What to do if you get stranded in a snowstorm
Brace yourself, Minnesota. A major snowstorm is headed our way.
Public safety officials will tell you to stay off roads and avoid driving during snowstorms, if possible, but if you can't — or won't — do that, make sure you know what to do if you get stranded during a snowstorm. Here are some tips from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
If you get stranded
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
• Pull as far off the road as possible to minimize being hit by passing cars and turn on your emergency flashers.
• Stay in your car. You could become disoriented and lost trying to walk in a storm.
• If you haven't already, call 911 for help. Don't turn off your cellphone — it can be used to help rescuers pinpoint your location.
• Attach a brightly colored cloth to your car's antenna or car door.
• If it's dark, turn on your car's interior light so rescuers can more easily find you.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm, about 10 minutes each hour. Use that time to run the heater or recharge your phone, if possible.
• Clear snow away from the exhaust pipe. If you're running your engine, crack open a window for ventilation.
• Avoid overexerting yourself. Pushing a car in freezing temperatures can cause a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.