When It's Ridiculously Cold

If your use to living in a cold climate or if you normally have to be outside when its cold, these tips maybe common sense for you, if your not they just might save your life. Either way they are a good reminder for us all.

Ways to Stay Warm (and Safe) When It's Ridiculously Cold

1. Bundle Up
It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing, so try wearing an extra shirt or two under your coat. For ladies who love wearing leggings, try swapping them out for long underwear. A bonus: Most long underwear is meant to dry quickly, so leftover snow and slush won't leave your legs damp.

2. Indulge in Foods That Help You Keep WarmYou already know that eating healthily in the winter is important to fend off colds and the flu, but did you know it might help keep you warm, too? Eating extra, healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which in turn heats the body. If your New Year’s resolution was to drop a few pounds, don't worry -- you can always skip the extra fat and try eating warmer foods and drinks. Try soups, spicy foods, hot coffee and teas to fend off the chill!

3. We're Sorry: Alcohol Decreases Core Temperatures                                                       Alcoholic beverages might make you feel warm, they actually decrease your core temperature and can be dangerous during winter months. According to The New York Times and a study by Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, alcohol reverses some reflexes that control body temperature, especially the body's ability to shiver. Alcohol can also make you sweat, even when it is cold, which can lower core temperatures even more.  

4. Keep Your Toes ToastyHypothermia is most likely to begin in extremities like your hands and feet, so keeping your toes warm is important. Whether you're walking to work or just around the block, make sure to wear sturdy, insulated shoes that will help prevent slips on slick surfaces and keep your feet dry. Try a good pair of hiking books or, also, consider wearing an extra pair of socks  

5. Sunglasses... Even in the Winter                                                                                                      If you're walking in the snow during the day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare. If you are walking at night, make sure to dress in colors other than white and to wear something reflective on your person to alert drivers to your presence. Avoid walking too close to roadways, especially near icy areas where drivers may lose control of their vehicle.

6. Remember the "Three-Feet Rule"                                                                                            Space heaters are a great way to add extra heat to colder rooms, but always remember to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater at all times. Flammable items include clothing, rugs, bedding and curtains. Also remember to place the heater on a hard, non-flammable, stable surface and to turn it off completely before leaving the house. Set a reminder on your phone if you're afraid you'll forget.

7. Watch Out for Furry Friends                                                                                                      You might be jealous of your dog or cat's fur coat when temperatures drop, but they need to be kept warm, too. Dog walks should be limited to 10 minutes. You also have to be careful of ice in their paws because it can act like little daggers. Always remember to bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. If they can't come inside, provide enough bedding and insulated shelter for them to keep warm. If temperatures are below freezing, remember to check pets' water and replace it if it has frozen. 

8. Monitor Fires                                                                                                                                   It's easy to snooze in front of a roaring fire, but always make sure that fireplace embers are completely out before going to bed for the night. Wood fireplaces should always have a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

9. Don't Warm Up Your Car While It's Unattended                                                              Although letting your car heat up before you hop in can be tempting, leaving your car running when you're not around offers the perfect opportunity for thieves to steal it.   Instead, have a family member wait inside it while you finish getting ready, and then switch "shifts" with them when you have finished. Alternate who goes first to keep it fair.

10. Assemble a Car Emergency KitCheck the CDC's car emergency checklist to ensure you are prepared in case you have a roadside emergency during inclement weather. 

11. Keep Heat Constant                                                                                                                Setting your thermostat at the same temperature day and night will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. While avoiding a high heating bill might be tempting, you could be protecting yourself from costly repairs from frozen or burst pipes. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, don't lower heat below 55 degrees.

12. Protect PipesKeeping the heat on isn't the only thing you can do to protect pipes from freezing. State Farm suggests letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and on exterior walls. Locate the water shut-off valve in your home in advance of a water emergency, so you know where to go if a pipe bursts. 

13. Watch Out for Antifreeze                                                                                                        People often use antifreeze on sidewalks and paths to melt ice and snow, but the dangers to humans and pets if it is ingested are serious.
Know the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in humans and monitor children who are behaving oddly after returning from playing outside. Wipe down pets' paws, stomachs and tails when they come inside so they do not ingest antifreeze when licking themselves. Check symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in animals to ensure you are prepared in case they become sick.

14. Know the TermsFamiliarize yourself with government terms for winter weather emergencies: 

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

• Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

• Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

15. Make Sure Roads Are Safe Before Driving                                                                       BEFORE you leave your driveway or parking space make sure all your windows are cleared of snow and ice.  Clear the location your windshield washer fluid comes out and make sure your reservoir is full.  Give and Take… Give extra space and breaking distance and Take extra time… GO SLOW.                     

16. Write Down Important Utility Numbers                                                                               Heavy snow and ice can settle on power lines and cause power outages. Write down utility numbers and have them handy during a storm in case you need to report an outage or incident. Call your utility company as soon as your power goes off.

17. Watch for Signs of Hypothermia                                                                                       Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. A body temperature that's too low can affect the brain, which makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because the victim may not know it is happening. Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at merely cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water. Check the CDC's guide for recognizing hypothermia to prepare yourself to help someone suffering from the condition.

18. Check on Your NeighborsEspecially the elderly, handicapped, ones who are single parents or if one of the adults are out of town or deployed with the military. Don’t assume they are OK, give them a call or go over and visit.