IC Safety from Protective Insurance Company
December 2014 An exclusive publication for Protective's independent contractors
Could you survive being stranded due to snow?
Buffalo, N.Y., was recently hit with an overwhelming 7 feet of snow that trapped many drivers on the road and shut down all traffic for several days. Take a look around your cab. If you were in this situation but not lucky enough to be near a truck stop, would you have the supplies and tools needed to survive for 24 hours or longer?
Many parts of the country are already experiencing the cold temperatures and high risk weather that accompany winter. Hazards like snowstorms and ice increase your chances of sliding off the road or getting in a collision. Depending on where you are when that happens, you may be stranded for a while before help arrives. If it’s weather-related, you could be stranded for several days, like the drivers in Buffalo.
Car covered by snow drift
Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com
This may sound like an extreme situation but it’s something you can easily prepare for by making sure you have the following items in your cab:
• Warm socks, hat and gloves
• Sleeping bag or blankets
• Non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereals and ready to eat canned or boxed foods
• Extra medication (check expiration dates)
• Bottled water
• Shovel
• Bag of cheap kitty litter, pea gravel, sand or salt to help get traction
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Tire chains
• Small section of tarp or other material to lay on when installing chains
• Windshield de-icer and scraper
• Emergency flares
• Charged cellphone with emergency contact numbers
Keep your fuel tanks no less than half full. If you do become stranded, conserve fuel by idling your vehicle sparingly – just long enough to keep yourself warm. Slightly open a window that’s away from your exhaust outlet to permit fresh air into your cab. Make sure your exhaust outlet is not enclosed by snow. Also, ration your food and water so you have plenty until you are rescued.
Download the Winter Survival Kit Checklist, from our partners at www.keeptruckingsafe.org, to make sure you stay safe and warm should you become stranded this winter.
Free download: Winter Survival Kit Checklist
Be prepared for worst-case winter weather scenarios with the Winter Survival Kit Checklist from www.keeptruckingsafe.org. Download free checklist >>

 

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