Column: Braving the cold
How to stay safe during the chilly week ahead
Snow blankets the ground on Thursday, Dec. 5 on the campus of Central Michigan University. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins).
Reaching a low of -8 degrees - not including Mount Pleasant’s notorious windchill - this week will be cold and bitter. Though the weather outside is frightful, staying safe during sub-zero temperatures is easier than you might think.
Whether driving to the grocery store, walking to class or cuddling on your couch, these winter weather survival tips can help you navigate the week ahead.
Stay safe at home
If you don’t want to turn your heat up to 75 degrees or live underneath your bed covers, there are many practical ways to stay warm in your home that won’t break the bank.
If you find yourself reaching for the thermostat, first try taking a hot shower, which can temporarily raise your body temperature and help you feel more comfortable indoors.
Ensuring that all air vents are clean and functional is another simple step that allows the most efficient use of heat within a home.
Keeping your curtains/blinds half drawn or closed when the sun isn’t shining through also conserves heat very effectively, as do rugs over wooden floors.
Be prepared on the road
Emergencies are never expected on the road, but it is important to be prepared for anything when driving in winter conditions.
Keeping your gas tank at least half-full at all times is a foolproof way to ensure that you’ll have access to heat regardless of the circumstance.
The University of Michigan Health also recommends storing an emergency kit in your car for easy access to valuable resources, such as water, warm clothing and first aid.
Bracing the outdoors
For the brave souls venturing outside this week, it is vital to protect your hands, feet and head from the cold.
Dressing in layers, wearing insulated gloves, choosing waterproof footwear and covering your ears and nose will keep you dry, warm and possibly fashionable during the chilliest time of the year.
Failure to protect yourself while spending time outdoors may result in the dreaded frostbite, which primarily affects the fingers, toes, ears and nose.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the first signs of frostbite appear as redness and a stinging, burning, throbbing or prickling sensation that develops into numbness.
If you experience any of these symptoms after exposure to freezing temperatures, the AAD recommends slowly bringing the affected area back to a safe temperature with a warm washcloth. Frostbitten skin should never be rubbed or submerged in hot water, as such methods can worsen the injury.
The AAD also states that if sensation does not return to the frostbitten area or the affected skin begins to turn grey, you should head straight to an emergency room.
Classic Michigan
After an unseasonably warm winter so far, it seems only right that temperatures would suddenly plummet. However, the freezing conditions of this week provide an excellent excuse to stay indoors and finally learn that hobby you said you would try last year.
Now that you are equipped with some basic winter weather safety tips, enjoy the snow that will most likely last until May.
