Preparing To Survive Winter Temperatures

Winter comes as no surprise to most people who live in countries with four seasons, but many are not ready for winter storms and extreme cold temperatures. For most people, life goes on as usual in winter, with many people going to work, children going to school, people going to the groceries or markets, and some even traveling far distances. Older individuals and other less active people may spend more time indoors. To add to all these, winter is a time when people try to enjoy the holidays in spite of the weather. But no matter what our daily activities are, we all have to prepare for winter to protect our health and safety.

There are many aspects people have to prepare for in winter. Aside from shifting to winter fashion, people have to get their homes ready for extreme temperatures.

It is also important to prepare your cars for winter, whether you are traveling to work or going on a holiday vacation. Finally, taking care of your health, as well as your family's health, during winter must be a priority, since health problems such as viral infections and stress-related problems may increase during this season.

Get Your Home Ready For Winter

See Also: Boosting Your Immune System Naturally This Winter

In addition, you should also get ready for winter storms and emergencies. Here are some ways to prepare and survive the winter months indoors:

• Install storm windows. You can also cover your windows from the inside with plastic.
• Weather-strip your windows and doors.
• Insulate your walls, including the attic.
• Insulate your water lines that run along the outer walls to prevent water from freezing.
• Repair leaking roofs and clean out your gutters.
• Have your heating systems professionally cleaned and checked for working condition.
• Inspect your fireplace and chimney, making sure they are clean.
• Consider having safe alternate heating sources and fuels.
• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is deadly when inhaled. Early symptoms of CO toxicity include headache, disorientation, and nausea.
• Check your snow-removal equipment.
• Install an outdoor thermometer.
• Cut off tree branches that could cause danger to you or your home.
• During extremely cold weather, it is wise to check your home temperature often and to keep as much heat inside. Avoid unnecessary opening of windows and doors.
• If temperatures drop below freezing, allow your water taps to drip continuously by leaving them slightly open.
• Avoid using charcoal or gas grills indoors because their fumes could be deadly.
• Avoid using generators near a window, inside your house, basement, or garage.
• Never leave lighted candles unattended.
• Do not use an electric space heater near anything that can catch fire (drapes, beddings, etc.).
• Keep a fire extinguisher ready, especially near areas to be heated.
• Basic winter items you need at home include a snow shovel, waterproof floor mats and de-icing compounds.

Prepare Your Car For Winter Travel

Whether you like it or not, you will be using your vehicle to get to work, school, or some errands in spite of the cold weather. You might also want to go on vacation during the holidays using your car.

Many emergencies happen on the road, and it is best to be prepared:

• Get your car ready before winter.
• Check your radiator, tire tread, lights, battery, anti-freeze, and fuel.
• Keep your gas tank full.
• Replace tires with snow tires or all-weather tires if necessary.
• Use wintertime formula in the windshield washer. Avoid using water to remove ice or snow on the windshield.

 Prepare an emergency kit in your car, containing enough food and water, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, maps and compass, a tire pump, booster cables, flares, and cat litter or a bag of sand to use for traction.

Aside from preparing your car, be ready to drive safely during winter.

• Before traveling, be aware of weather forecasts, road and traffic conditions. Consider the wind chill factor when traveling.
• Driving on icy roads can be tricky, and it is best to learn techniques on how to drive safely in winter. Stay on the main roads. Avoid traveling when there is low visibility.
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged before leaving.
• It is best not to travel alone and to let someone know your destination and estimated time of arrival.

Stay Healthy During Winter

Staying indoors is not a guarantee of health and safety during winter.

See Also: How To Get Through The Winter Without Becoming Ill

Here are some health tips:

• Whether you are indoors or outdoors, it is important to dress appropriately. Layering clothes is the best way to adjust to varying temperatures.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Stay active, even if you have to do your exercises indoors. Avoid injuries while outdoors by using appropriate footwear and sprinkling sand or cat litter on icy steps or walkways to prevent slipping.
• Visit your doctor for regular check-ups and get flu shots.
• Wash your hands often to avoid common viral and bacterial infections.
• Always cover your nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid overexertion, which can lead to a heart attack, when shoveling snow.
• When outdoors, protect your lungs from cold by covering your mouth and not speaking unless necessary.
• Watch out for symptoms of hypothermia (low body temperature). These include shivering, disorientation, memory loss, incoherence, drowsiness, slurred speech, and exhaustion.
• Watch for symptoms of frostbite, which could involve the fingers, toes, nose tip and ear lobes. Symptoms include paleness and numbness of the involved area. Get immediate medical help.
• Be sure to stock on foods that need little cooking or preparation.
• Keep an emergency kit at home. This should contain flashlights and fresh batteries, a fully charged cell phone, medicines, baby food, a first aid kit, extra blankets and clothes, and other essentials.