Winter survival ...

Thankfully, it's not often that we hear of winter deaths due to people being frozen in their cars, at least not in the UK. However, as weather patterns become more extreme, you can minimise your risk by keeping a 'winter survival kit' in your car. This is especially important for people who live in rural or remote areas - you can't always rely on being rescued ... The picture shows that even the rescuers can get stuck!

Perhaps the most important advice is that you are safer inside your car than out. It can be tempting to walk a couple of miles home, but in freezing blizzard conditions, this can lead to disaster for anyone who is not fully fit and kitted out with the appropriate winter clothing.

The kit bag

Use a hold all or rucksack to keep your winter kit together and pack it with the following essential items.

• A couple of blankets or good sleeping bag
• A spare, warm coat
• A pair of good outdoor boots and warm socks
  
• A hat (a wooly/thermal hat is best)
  
• Warm mittens or gloves
  
• Chocolate bars
  
• Dried fruit and nuts (avoid salted nuts)
  
• At least one bottle of water
• Kitchen roll
• Torch and batteries
• A fluorescent vest or jacket
• Medication - if you are on regular medication ensure you have a supply

In addition ensure that you have a fully charged phone and car charger.

If you live in a remote area such as Dartmoor, parts of Wales, the Peak District, Highland Scotland, etc., it might be worth taking a trip to your local camping store and getting a few extras - people have been stuck in vehicles for 24 hours or more ...

• Space blankets
  
• Backpack meals (some are self heating)
• At least a gallon of clean drinking water
  
• A small camping gas ring (not for use inside the car)
  
• A plastic or tin mug
  
• Multi-pupose tool (Swiss Army Type)
• A shovel
• Hand warmers
  

If you get stuck

Stay in your vehicle but be careful about keeping the engine running - there is a real danger of fumes filling the car and so you must ensure that there is a good clear area for the exhaust fumes to dissipate (you might have to clear snow to do this). Only run your engine for about 20 minutes in each hour.

Only leave the vehicle if you can see your destination close by (a building or other vehicle).

Don't waste valuable energy trying to get the car free if there is no realistic chance of success, especially if you have run off the road.

If you have space blankets, use them to cover the windows inside and reflect body heat - most heat is initially lost through the windows.

Cat litter is useful if you get stuck - it can give the traction you need to drive off

If you are in a remote area and there is an air search make your car visible - clear snow off the roof, fly a fluorescent vest from the aerial, etc.

Use your phone to let people know where you are and that you are OK every hour or two.