Don’t get freeze-dried this winter

SURVIVAL 101 THIS WINTER SURVIVAL QUIZ COULD HELP IN A STUCK CAR

By Allen Macartney

Each year scores of Canadians slide off the road during a nasty winter storm and have to spend hours or even days stranded. Would you know what – and what not – to do? Take the Ottawa Outdoors winter survival test.

When stuck in the ditch or by the side of the road in winter, usually you should

(a) Try to walk back to the nearest farm (b) Stay with your vehicle (c) Build a snow house True or False…? (d) Start collecting wood for a warming/signalling fire 1. T ___ F ___ Eat snow to stay hydrated. Being warm is your first priority. That means 2. T ___ F ___ Pocket chemical hand warmers (a) Staying positive can burn your body. (b) Staying dry 3. T ___ F ___ Open your vehicle window (c) Staying hydrated occasionally to let in fresh air. (d) Staying active 4. T ___ F ___ It’s OK to idle your car engine When driving on snowy roads, one of the most important while stuck in a snow bank. things to have with you is 5. T ___ F ___ If you’re cold and alone in your (a) A shovel car, it’s OK to nap to help the time pass. (b) Extra gasoline (c) Energy bars – one for each person (d) Drinking water

You car’s winter survival pack should at least include

(a) Matches, candles, space blankets, extra toques (b) Matches, tinder, space blankets, thick plastic bags (c) Matches, tinder, cotton blankets, extra shovel (d) Matches, fire-starter, backpack, snowshoes

If stuck in your car during a blizzard, which is the best activity

(a) Exercise (b) Sing and tell jokes (c) Clench your fingers and toes tightly (d) All of the above

Quiz answer

1. (a) Stay in your vehicle unless you are close to a clearly visible house. A vehicle provides a dry shelter from the wind, rain and snow. It’s also easy for rescuers to see and find.

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(b) Staying dry is the most important way to keep warm. Being active will warm you up but if you work too hard, you sweat, and then freeze. A dry hat, gloves, pants and coat, over multiple layers is the best way to stay warm. (b) Drive with plenty of gasoline, in the tank or in a container in the trunk, so you can keep the engine and heater running for hours. A shovel and energy bars for everyone will also help.

(a) Your survival pack should at least include matches, candles, space blankets and extra toques. Hand warmers and a sleeping bag would also be good. Tinder and fire-starter won’t be much help as you’ll be sheltering in your vehicle. (d) All of the above. Stay active while waiting out a blizzard or rescue. It keeps you positive and increases your chances of survival. Exercise inside the vehicle will warm your body – anything from clenching toes and fingers to sit-ups and leg raises. Singing and telling jokes also boost the spirit.

True or False Answers

1. FALSE. Eating snow cools your inner body temperature, and could lead to hypothermia. Melt the snow first in a container, or use a space blanket to reflect light and heat onto the snow.

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5. TRUE. Chemical hand warmers can burn skin – stick them onto mitts or gloves, not skin. Monitor their use. Keep them away from kids or babies. TRUE. Breathing uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. Opening a window occasionally will eliminate the danger of CO2 poisoning – not deadly like carbon monoxide, but a health risk nonetheless. TRUE. Turn on your car and run the heater for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm, but make sure your tailpipe isn’t blocked by snow. Running your car on this cycle stretches out your gas supply. FALSE. Stay awake if you’re cold and alone! Sleeping might allow hypothermia to take hold. You might never wake up. In some cases sleepiness is a sign of advanced hypothermia.