Winter driving can be treacherous, especially in areas with high snowfall. One of the most dangerous situations you can encounter is an avalanche. If you find yourself caught in one, it can be a terrifying experience. The force of tons of snow can easily bury your car, leaving you trapped and isolated. In this article, we’ll go over what to do if your car is buried in an avalanche.
Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation
The first thing to do is to remain calm. It’s easy to panic in a situation like this, but it’s important to keep a clear head. Take a deep breath and assess your situation. Are you injured? Is anyone else in the car with you? Can you breathe?
If you’re injured or someone else in the car is, then your first priority is to call for help as soon as possible. If you can’t breathe, then try to establish an air pocket by clearing some snow around your face. Use your hands, a tool, or anything else you have available.
Check Your Supplies
Assuming you’re not injured and can breathe, the next step is to check your supplies. Do you have any food or water? How much oxygen do you have? If you’re running low on supplies, then you need to ration what you have as best you can.
You can survive for up to three weeks without food, but only a few days without water. If you’re running low on oxygen and there’s no way for you to get more, then you’ll need to conserve what you have by breathing more slowly and deeply.
Alert Rescuers
Once you’ve assessed your situation and checked your supplies, it’s time to alert rescuers. Hopefully, you have a cell phone or some other way to communicate. Use it to call for help or to send a text message. If you have a radio, then turn it on and try to call for help that way.
If you can’t communicate with rescuers directly, then try to make noise. Bang on the roof of your car or use a whistle if you have one. Rescuers may be able to hear you if they’re nearby.
Attempt to Dig Yourself Out
If you’re not injured, have enough supplies, and haven’t been able to contact rescuers, then you may need to try to dig yourself out. This isn’t ideal, but it may be your only option.
Start by trying to clear snow away from your car’s exhaust pipe. This will help ensure that you don’t suffocate from carbon monoxide poisoning. Then, try to dig a tunnel from inside the car to the surface. Use whatever tools you have available, such as a shovel or ice scraper.
Wait Patiently
If all else fails, then you may need to wait patiently for rescuers to arrive. This can be difficult, but it’s important to conserve your energy and supplies. Try to stay warm by huddling together with anyone else in the car. You can also use your car’s battery to run the heater or to charge your phone.
Conclusion
Being caught in an avalanche can be a terrifying experience. However, if you remain calm and follow the steps outlined in this article, then you can increase your chances of survival. Remember to assess your situation, check your supplies, alert rescuers, attempt to dig yourself out, and wait patiently if necessary.
FAQ
How long can you survive buried in an avalanche?
- It depends on how much air, water, and food you have. You can survive for up to three weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a concern if your car’s exhaust pipe is blocked.
How can you prevent getting caught in an avalanche?
- Avoid driving in areas with high avalanche risk if possible. If you must drive in these areas, then check the weather forecast and avalanche risk levels before setting out. Be prepared with supplies and emergency equipment.
What should you do if you’re driving during an avalanche warning?
- Follow any instructions from local authorities. If you’re caught in an avalanche while driving, then try to stay calm and follow the steps outlined in this article.
How can you increase your chances of being rescued?
- Make noise by banging on the roof of your car or using a whistle. If you have a radio, then try to call for help that way. Stay visible by turning on your car’s lights or using flares.
What should you do once rescuers arrive?
- Follow their instructions carefully. If you’re injured, then seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you’re not injured, then try to stay warm and conserve your supplies until you can be safely rescued.