MADISON, Wis. — With several inches of snow in the forecast and whiteout conditions expected later this week, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation wants you to know what to do if you get stranded.
While travel is likely to be discouraged on Thursday and Friday due to the conditions, if you do try to travel, you should make sure the following things are in your car before you leave home:
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Extra stocking caps, warm socks, gloves, and mittens
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Booster cables and windshield brush/scraper
- Drinking water and high-calorie, non-perishable food (trail mix, energy bars, protein bars, etc.)
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Cell phone adapter/charger
If you do decide to travel later this week and end up sliding off the road, it may take a long time for someone to come help you. If this happens to you, this is what the DOT recommends you do:
- Stay calm and stay in your vehicle. Aside from keeping you out of the elements, staying in your vehicle offers you the best protection in case other vehicles slide off the road in your direction. Do not get out of your vehicle or walk along the highway.
- If you can, call 911. Be prepared to describe your location and what happened. Follow any instructions dispatchers may give you until help arrives.
- Avoid getting out of your vehicle to try to push or shovel it free. Aside from exposing yourself to the elements or other traffic dangers, you do not want to overexert yourself or tire yourself out.
- Run your vehicle’s engine for brief periods if it’s necessary to stay warm, but make sure the exhaust system is working properly and not blocked by snow. Do not use portable heaters inside the vehicle.
- Keeping your dome light on in low-light conditions can help rescue crews find you.
You can check road conditions before starting your trip on the DOT’s interactive 511 map.
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