If you live in a place where the temperature drops dramatically in the winter months, you likely already know how to keep yourself warm when you go outside. But if you’re not used to being outside in the cold, or you suddenly find yourself stuck out in the cold and needing to survive, there are a few things that you’ll want to know to ensure that you’re able to protect your body and your mind until you’re able to get back to a safe place.
To help you in doing this, here are three things to know about being outside in extremely cold temperatures.
Dress In Layers
Before you leave your home to head outside in the cold, the best thing that you can do is to dress in layers. In most cases, thinner layers on top of each other are going to be better at keeping you warm than one bigger layer.
The reason why layers are better at keeping you warm is because air gets trapped between the layers to serve as an additional insulator to your body. The more layers you have, the more you’re going to have between the layers to get trapped, heat up, and help keep you warm. And if you’re able to wear a nice thick layer on the outside to keep all of that heat in, you should be feeling nice and toasty even if the temperature is cold.
Avoid Alcohol And Smoking
When you feel cold, many people will find that they feel warmer if they drink alcohol. And while this might make you sense that you’re getting warmer, drinking alcohol when you’re out in the cold actually just tricks your body into thinking it’s warmer. This can lull you into a false sense of security that you’re doing right by your body, when you’re actually doing harm to it.
Additionally, drinking alcohol and smoking in cold temperatures can also make you more susceptible to frostbite. So to decrease your risk of frostbite, it’s best not to smoke or drink when you’re going to be outside in the cold.
Learn The Warning Signs Of Hypothermia
Despite your best efforts to keep yourself warm when you’re stuck out in the cold, you should also know the warning signs of hypothermia so that you can take drastic measures and seek out added help if and when it’s warranted.
Some of the most common signs that your body is starting to go hypothermic include things like shivering, stiffening of your muscles, confusion, feeling very sleepy, and having a hard time sleeping. If you notice these things in yourself or in those that you’re with, make sure you get someplace warm as quickly as you can.
If you’re going to be outside in very cold temperatures, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know how to stay safe in these conditions.
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