Have A Safe Journey
Winter Travel Safety Tips

Cozy vacations can suddenly become frigid nightmares for visitors who are unprepared for High Country winters.

That’s why it’s a good idea that anyone planning a wintertime trip to the North Carolina mountains take a few precautions before beginning the trek.

Many residents of the southeastern United States aren’t used to High Country winter weather, which can feature freezing temperatures, several inches (or even a foot) of snow and winds gusting to 50 miles per hour.
That means they also aren’t used to driving in those types of conditions, which makes them more susceptible to accidents or getting stranded.

Sonny Sweet, executive director of the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said it has become a High Country tradition for the chapter to open shelters for travelers during winter storms.
“It’s easy enough to get stranded in the winter,” he said. “For the past five years we have had to open up at least two shelters a year, normally in January, for stranded travelers.”

One of the best ways to keep from getting stranded is to winterize your car before making your journey.
“Give your care a tune-up, check your antifreeze and make sure battery cables and other connections are cleaned,” Sweet said.

Another tip involves keeping the car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
The best way to keep from getting stranded in a winter storm is to refrain from traveling in a winter storm, but those who choose to take a trip under such conditions should at least create a disaster supply kit and keep it in the trunk of their car.

Supply kits should include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, tire chains, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna, a shovel and sand or cat litter to help with traction. Travelers should also pack a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat and water-resistant boots.
“If you are in fact trapped on the road, have sufficient supplies in your car that can sustain you until help can arrive,” Sweet said.

It’s also a good idea to let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive so that help can be sent along your predetermined route if needed.

“Another thing that one should consider is having someone in the car trained in the Red Cross first aid and safety course,” Sweet. “The purpose of that is treating frostbite because in extreme cases people have been known to lose toes and fingers.”

Those who do become stuck and stranded should stay with their car and not try to walk to safety. They should also tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see.

The Red Cross recommends starting the car and using the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Also leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

Motorists should keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car and keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air. While sitting you should keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.

Weather Warnings
Another way to avoid travel difficulties is to stay aware of road conditions via radio and television weather reports.
“A winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible,” Sweet said. “A winter storm warning means that one has actually been sighted and is heading your way. When you hear such, it’s prudent to take the necessary steps to preclude being a victim of that event.

“Wind chill is a big threat in the mountains. We have strong winds – as high as 60 miles per hour – and in 20- or 30-degree temperatures that can be quickly devastating to a human being against the skin.
“So if you get a warning, stay indoors during the storm.”

Those who must go outside should dress accordingly, he said.

“When you’re dressing to go out in cold weather, use layering,” Sweet said. “It’s easier to take off clothes when you get too warm than it is to look for them when you’re freezing. You should also wear gloves and a hat to keep the wind off of your hands and head.”

Sweet also recommended that those who are already somewhat unsteady when walking, such as senior citizens or the disabled, should purchase some sort of crampons, studs or cleats to fit on the bottom of their shoes for better traction on ice and snow.

For more information about winter safety in the High Country call the local Red Cross chapter at (828) 264-8226.
For more information about the national Red Cross look online at www.redcross.org.