What to Do: Stuck without cell service

Steamboat winter driving can be hairy at best, and downright dangerous at worst.

To start, we should say what should be obvious: Be sure your car is as prepped as possible for winter-driving.  Have good snow tires, ensure your 4WD is working correctly, do a vehicle check (good wipers, washer fluid, heater working, etc.), and, lastly, have an emergency kit stocked with: flashlight, batteries, blankets, extra coats/hats/gloves, non-perishable food (like high-calorie energy bars), water bottles, extra can of gas, stocked first-aid kit, flares, emergency light sticks, emergency whistle.

Now, what to do if the worst-possible happens: getting stuck with absolutely no cell phone service?

 

• First, make sure your vehicle is not in a hazardous situation (i.e., in danger of sliding off a ledge).
• “Wait for help! Stay with your vehicle, unless help is clearly visible nearby. Disorientation and confusion come quickly in cold and snowy weather…it’s easy to get lost.
• Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm, and leave your lights on when the engine is running so you can be seen!
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping …sleepiness can be a sign of hypothermia, and if you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature, you can freeze to death!
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Layer clothing to trap body heat in order to keep warm.
• Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let air in. “