Brrrrrrr! It’s Cold Outside!
By Judy Parsons
These past few days we have seen temperatures plummet to zero degrees and under. Now that’s very cold! If you are like me, I am not a fan of super cold weather. I’m more of a fair-weather gal. When it gets this cold, there are several precautions one needs to take to be safe in these bitter cold temperatures.
First of all, check the weather and the radar! You need to be aware of the temperature, wind chill and precipitation of your own location and any other location you are going traveling to. You should download your favorite weather app to your phone for quick reference. If the weather is dangerous, stay home if possible and delay your trip until the weather is better.
If you must travel, be sure your vehicle is ready for cold weather. Check your windshield wipers and make sure your wiper fluid container is full. Check all your vehicle fluids. Do not leave home if there is a chance that your battery will not start your car. Make sure your brakes, defroster, heater, and exhaust system are in good condition. When traveling, do not use your cruise control if the roads are even slightly slick or snow covered. Be sure you have a completely charged cell phone with chargers to take with you. It is always smart to have an emergency travel kit that includes a basic first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, shovel, kitty litter or sand, jumper cables, blankets, snacks such as jerky, nuts, granola and dried fruit and water. You will also need a good ice/snow scraper and a full tank of gas before starting out on your trip.
When going outside anytime in this bitter cold weather, be sure you are dressed warm. Wear layers of clothes with a waterproof outside layer. Do not forget to wear or pack extra little items such as gloves, hats, ear muffs and scarves. A heavy warm coat, moisture wicking socks and at least ankle high boots are a must to keep warm and dry.
Before starting out in bad weather, be sure you contact someone to let them know you are going to be traveling and what your destination is. That contact persons should be added to your emergency contact in your phone. Take your time because safely getting to your destination is always more important than arriving early. If you do get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
When dealing with bitter cold weather, stay home if possible. If you must travel, stay warm, dry and safe.
