How to Survive a Night in a Snowstorm

How to Survive a Night in a Snowstorm

trees after snow storm image by Jorge Moro from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Winter camping appeals to people who enjoy the pristine beauty of snow. Preparing adequately allows you to stay comfortable and ready in case of an emergency such as a snowstorm. Familiarizing yourself with outdoor survival skills and knowledge can come in handy especially if you are stranded overnight. This is especially true if you reside in areas with colder climates where snowstorms tend to occur frequently. With enough preparation and knowledge, your chances of surviving a night in a snowstorm can increase tremendously, allowing you to muster enough energy for the next day to seek rescue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Navigational tools
  • Sun protection
  • Extra clothing or blankets
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid supplies
  • Matches
  • Repair kit and tools
  • Nutrition or extra food
  • Hydration
  • Emergency shelter
Step 1
Stay in. Do not venture out in extreme weather conditions, such as a snowstorm. Staying indoors is your best strategy for surviving a snowstorm.
Step 2
Pack and bring essential items if you're going on a overnight winter hiking trip. According to REI Experts, bringing essential items when heading into the backcountry is necessary for your comfort and safety especially in snowy or cold conditions. Essential items include navigational aids, sun protection, extra clothing or blankets, flashlight, first aid supplies, matches, repair kit and tools, nutrition or extra food, hydration and emergency shelter.
Step 3
Leave behind a trip plan. Always let others know about your outdoor trips. Include details such as time, date and trip duration. Also include vehicle information, names and contact number for people in your group.
Step 4
Use or build a shelter to keep you warm and protected for the night. If stranded, use thick tree coverage and build a fort underneath. You can also dig a snow cave if no other shelter is available, Emergency Dude suggests. Snow works as an effective insulator if you pack it tightly.
Step 5
Prevent hypothermia and frostbite by staying warm. Build a fire and keep dry and well hydrated. Drink the snow if you run out of water supply, the Outdoor Survival Skills website suggests. Eat well, especially at night, because digestion aids in generating internal warmth, according to outdoors outfitter REI. Remove clothing if it gets wet.

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

Write for Trails.com
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