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Ways to Stay Warm When It's Ridiculously Cold |
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Here’s a bit of advice when dealing with cold weather from personal experience, from friends, family and that I’ve collected from others over the years. I hope it’ll be useful for those who have lived in warmer climate for most of their lives and are moving to somewhere that gets really cold.
This might even be useful for writers that have a story with a winter/cold setting and they don’t know much about it. I hope this helps in someway for that too.
CLOTHING
You’re gonna need to invest in some proper winter clothing, especially the type of material that keeps you dry and warm, such as wool -- a natural fiber or synthetic fabrics like polypropylene. You don’t necessarily need all these things listed below, but it will depend on your environment -- how cold it’ll get, if it’s snowy, windy, how much time you’ll spend outside, your price range, and so on.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll most likely won’t be able to find winter-appropriate clothes at your warm location until you get to somewhere that is commonly known to have cold winters. Unless you plan to get things online for better deals and more options.
Avoid Cotton - Cotton is quite possibly the worst fabric to wear for warmth in winter. Once it gets wet from rain, snow or sweat, the cotton will start to extract heat out of the body. The effects are especially noticeable in cotton socks, underwear, or if a cotton T-shirt is the first layer next to skin. If it gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, which can leave you feeling damp, cold and miserable. Synthetic and wool layers dry much faster and will move perspiration away from your skin.
Winter Coat - You’ll need a really good quality winter coat. For example a hooded down parka that is long (it should reach mid-thigh, if not, at least long enough to cover your butt) and it has a quilted lining, with enough room for you to wear lots of layers underneath it. It should also be windproof and maybe waterproof too if you know you’re gonna be in a very wet/snow environment.
Boots - You’ll need a good, warm, waterproof and reliable pair of snow boots that have flat rubber soles (no heels). Why rubber? Because those have good grip which makes them safe enough to walk on ice and snow. Make sure that you can also wear thick socks or be able to wear two of them with the boots on. Remember get a pair of good quality boots, not fake leather or suede. If you have real leather boots be sure to protect them by pre-treating them with a lotion or coating spray that repels dirt and water. Doing so will keep the snow and salted sidewalks from damaging them and they’ll last longer.
Base Layer/Long Underwear - Also called Long Johns or Thermal Underwear, is a style of two-piece underwear with long legs and long sleeves that is normally worn during cold weather. The goal of these is that they are worn underneath your clothes to keep you dry and warm all winter long. Most base layer underwear is made from one of three types of materials: silk, merino wool, and synthetics such as polyester. Synthetic fabrics are good because they excel at dissipating sweat, so they give you the driest feel of any type of fabric. They’re also most durable out of other options and some synthetics even add a finish that inhibits the buildup of odor-causing bacteria, which helps if you’ll be going multiple days between washes. Merino Wool is applicable to the widest range of temperatures; the same set of merino bases can keep you warm on sub-freezing nights and remain comfortable as temperatures rise above 70 degrees. Merino also wicks with extraordinary effectiveness and strongly resists odor. Silk has impressive moisture wicking properties and is pretty much only worn in hot environments (whether dry or humid) because it breathes so well. This breathability subsequently means it doesn’t keep heat in like wool will. Silk naturally repels mold, mildew and is hypoallergenic. It’s also lightweight and soft, making it easy to layer under daywear. However, it can be pricey but so is wool.
Leggings/Tights - If you’re looking for something more convenient for unexpected cold days, leggings with fleece-lined worked really well. Just wear them underneath your pants to help keep your legs warm.
Winter Hats/Gloves/Scarves - Those with soft fleece lining is great as they keep in the warmth. The wool kind is pretty great too. Hats with ear flaps help to keep your ears nice and warm. If you use your smartphone a lot, make sure to get the gloves that have special thread on the index finger so you can use it without having to constantly take them off.
Ear Warmer/Earmuffs - The best ones are those with the fuzzy lining inside them.
Mittens - Mitts are warmer than gloves but not always practical for work that requires detail. But some mittens have enough space to let you wear a thin glove inside it. This will allow you to remove your mitts for more technical work while not exposing bare skin to the cold. Once work is completed, return your gloved hands promptly to your mitts. Also, mitts with separate index finger are very useful for certain applications.
Socks - Wool socks, thermal, and shearling lining socks are the best.
Sunglasses - People tend to forget that snow and ice reflect 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays so you’ll definitely need them to prevent snow blindness. This is why you see people wear either sunglasses or ski goggles while on the slopes to snowboard or ski.
Eyeglasses/Goggles - The main problem with wearing glasses with scarfs and most balaclava is that it fogs up constantly. Some have suggested using the old trick of shaving cream inside your eyeglasses and then wiping it off with a microfiber cloth. It’s suppose to work as a cheap anti-fog treatment. Another option is a product called Cat Crap, which is marked as one of the best anti-fogging product on the market.
Static in Clothes - In the winter static is much more of an issue and you’ll also notice it more when wearing wool clothing too. Definitely use a humidifier, which can help reduce static charge from building up moisture in the air. If you don’t have one you can make your own by boiling water on the stove. Adding spices such as cinnamon or citrus rind can help to give your home a nice scent while you’re doing that. Dryer sheets help diffuse the static electricity in clothes coming out of the dryer, but they also work on furniture. Rub upholstered furniture or your car seats with dryer sheets to reduce the static buildup. You can even rub dryer sheets on your clothes, or spritz them with a little bit of hairspray (or anti-static spray if you have it). There’s actually some grounding straps that can be attach to your shoe to nullify static electricity. Another option is adding a safety pin to your ensemble. It will help keep you from being zapped because the metal of the pin discharges the electrical build up in your clothes. A tip is to attach the pin at a seam, which allows you to hide the pin, but still reap its static reducing benefits.
