Survive Extreme Cold

Survive extreme cold. There have been a number of serious snowstorms and extreme cold snaps across Alaska this winter. Negative temperatures, freezing rain, heavy snow fall, high winds, and icy conditions are hazardous weather conditions. Dense fog and low visibility are also dangerous conditions commonly accompanying winter storms. Be safe and warm during extreme temperatures or snowstorms.

Survive Extreme Cold – During Storm Warnings

Stay indoors and off of roadways unless absolutely necessary to best survive extreme cold. During negative temperatures, avoid being outside for long periods of time and be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frost bite.

Low visibility and hazardous road conditions can increase the risk of accidents. These factors can also leave drivers with car troubles in potentially dangerous circumstances. Always have an emergency kit containing winter gear and emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Prepare for potential power outages and stay aware of current emergency information and alerts. During extreme weather conditions, some communities are without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Have an emergency kit ready at home in an easily accessible place. This can be greatly beneficial during unexpected or fast moving storms.

Prepare your home to be well insulated to retain warmth and to keep pipes from freezing. Cover vehicles or park them in a sheltered area.

Dress warmly and check on friends, family and neighbors. Don’t let children play outside for long periods of time. Bring animals indoors and don’t allow them outdoors unsupervised.

Alaska winters can be hard to handle, especially as we continue to experience negative temperatures. It is important to prepare ahead of time before heading out in the Alaskan weather, even if you plan to be out for a short time.

Layer Your Clothing To Survive Extreme Cold

It is important to layer clothes when going out into the Arctic cold, especially if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time. Layers allow you to remove or add as your body adjusts to the temperatures. The best part about layers is if the temperature drops unexpectedly, you can add more so that you do not have to adjust plans.

Remove layers to avoid overheating and causing your body to try to cool itself down. Sweating in layers of warm clothing is not only uncomfortable, it also increases the possibility of dehydration and hypothermia. Stay well hydrated and come indoors often to regulate your body temperature.

Understanding Frost Bite

Frost bite can happen even if the temperature is not negative. The temperature of an object can be lower than the temperature of its environment, so even if it doesn’t seem too cold, you can still become victim of frost bite.

Frost bite has three stages. The first degree of frost bite involves irritation of the skin, minor redness and little pain. The second degree of frost bite involves blisters and generally does not cause permanent damage but is more painful. The third degree of frost bite involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage. This type of frost bite is the most painful.

The hands and feet are the most susceptible to frost bite in the Arctic. The best way to avoid frost bite is to wear gloves appropriate for the weather conditions. Very thin gloves are not good for extreme temperatures and will not properly protect you from frost bite. Wearing appropriate socks to keep feet dry and well insulated is also very important when the temperature drops.

This piece on Surviving Extreme Cold is the ninth of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Heating Your Home; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; and Removing Ice and Snow Safely.

Johnson & Associates has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson & Associates to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Modern Warrior Project; E-Medicine Health

Image Source: Modern Warrior Project