- Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall.
- Install four matching winter tires before the snow falls.
- Pack an emergency kit.
- Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
- Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions.
- Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
- Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
- Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
- Travel with a fully charged cell phone.
- SLOW DOWN and wear your seatbelt.
What to do if you get trapped in a storm
- Don't do any heavy lifting or shoveling in the bitter cold – it can kill.
- Make sure your tailpipe isn't blocked by snow to prevent carbon monoxide from getting into your vehicle.
- If your vehicle is not at risk of being hit by other drivers, stay inside. Your car will provide you with shelter. Give yourself a good supply of fresh air by keeping a window open slightly. Choose the window that is most sheltered from the wind.
- Run your motor as little as possible -- only enough to stay warm (about 10 minutes per hour).
- Use a survival candle for heat instead of relying on your vehicle's heater.
- You can lose up to 60 per cent of your body heat through your head – so make sure you wear a hat.
- Set up warning lights or flares.
- Overusing your headlights may run your battery low. Rely on other sources of light, such as a dome light.
- Exercise your arms and legs often.
- Stay awake.
- Watch for traffic or searchers.
Credit: Transport Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association
Emergency kit
You should also keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. That kit should include:
- Ice scraper and brush
- Shovel
- Sand or kitty litter
- Blankets, winter boots, gloves and hats, extra clothes
- Flashlight
Watch Catherine Lathem's video report for more items you should keep in your vehicle.