Winter safety: a Minnesotan’s guide to surviving the season

Well, it’s official. Winter is here. It may still be autumn according to the calendar, but we Minnesotans know that the season changes as soon as snow covers the ground. Snowball fights and sledding are great, but winter here in the frozen north can be a dangerous time if you’re not prepared. In light of this, I’ve compiled a list of survival tips to help you weather the weather.

Winter Driving

Traffic accidents are common in the winter, because it’s easy to lose control of a vehicle on icy roads. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to stay safe while driving in slippery conditions.

Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Hitting the gas or brakes too quickly can cause your car to lose traction and spin out of control, so take it easy!
Do not use cruise control. If your car loses traction due to snow or ice while cruise control is on, you may continue to accelerate and end up in a skid.
If you do lose control, don’t panic. DO NOT SLAM ON THE BRAKES. Braking could send you into a full spin. Instead, remove your foot from the accelerator.

If your front wheels are skidding, this should be enough to help you regain control of the vehicle, but if it isn’t, apply your brakes very gently.
If your back wheels are skidding (fishtailing), gently turn the wheel in the direction you are sliding. If your back wheels are sliding to the right, turn your wheel to the right. If your back wheels are sliding to the left, turn your wheel to the left. For a visual explanation, watch this video.

If you start to fishtail, steer into the skid

Being Prepared for Emergencies

If you do any winter travel in Minnesota, there are a few things you should make sure to have in your vehicle in case of emergencies, even if you’re only doing something as minor as commuting to work or school.

Cold weather apparel: Never leave home without weather appropriate clothing. If you’re not wearing a winter jacket, boots, gloves, or a hat, throw them into your back seat just in case. If you break down on the side of the road, these things can protect you from hypothermia and frostbite. (You can also keep a blanket in your trunk to serve the same purpose).
Shovel: Keep a shovel in your trunk. If your car gets stuck in the snow, you can use it to dig yourself out.
Jumper Cables: Cold weather can cause a car battery to die. Jumper cables may be able to give you enough power to get home-- or to the mechanic’s shop. For a guide on how to use jumper cables, click here.

Miscellaneous Survival Tidbits

Getting through a Minnesota winter unscathed is no small feat. The season brings with it plenty of perils, from unexpected ice patches to sub-zero temperatures. Here are some things to keep in mind when the weather outside is frightful.

Dealing with Frostbite: Frostbite is fairly common in the winter. It most often affects fingers, toes, noses, ears, cheeks, and chins. If you notice any of these body parts becoming numb or stinging, or experience pain and discoloration of exposed skin, you may be developing frostbite. Go inside, and apply warm (not hot) water to the affected area. Do not use any intense heat sources (heat pads, fireplaces, etc.), as they can cause burns on numb skin. Do not rub or massage the affected area, as this can cause further damage. For most mild cases, gradual rewarming should prevent lasting damage. In serious cases, seek medical attention.
Watch Out for Ice: According to the CDC, approximately one million Americans are injured from falling on ice or snow every year. Make sure to move slowly and be on the lookout for slick spots when walking outside in the winter. Sprinkling some rock salt, kitty litter, or sand on your sidewalk will increase traction and help prevent slips.
Be Careful Around Frozen Lakes: Frozen lakes can be great for winter activities like skating and ice fishing, but they can also be very dangerous. Stay off of lakes unless you know for a fact that the ice is at least four inches thick. If you do find yourself in danger of breaking through the ice, lay on your stomach to distribute your weight over the widest area possible, and slowly scoot to shore.

Winter is cold and dark, and this year, a bit premature, but it is also quite beautiful. So, now that you’re equipped with these basic safety tips, go ahead and enjoy the snow.