Department of Transportation
North Dakota
Travel Links
General Travel Info
Weather Info
Resources
General Information:
- Carry a cell phone.
- Let someone know when you depart, your route, and expected arrival
time.
- Dress according to weather conditions. Keep dry and wear clothing
in layers.
- Do not leave without a full fuel tank.
If stranded:
- Stay with your vehicle.
- Run the engine sparingly. Start with 15 minutes every hour and
adjust if needed.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
- If the cold is extreme, it may be necessary to keep the engine
running continuously. It may not restart if shut off.
- Keep your feet off the floor if the heater is not on.
- Never go to sleep with the engine running.
- Read to pass the time.
- Position car so it faces into the wind.
- Tie a colorful banner on the car antenna. If you need to leave
the car for any distance during the storm, tie a nylon rope to the
car and yourself so you will be able to find your way back to the
car.
- Move all your emergency supplies from the trunk to the interior
of the car as soon as you realize you will be staying for a while.
Put on warm clothing now, before you get cold. It is easier to stay
warm than it is to regain lost warmth. Loosen tight clothing so
body heat can circulate. Remove metal jewelry as it can chill you.
- Check your supplies to see what you have to work with and arrange
them in order for their use. This will help you ration them in case
you are stranded for a long period of time.
- Here's a tip from cold weather campers: eat a snack of high calorie
food just before sleeping to stimulate your metabolism (heat production).
If you awaken due to the cold, eat some more high energy food and
add another layer of insulation such as more clothing or a blanket.
Vehicle Equipment
- Carry repair tools such as pliers, wrenches, screw drivers, pocket
knife.
- Carry tire chains, booster cables, tow rope, gas line antifreeze,
and container of sand.
608 East Boulevard Avenue . Bismarck, ND 58505-0700
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