A timely post on surviving the coming blizzard-apocalypse

By Mark Atkinson for MSN Autos

Out in the Maritimes, we're hunkering down in preparation for the ginormous snow storm that's currently making trouble in Ontario and parts of Quebec. So what better time to provide some advice on not only how to stay on the road, but what to do should you happen to go off. With some areas expecting anywhere from 40-60 centimetres of snow and blizzard-like winds that'll make near-zero visibility, we need all the help we can get.

MSN Autos Canada has a great Winter Driving section with plenty of archived stories and excellent information, and that should be the first place to look. Some of the gems include what to include in a winter survival kit, how to survive getting stranded, and lots more.

Some basics to remember:

First, whatever you do, stay with the vehicle. The only exception would be if staying with it or inside it would place you in more danger than not... for example, if it's perched on the edge of a ravine or too close to downed power lines. That's the best piece of advice that ups your chances of being found safely.

Second, stay inside and only venture out to keep the area around the exhaust pipes clear of snow and ice. If they get clogged, then the toxic fumes will instead creep into the cabin and can kill you. Make sure to run the engine for about 10-15 minutes out of every hour for warmth, and move your arms and legs around to keep blood flowing properly.

Third, try to attach a bright piece of cloth to the car's antenna or another part to make it more visible to other drivers or rescuers.

Finally, one piece of advice passed along from an old rally-driver friend is to always keep a can of dog food in the trunk. Why? Well, other things might get eaten or spoil when you're not in an emergency, but no one's going to eat dog food unless they absolutely HAVE to.

Stay off the roads if you don't have to travel, and if you do, keep your speed down and your eyes up.