If you drive in Minnesota during the winter months, there is a good chance that you’ll travel during periods of inclement weather. Attempting to drive during periods of low visibility may increase your risk of a car accident. There is also a chance that you’ll be stuck on roads or highways that are clogged by other vehicles that have been involved in accidents. Therefore, it is important to have an emergency kit in your car.
Food and water are essential to your survival
Regardless of where you are stranded, it’s important that you have access to food and water. As a general rule, you won’t survive for more than a few days without clean drinking water, and you won’t survive more than a week or two without nutritious food. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be stranded for several days on a busy highway, it’s not uncommon to wait several days for help to arrive in more remote locations.
Pack gear that can help keep you warm
Ideally, your emergency kit will have blankets, sweaters and other items that can help to keep you warm. Even if the car is running, it may be difficult to keep your body temperature at an adequate level without wearing multiple layers of clothing. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t keep a heater running for more than a few minutes at a time as it can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
If you are stranded as the result of a motor vehicle accident, it may be best to keep the engine turned off to prevent fluid from leaking out. In the event that fluid interacts with the heat given off by the engine, it could result in an explosion.
While you can’t predict when an emergency situation will occur, you can start to prepare for one today. If you were stranded because of the negligent actions of another driver, it may be a good idea to contact an attorney after help arrives. This may make it possible to obtain compensation for any damages related to the incident.
