Stranded in the van

First steps

• Get safe: on a motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area, put hazard lights on, and get everyone out over the barrier, away from traffic. Call 999 if you are in a live lane and cannot get out safely.
• Call your breakdown service; tell them there is a child on board.
• Note your location: road number, marker posts on motorways, nearby junction, or what3words if you use it.
• If in snow or a remote area, stay with the van. It is shelter and it is easier to find than a person on foot.

Stay warm and safe

• Use the van's heater, blankets and sleeping bags.
• If running the engine for heat, keep the exhaust clear of snow and open a window slightly. Never sleep with the engine running.
• Never use a portable stove or barbecue inside the van.

Stretch supplies

• Ration water and food as described in the core guides.
• Keep phones charged from the leisure battery or power banks; use them sparingly.

Get ready before it happens

• Breakdown cover that includes recovery for the van's size and weight
• Spare wheel, jack and wheel brace that you know how to use
• Warning triangle, hi-vis vests for everyone
• Shovel, snow chains or snow socks, tow rope, jump leads
• Emergency food and water kept in the van