Dressing Warm in Cold Weather

Winter has arrived in full force and in many places snow is falling at an alarming rate. The temperature is cold with a wind chill making it worse than normal. If you are not careful you can become cold to a dangerous level before you realize you are in trouble. When this happens it takes longer to recover than it did for it to happen so this is the time to prepare before you find yourself too cold or too lost.

Warmth is your biggest concern in the storm. It's hard to feel the cold for the first few minutes then it hits you like a chuck of ice in your veins. You start to shake and your teeth are chattering. You can't find a warm spot anywhere on your body and soon you feel like crying. After a while you feel like you are getting used to the cold, but what is really happening is your body temperature is dropping and you are in trouble. You feel sleepy and figure with a little shut eye you'll be fine. If you fall asleep now you may never wake up. You will die.

If you are going to go out prepare yourself now. Dress in layers. First in long underwear and heavier clothes on top of that. Next is a good coat, scarf, hat to cover your head and ears, heavy gloves and good boots. No tennis shoes, high heels, dresses, pretty hats with no warmth or little cotton gloves. Use the scarf around your neck and over your mouth and nose so you don't breath in the chill air. It will help to keep your body warm and your lungs from freezing. If the wind is blowing don't stay in the open for too long. Any exposed skin can develop frost bite pretty quick so do the work you plan and get back inside where it's warm.

Split you work if you must. If it is going to take some time then do the first part and return to the house to warm up. Once warm then you can return for the next portion of the job. Do not try to stay in extreme weather for too long at a time if you are not dressed for it. Many people work in these conditions but they have special clothing to protect them from the cold.

Always wear gloves when clearing snow from your walk ways or car windows. They will protect your hands from the cold air and the snow as you clear. If your hands become too cold remove your gloves and put your bare hands in your arm pits. This is the quickest way to warm them but it's going to make the rest of your body cold so get inside as soon as possible. If you become too cold all over then move inside and pile as many blankets on you as you can stand. Remove all wet clothing and shoes. If you own animals have them get under the covers with you. They are natures little heaters and foot warmers in cold weather.

Once you are warm you can redress and continue your work in safety. Take your time and be careful. You must protect yourself in order to help others and provide for the future. If conditions are not safe then don't attempt to go out any more. If you feel you are having medical problems due to the cold then get to the hospital as soon as possible. They are trained and ready during extreme cold conditions to care for you.

Staying warm is vital to your health and that of your family when it's cold outside. If you follow the rules of dressing in layers, timing you outdoor work and warming constantly you will be fine. Your biggest challenge will be to relax and take your time in everything you do. Winter is a beautiful time and with a few rules you'll be able to enjoy the season to it's fullest. Summer will arrive soon enough and with it a whole new set of problems and pleasure so keep yourself warm for now and have fun.