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What To Do If You Get Stuck

Written on: January 22nd, 2014 in Alert Messages Safety Weather Related Notices

Due to ice and drifting snow, the Delaware Department of Transportation advises motorists to stay off of Delaware roads. But, if anyone must venture out into dangerous conditions, he or she should know what to do if his or her vehicle becomes hopelessly stuck. The AAA offers this advice:

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Call 911.
• Stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress.
• At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.