Coping With the Cold Weather Woes
There is no escaping cold weather. How do you deal with the frigid temperatures, snow, ice, and wind? What if the power goes out for a long period of time? Here are a few tips and tricks to survive Mother Nature’s cold shoulder.
First Priority: Keeping Warm
Winter can be brutal with the temperature dipping down below freezing. Add into that some bad weather such as high winds, ice or heavy snow. In the worse case scenario, the power goes out and within a short period of time, your fingers and toes turn into icicles.
Winter can be brutal with the temperature dipping down below freezing. Add into that some bad weather such as high winds, ice or heavy snow. In the worse case scenario, the power goes out and within a short period of time, your fingers and toes turn into icicles.
Most modern homes do not have a fireplace. If you do, stock up on a little firewood. You may never have to use it, but remember the old adage – it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Some Tips and Tricks for Keeping Warm.
- Wear a hat. Always keep your head covered. You can lose 40 to 45 percent of body heat from an unprotected head and even more from the unprotected neck, wrist, and ankles.
- Keep clothing clean. Clothing insulates your body. Oil and dirt reduce their insulating value.
- Avoid overheating and sweating. Wet, damp clothes suck the heat from your body. If you get too warm, take off your hat.
- Wear clothes loose and in layers. Tight clothing restricts blood circulation and reduces the amount of trapped air that acts as insulation.
Second Priority: Don’t Go Outside if You Don’t Have To
Sitting inside a cold house staring at the walls can drive a person crazy, but is it worth taking a chance on going outside? If you think it is, take some precautions. Use a little common sense and keep safe.
First of all, walking in snow/ice can be a real adventure. Wear shoes with a rubber, grooved sole. It is also a good idea to wear a heavy, bulky coat to cushion the inevitable tumble to the ground. Keep your hands free to help with balance, and walk in grassy areas instead of concrete or pavement. If you have to walk across a parking lot, walk like a penguin. DO NOT put your weight on your heels, keep your weight forward. That way, if you fall, you’ll fall forward and you can catch yourself without getting hurt.
Car stuck in the driveway? You removed as snow as you could from around the wheels and rocked the car forward and back and still not going any where? You don’t have any kitty litter, sand or cardboard? It is useless just spinning your tires – use your floor mats behind the wheels to get some traction. If there’s ice on the road, forget it and go back inside the house.
The best way to cope with cold weather is to use common sense. If you have to shovel the sidewalk, take your time with frequent breaks. If you are stuck out on the freeway during a blizzard, pull over and stay in the car until help arrives. Keep a survival kit in the trunk, just in case. The biggest piece of advice is never panic. Whether you are in your home or away, there is always a solution to any problem.
