Following last week's snowstorms across the region, motorists are being reminded to always be prepared for the winter driving conditions.
Having the right equipment in the case of an emergency can save one's life, according to officials.
“I always keep some extra winter clothes from boots to gloves to a snowsuit or heavy coat and tuques and mitts and all that stuff,” said Sundre fire Chief Marty Butts.
He keeps a tow rope and booster cables in his vehicle as well.
“I always keep my fuel tank on the higher side of the needle instead of running it in half or quarter full. If you get stuck or stranded, at least if your truck is run-able, you're not going to run out of fuel,” he said.
“I always stress that to people, especially my family.”
Having a survival kit with a blanket, a candle in a can and a few food rations is essential as well.
“A few rations like beef jerky or chocolate bars or something to that effect that would keep your energy up,” he said.
He also advises residents to keep a snow shovel and tire chains in their vehicle if possible.
“Preplanning is a big thing too. If you're making a trip somewhere check the forecast and see what's going on before you even venture,” he said.
“If you don't have to go out there why even put yourself in that situation. If the roads aren't up to a standard of good driving conditions, unless you have to be there, don't even go there.”
He also advises people to let others know their destination, estimated time of arrival and expected time of return.
If someone is in an accident, they should first dial 911, but also document everything possible including the conditions of the road and the wind direction.
He also advises residents to take photos and exchange all information with the driver of the other vehicle involved.
If someone is involved in a single-vehicle accident, gets stuck in the ditch or a tire becomes flat, and they are not in a cell reception area, they are advised to stay where they are.
He said it is a common occurrence that when someone is in this type of situation and they venture off, they don't make it.
“The person that has left to seek help usually is the one that's found in the snowbank, or froze to death, or disoriented and lost in the forest or the roads, and it turns the situation tragic,” he said.
“If you don't have to leave you should stay there and wait for assistance.”
If the person stays where they are, they have shelter, but if they venture off and lose energy, they are left without shelter, he said.
After the blizzard hit the county last week, Butts says Sundre was a low-key area for accidents.
“With the busier highways like the Queen Elizabeth II, Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs and them, those guys were going pretty hard on calls. They were really busy,” he said.
“I know people hit the ditch and got stuck around our area – quite a few – but I know nobody had a serious wreck where we had to go and extricate or assist anybody and pull them out of a vehicle.”
According to the Government of Canada website, people should always be cautious when driving in blizzards, a heavy snowfall, freezing rain, a cold snap, winds, black ice and slush.
If people get stranded, they are advised to stay in the vehicle and not tire themselves out from shovelling.
They are advised to let fresh air into the vehicle and keep the engine off as much as possible.
Being aware of carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed by snow is essential.
It says to use a candle if possible to warm up, rather than the car heater. Make the car visible as much as possible by turning on warning lights or setting up road flares.
Move hands, feet and arms constantly to maintain circulation and try to stay awake and keep clothing dry.
To prepare an emergency kit, include food such as energy bars, a blanket, extra clothing, a first aid kit, a small shovel, scraper and snowbrush, a candle in a deep can and matches, a windup flashlight, a whistle and road maps.
Also, keep sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter in the vehicle, as well as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, a tow rope, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher and warning lights or road flares.
For more information, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca and search “preparing an emergency kit for your car”.
