Getting stuck with your car in winter - These 4 survival precautions you should take (+tips)

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3. Food and Water

We've all been there! We leave a drink in the car in the winter, temperatures drop below zero at night, and the tasty beverage turns into an ice block. Not a problem, really – we take the bottle into the house and let it thaw.

In a survival situation, you are dependent on water in the worst case.

Snow is also water, but it cools down your body at the same time. If you're extremely thirsty, you must never eat snow. Warm it up first and turn it into a liquid. I created a guide on this topic specifically. Read it here: Can you really eat snow in survival situations?

In addition, the conditions may not allow you to leave your car. Your water must therefore be stored as frost-resistant as possible.

First, you shouldn't store your water in the trunk, but in the driver's area. You've probably already heated it during the drive, and the conditions are better. You can also wrap your water in a thermal blanket.

About food: Pack a supply box with everything that can withstand the conditions in a car. In the summer, you should only take the box with you if you could potentially get into a dangerous situation. For example, I always pack cookies, cereal bars, rice cakes, and dried sausages.

Well, since I often travel with my two children anyway, there's always food in the car. ;-)

4. Toilet

Your metabolism won't stop in a situation like this, so this need must also be fulfilled.

Usually, it should be possible for you to jump out of the car quickly and do your business. So bring along some plastic bags and toilet paper. For emergencies, I always have a big pack of disposable tissues in the car.

If you happen to be trapped in the car, you can also use a plastic bag. If you're looking for more comfort, there are folding camping toilets, urine bags, or you can use an empty bottle.

All of these options are suboptimal because cars simply don't offer enough space for free movement.

5. Time pass

To avoid boredom, you should have some options for entertainment ready. This may seem secondary at the beginning, but if you're stuck in a car for a long time, you'll thank me later.

A book, an MP3 player or just a piece of paper with a pen can turn your car into a place of comfort and creativity. Provided the first four needs are met.

6. Essential survival equipment

I also recommend that you think about essential survival tools. In my guide" These 11 tools you need to survive in the wilderness" you will find the eleven most important tools.

Below you should have a knife, a map of your surroundings, a compass, and most importantly, methods to start a fire. Additionally, a first aid kit should not be missing, but you probably already have that in your car anyway.

2. Before you start: Let someone know!

Your car is now equipped, and you are prepared for the worst-case scenario.

To avoid having to use your entire supply, there is one crucial action: Tell someone about your travel plans and give them a time frame in which you will check in.

If you do not check in within the agreed time frame, the person will know that you are in trouble. They can then contact emergency personnel and your chances of being rescued increase significantly.

3. In case of emergency – what to do?

If you find yourself in that situation, remain calm. You are well-prepared, and panic is the last thing that will help you now.

Important: You should definitely stay in your car, even though the temptation is great to seek help.

The car provides protection and shelter. Additionally, in the best-case scenario, all the significant equipment will now be in your car, and you will be well-equipped.

I know that it’s almost unbearable to stay in the car and not be able to do anything – but you must, don’t wander off (unless you know the way, and it’s not far). Most people get lost because they start walking and can’t wait.

To make matters worse, any additional effort you exert will cost you energy and usually cause sweat – which will cool you down. Therefore, avoid too much exertion and pace yourself well.

4. How to be found quickly

Even though you can make yourself very comfortable with the equipment mentioned above, you want to get home as quickly as possible.

The first attempt to get help should be through your mobile phone. A fully charged battery or a power bank is essential for this. In addition, you have access to maps and other useful apps.

Regardless of whether you have called for help or not, you must make yourself visible to the rescue team.

In a white winter landscape, bright colors are particularly easy to see. Especially off the main roads, you greatly facilitate your search and increase your chances of rescue.

You can place a thermal blanket or a warning vest on your car roof and securely fasten it. Additionally, you can attach colored clothes (that you don't need) to or on your car.

Finally, you can honk the horn and turn your high beams on and off. The prerequisite is that someone sees it. You can try this from time to time.

Conclusion

With a well-equipped car, you have excellent chances to survive even in wintry temperatures for a longer time.

If you have told external persons about your travel plans, you have already done everything right in advance.

A rescue team will surely search for you if you don't report back for a longer time.

Your task now is to attract attention, stay with the car, and remain calm.