Winter special: What to do if you ever become stranded in the snow

You never know when this could be you, a family holiday in wintery Scotland for example could turn into a nightmare scenario where there is no-one in sight and no-one near to help you. We have put together some helpful advice and tips of what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.

·         Don’t leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help (i.e. garage or shop up ahead) and you are certain it will improve your situation.

·         If you have flares in the car with you, place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. If you don’t have any flares then use any kind of brightly coloured cloth and hang it from your antenna.

·         Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by using woollen items, blankets and anything else you can cover yourself up with to keep warm. Share body heat with those in the car with you.

·         Avoid using the radio/cd player on the car – as this can drain the car battery. You can use the heater for approximately ten minutes every hour to keep warm.

·         Eat a hard boiled sweet to keep your mouth moist and make use of other food in the car to keep energy levels high.

·         Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow, ice and low temperatures can seal a car shut.

·         Try and wear as many layers as possible. If you were going on holiday and have a suitcase full of extra clothes, put these on. Including putting extra pairs of socks on to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.

·         Thermal blankets will keep you protected from harsh weather conditions, if you have them.

·         Breathing in cold air for a prolonged period of time can trigger respiratory problems. If you have a passenger in the car with you that has asthma, heart problems, lung complaints or any other respiratory problems make sure they cover their mouths with a blanket often to breathe in warmer air.