4 Tips for Surviving a Prolonged Highway Closure

Winter weather is here to stay. That means hazardous highway conditions can put your family plans in jeopardy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re headed out for a weekend at the cabin or taking an interstate trip to visit the in-laws. If a road closure brings your journey to a halt, what will you do?

Emergency Food Bars

When the authorities close a road, they often don’t know how long the closure will last. That means you’ve got to decide whether you’ll wait it out or drive all the way back home if conditions allow.

Don’t let a prolonged road closure pose a danger to your family. Read these tips for keeping everyone in your vehicle safe and sound.

Prepare and Maintain a Vehicle Emergency Kit

The best way to handle any emergency is to prepare in advance. When you’re stuck on the highway, there’s only so much you can do. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. This ensures you have access to vital tools and supplies when you need them.

Authorities and experts recommend packing and maintaining an emergency kit for your vehicle. Yet, many Americans don’t have 1 in their car. Include supplies like a first-aid kit and basic tools. You’ll also want emergency food bars and traction aids such as salt or sand. Find a complete list online and follow quality recommendations. Replace perishable items as necessary throughout the year.

Remain Calm and Call for Help

Your survival situation begins when you arrive at the closure gate or reach the point where it’s no longer safe to continue driving. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and reassure your loved ones. Panic is contagious and only makes matters worse.

Take action and call for help. If you have cell service, let authorities know where you are first, then notify friends or family. Remember: Your cell phone is your lifeline, so keeping it charged is essential.

When building your vehicle’s emergency kit, consider adding a solar flashlight. They recharge using energy from the sun, so you never need batteries. The best solar flashlights have many uses and can even charge USB devices like your phone. Plus, a flashlight is a lifesaver once the sun sets.

Consume Fuel, Water, and Food Sparingly

It’s good practice to keep your fuel tank at least half full. This is especially true in the winter. Even with a full tank, you can quickly run out of gas on the roadside. Don’t let your vehicle keep running. Only run the engine when you need it. When it’s warm inside, turn the engine off. Then, restart it once it gets too cold.

You don’t want to go through all your water and food at once. Quality emergency food kits can last for days, if not longer. But you should still make sure you and your family have enough to eat. Sip water to avoid dehydration, but don’t exhaust your entire supply.

Stay in Your Vehicle

In any survival situation, the first thing to do is find shelter. But in this circumstance, you already have shelter in your vehicle. It’s best to stay there. This will help prevent any potential injuries and fatigue. It will also minimize energy use, helping your food and water supply last longer.

When rescuing stranded motorists, it’s easiest for authorities to locate people who choose to remain in their cars. If you walk off to find help, it’s much more difficult for rescuers to track you down. This creates an unnecessary and potentially life-threatening risk.

About 4Patriots

In 2008, 4Patriots co-founders Allen and Erin Baler sat down at their kitchen table in Nashville, Tennessee. They were intent on creating a business that provided families across the country with solutions they could use every day. That’s how 4Patriots became the reliable source of emergency preparedness gear you know and love. They worked hard and invested their profits back into the company, creating a true American success story. It might have taken a little longer that way, but doing things right usually does. Today, 4Patriots helps their customers become more prepared and self-reliant. It’s a fantastic company, with over 200 full-time employees and counting. Best of all, 4Patriots proudly supports American veterans and their families.

Get the emergency gear you need to survive any situation at https://4patriots.com/