicle at regular intervals to stay warm. As well as heating the inside of the vehicle, you can also keep your mobile phone topped up if necessary as well as have some music to pass some of the time.

Note 1: Starting a vehicle multiple times will drain the battery.  How many times you can start it will depend on a number of factors so is difficult to predict.  The engine running will put charge back in to the battery but whether it is enough to replace what it took to start the engine will again depend on a number of factors. Pay attention to how it sounds with each start. Any change may indicate you need to spread the running of the engine out more to save the battery or run it for longer if fuel allows.

Note 2: Make sure the exhaust is clear of snow. Snow covering the exhaust could cause exhaust fumes to enter your vehicle and cause health issues up to and including death!

 

Maintain and carry your travel preparedness kit

Always keep in your vehicle some basic equipment. What you need in winter varies from the summer so maintain and update your kit accordingly throughout the year.  It may even vary from journey to journey, so think about the risks you may face and pack accordingly.  Your emergency kit may include some or all of the following depending upon the space you have, the season and the journey:

  • Shovel (foldable ones are handy to save space)
  • Windscreen scraper
  • Torch and/or lantern
  • Battery powered radio with extra batteries or wind-up radio
  • Winter clothing – Hat, socks, gloves, fleece.
  • First aid kit with any medications you might need
  • A basic toolkit
  • Blanket, bivvie bag or sleeping bag for each occupant
  • A chain or rope to use to tow or be towed.
  • Jumper cables (in case you drain the battery)
  • A high visibility aid to help you be seen (A high-viz jacket or tarp would be ideal)
  • Food and Water for at least 1 day, 3 if possible.
  • A thermos with a hot drink (or a small stove to heat drinks. Remember snow can be melted for water and you could add a water filter (such as this Sawyer) to your kit if it is a concern)
  • A book and additional reading light.

You could add some salt/grit, snow chains and an emergency beacon if you are heading further away from civilization.

 

Make yourself visible

Even if the snow isn’t deep enough to cover the vehicle, it is surprising how difficult it can be to spot a light coloured vehicle in snow. So, make it visible. Use a flashing beacon or high-visibility jacket or material to make you stand out from the background.

 

 

The most important thing is to fight your instinct to leave. If you are not within easy walking distance of help or shelter you are better to stay where you are. Staying with the vehicle will provide shelter and warmth and if you have packed appropriately, you can endure some discomfort and stay safe.