Your Safety: What to do if you’re stranded in your car during a blizzard
With hundreds of people stranded on Colorado’s blizzard-stricken roads, here’s what you need to know to stay safe if you get stuck.
Run your engine 10 minutes per hour to warm the car
Open a downwind window about 1 inch while engine is running
Check the exhaust pipe routinely to ensure it’s clear of snow Conserve cell phone batteries for emergency use only Call back with an update every hour if help hasn’t arrived
Use whatever is available in vehicle to stay warm
Don’t leave vehicle
Stay with vehicle until help arrives
It is vitally important to keep your exhaust pipe clear. If it becomes blocked, your vehicle will fill with deadly fumes.
It’s also important that you stay with your car. You’re likely to become disoriented, lost and succumb to exposure if you try to walk. If you stay with your car, rescuers will eventually find you.
Search and Rescue crews and the Colorado National Guard are actively working to rescue stranded drivers, but it may take some time for help to reach you.
