By MICHELLE RINDELSDecember 11, 2013 8:01 PM
What should I do with my cellphone?
If you have service, send text messages to reliable friends to share your plight.
Rescuers in Nevada were able to use cell tower data from the lost woman's phone to narrow the search area.
But Howe cautions against relying on cellphones in the wilderness. While triangulation can help guide a search, the data probably won't provide the lost person's precise location because rural cell towers are so few and far between.
"It's not a five-ounce rescue package at all, period," Howe said. "You're better off with a BIC lighter."
What can I do today to avoid the situation?
The Nevada family was wearing snow clothes — something that travelers should keep on hand.
"It's a really good idea to keep extra clothing and insulation in your trunk. Even on an interstate drive through the northern Midwest, it's entirely possible you could be stranded overnight," Howe said.
He recommends bringing a shovel that's rugged enough to dig out a vehicle, a cigarette lighter and blankets. Pack water, granola bars or other high-protein snacks in the car. A small bottle of lantern fuel also could help start a campfire.
Should I even take the trip?
AAA recommends delaying trips if bad weather is in the forecast. If that's not possible, let others know your route, and be cautious about the road less traveled. Even though the family drove a Jeep, it flipped in soft snow and stopped running.
"Consider how remote some of these places are — consider the vehicle you're in and what can happen," said Howe.
If a road looks sketchy, retrace your steps instead of forging onward.
"When things start going sideways, retreat to a position of safety," Howe said.
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