Cold Weather Survival

Freezing temperatures and blinding snowstorms may place you in a cold weather survival situation. Plan ahead and prepare for any type of emergency. The steps you take today may help make your tomorrow safer.

If you live in an area where the winters are long and hard you have probably taken a few steps to help yourself. Everyone should keep a set of battery cables, a flashlight, signal flares and extra clothes especially gloves and hats in their car at all times. You should also have an emergency radio like the Red Cross FR350 (NP) with AM/FM and short wave bands. The weather alert capabilities of this radio may provide you with the time you need to hunker down before a storm hits.

Emergency Road Kits - People who drive in areas prone to winter storms should also keep food, water and blankets in their car. Cold weather survival can be the difference in having a blanket or not having one. Food stored in your car should be able to withstand freezing temperatures; dried foods, such as nuts, crackers, fruits and candy especially chocolate store well. Protein bars, survival tablets and emergency rations provide the calories and nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Emergency candles and a can to put them in will provide some heat. The heat from one candle is enough to keep you from freezing to death. The Esbit stove, a small compact unit that can be used inside as long as ventilation and a heat resistant surface is provided, will allow you to heat water for instant soup and beverages. Extra clothes, coats and blankets will provide extra layers of warmth.

You need to store a few gallons of water as well. Soda bottles filled ¾ full allows the water to expand without exploding should it freeze. Snow can be melted but it takes time. Never eat snow, it will lower your core temperature and lead to hypothermia. If needed, allow it to melt in your mouth before swallowing.

If you are at home and a winter storm hits, your ability to survive improves greatly. Heavy ice and snow accumulation often take down power lines. Power outages render most heating systems useless. You should have an alternate method for heat and for cooking if you live in an area prone to winter storms.

The Kerosene Heater/Cooker, available through Nitro Pak, is a great back up system for the home. This stove provides some heat and allows you to warm up foods. Remember that if you are on a public sewer system and the power goes out your toilet may not work. Consider alternatives before you find yourself without. The Hassock portable toilet is an excellent option.

Water can be stored inside or out at home. If you put your stored water outside you will have ice ready to put into your refrigerator should the power go out. Always leave space in the container for the water to expand.

If you experience a power outage, eat the items in your refrigerator first. If you do not have an alternative heat source, you can compensate by containing yourself to one room. Block off doors and windows with blankets. This technique will raise the temperature in that room. Kerosene heaters and flowerpot radiant heaters are alternative ways to heat a room.

Cold weather survival is easier if you are at home. If you live in areas prone to winter storms or are passing through take the precautions necessary to improve your chances of survival.