Cold Weather Survival

Basic knowledge of cold weather survival can save a life. If you live in or travel to any place that has chilly temperatures then you need to know this information.

If you live with young children or elderly family members, then you should definitely be cautious for them when cold weather hits. The cold air itself is hard on the heart. And the young and the old are the most vulnerable.

Cold Weather Some people may not think that cold temperatures are that dangerous. And few actually die directly from the cold. But with the combination of other factors cold weather survival is serious; sickness and death can result. For instance, shoveling snow is very physically taxing and sometimes results in heart attack. Susceptibility to pneumonia and other sicknesses goes up. And the cold may also bring icy road conditions which cause motor accidents.

Every year people die when the thermometer drops. Others end up in the hospital. Take some simple precautions and don't overexert yourself physically. The information below will give you a basic orientation to cold weather survival.

Dressing for Cold Weather Survival:

  • Dress in layers; this will trap warm air between the articles of clothing
  • Wear a ski cap/beanie; your head releases a lot of body heat
  • Wear warm gloves or mittens
  • Wear thick socks
  • Wear waterproof boots if possible
  • Good outer jackets are made of gortex and are bright colors such as red or orange

Preparation for Your Home:

  • Add weather stripping to any windows or doors where air leaks in, or replace with double-pane windows and new doors
  • If necessary add insulation to the attic
  • If you have central heat, close off vents to unused rooms to conserve energy; replace the filter
  • For rooms that are cooler than others buy a space heater
  • Buy wood for the fireplace in advance
  • Get rock salt to clear walkways of ice
  • Buy a snow shovel or blower
  • Locate your water shut-off valve so you can access it quickly if necessary
  • If temperatures are well below freezing, run a trickle of water in your sink
  • Stock your pantry with plenty of food and water
  • Make sure your survival kit is fully stocked
  • Keep extra blankets handy
  • Be sure to have a NOAA weather radio for any severe weather alerts

Preparation for Your Car:
The easy thing to do is take your car to a local dealership or garage and have them winterize it. But if you want to take care of it on your own, here's a list of the basics.

  • Keep your gas tank full
  • Make sure your antifreeze is at the right level
  • Check tires for inflation and tread
  • Check engine oil and if it's time for a change use a lighter weight (5/30)
  • Make sure your battery isn't too old and clean the terminals
  • Check the wiper blades and top off windshield wiper fluid (not with water that will freeze)
  • Check hoses for cracks
  • Check the brakes
  • Check air and fuel filters
  • Check heater and defroster
  • Check lights and blinkers
  • Get snow chains
  • Put extra blankets in your car
  • Make sure your auto survival kit is in the trunk and fully loaded

Cold Weather Survival in a Storm:

  • Stay abreast of the weather conditions with the local news or a weather radio
  • Dress in layers
  • Eat and drink plenty of water
  • Stay at home, unless you really have to go out
  • If you go out wear a warm hat and gloves
  • Avoid strenuous work
  • Stay with others and keep an eye on children and the elderly

Stuck In Your Car:
If you find yourself stuck in a blizzard, especially with white-out conditions, remember these tips.

  • Unless you see shelter close by, stay in your car
  • Turn on the emergency blinkers, put a flare behind your car and a flag on your antenna
  • Periodically turn on the engine and run your heater; be sure to clear the exhaust pipe of snow
  • One person should always stay awake to run the heater and watch for help
  • Drink water
When the blizzard passes, get out and check the road before traveling. Your car may be stuck, and the road is likely to have frozen over. Driving conditions will still be very dangerous until road crews can clear the ice. Check the radio for updates on road conditions. If you can get to nearby shelter, go there and wait until the highway patrol says it is safe to venture out.

Frostbite:
Frostbite is the freezing of a person's extremities such as fingers, toes, and ears. Common signs are a loss of sensation or extreme pain in those areas and discolorization.

  • Get medical attention immediately
  • Do not rub the areas
  • Take the victim to a warm, but not hot area
  • Warm, but not hot water can be used to soak the affected areas
  • After thawing wrap in gauze or other dressings
  • Do not allow the affected areas to be exposed to extreme cold again

Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is when the body's temperature drops. Common signs are disorientation, exhaustion, slurred speech, shallow breathing, and uncontrolled shivering.

  • Get medical attention immediately
  • If outside get indoors and away from the wind
  • Remove wet clothing
  • Warm the body's core/torso
  • Use someone else's body heat to warm the victim; lay together in a sleeping bag if possible
  • If possible warm drinks may help

A little preparation and common sense can go a long way towards cold weather survival. Again, be sure to keep an eye on those at greater risk, and stock up on any items that you are missing.

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