Monday, November 8

Tips for travel emergencies

Gannett News Service

If you have an accident or are stranded on the road during a winter storm:

- Pull over, turn on your flashers and wait for help.

- Remain aware of where you are, noting road names or highway numbers and the most recent cross street or mile marker. Typically, 911 call centers cannot trace a cell phone call to a specific location as they can with land-line phones.

- Stay inside a disabled car and summon help with a cell phone rather than trying to take care of problems. If you are stuck with your vehicle, stay with it unless shelter is nearby.

- Run the engine intermittently, about 10 minutes every hour.

- Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow.

- Tie a red cloth to your vehicle and keep the dome light on while the engine is running to help rescuers find you.

- Exercise your arms and legs to maintain blood circulation.

- Have one person stay awake to spot help if two or more people are in your vehicle.

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(Contributing: Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune, Zanesville (Ohio) Times-Recorder)