Hand Warmer/Hot Hands - If the cold gets to be too much or it takes too long to warm up, don’t be afraid to use those air-activated heat packs. They’re great to use for your gloved hands (or place them in your pockets and just keep your hands inside it) and to slip into your boots.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Cold weather can be harmful to your health. Those most at risk of cold related illness include people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing heart conditions or respiratory illnesses, older adults, infants, young children and those who are experiencing homelessness. However, everyone can be affected by cold weather.
Cold weather can result in the development of cold-related injuries, such as windburn, frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia. It can also exacerbate existing conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Bathing/Showers - Take warm rather than steamy showers or baths. They feel good in the winter, but intense heat can break down the skin’s lipid barrier and your body will lose more moisture. Also when washing up, use creamy, non-foaming cleansers and moisturizing body washes instead of more drying soaps. Avoid astringents, especially those containing alcohol, since they can strip skin of its moisture.
Moisturize - Use a shielding lotion like Gloves in a Bottle or O'Keeffe's Healthy Hands to help form a barrier that last even with frequent hand washing (if it’s really bad, apply a thick layer of cream before bed, and sleep wearing white cotton gloves -- or cotton socks for your feet). For dry scaly elbows, knees and feet use a moisturizer or balm like Vaseline or Restore Healing Balm when you get out of the shower. As for your face, to avoid getting a dry, flaky face or to treat it use Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Intensive Moisture Wrap as I heard it works really well.
Lips - Frequently apply lip balm with SPF—but avoid the drying ones that contain camphor, phenol, menthol, OL, or salicylic acid. Most people recommended Dermatone Medicated Lip Balm SPF 23 which works pretty well. Vasaline or Aquaphor also help a lot, especially if you’re going to be in the cold for an extended time (more than 10-20 min). Avoid licking your lips though, as that dries them out even more.
Eyes - Cold winds make the moisture in your eyes evaporate. This may cause your eyes to start to tear when you go outside because your brain orders your eyes to create excessive tears to compensate. Use eye drops before you go outside, blink more frequently and wear glasses or goggles to protect against the wind. If they begin to feel dry and itchy, especially in a heated building, use a humidifier in your house or office to put some moisture back in the air.
Static (or Fizziness) in Hair - Do a hair mask once a week to keep it moisturized, which will prevent static and frizzy hair from happening. Consider switching to natural boar bristle brushes and wooden combs, because plastic combs and brushes on your hair can cause static electricity. If hair is wet, wrap and squeeze it with a hair-specific towel, such as a microfiber towel (or a cotton T-shirt) and not terry cloth. If all else fails, rubbing anti-static sheets made for hair, right along the hairline and directly onto flyaways will work too.
Drink Plenty of Water - Many of us don’t drink as much water during the winter as it’s cold, but we still need around 3 litres a day to stay hydrated. Herbal teas are a good warm alternative. Other hot drinks that would be good is hot cocoa, mulled cider, steaming soup, etc. However, avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee or soda), and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol restrict blood vessels, impeding the body’s ability to heat itself.
Vitamin D - When it’s cold outside we’re less likely to get the sun exposure that we need for our bodies to produce Vitamin D, and we tend to eat a less varied diet. Eating foods with Vitamin D, like milk, grains, and certain seafood can help with this deficit.
Sunscreen - Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you stop worrying about sunburn. In fact, if there’s snow on the ground, the sun’s rays can reflect back up at you, so you need to be diligent about applying sunscreen on the underside of your nose and chin and around your neck.
Mental Heath in Winter - It’s not uncommon for adults to alter their social engagements during the winter months. After all, it’s difficult to stay active when it’s cold and there’s less sunlight in the day. But it’s important to find alternative social outlets in avoiding wintertime depression and cabin fever. Many suggest taking up an indoor hobby (such as knitting, making a birdhouse, etc.) and to exercise which doesn’t have to be at a gym if you do not want to travel. There’s plenty of videos online that you can follow along at home.
CARS
If you rely on a car to get you from place to place, it’s important to realize that it too can be affected by the cold. Here are some things for you to do and to keep in mind, to make sure that your car still works properly in the cold.
Idling - In extreme cold, however, many professionals recommend idling for a minute or two. It allows the car to warm up and it’s not just for our comfort either.
Car Battery - Winter is especially hard on batteries. If your car won’t start in the extreme cold, one of the most likely problems is that the battery is ‘dead’. That can be an easy fix as long as you got jumper cables and power from an external source, such as the battery of another car. However, to avoid a dead battery altogether, the Car Care Council suggests keeping its connections clean, tight, and free of corrosion. It also recommends replacing batteries that are more than three years old. Some even suggest for those in the coldest climates to purchase a battery warmer.
Wipers & Wiper Fluid - Spend a few extra and get a “winter blend” type of windshield wiper fluid. Winter blends have a greater concentration of alcohol and less water, so it’s less likely to freeze. Sub-freezing temperatures can also cause the rubber on windshield wiper blades to become brittle, which means it could tear or crack. Consider buying winter wiper blades made for harsher climates, but just make sure the ones you have are not too old and worn out first. Also, if you’re expecting snow or freezing rain be sure to stand up the windshield wipers when your car is parked. That will keep them from freezing onto the windshield. If they do, just blast off the defroster until it melts.
Fill Your Antifreeze - If it hasn’t been flushed in a few years, then do so as soon as possible. Green-colored antifreeze is the most common; whichever color you choose, don’t mix colors. Coolant and antifreeze are interchangeable terms. Coolant is typically sold premixed, that is it is half water, half antifreeze, as it needs to be. Antifreeze can be pure and needs to be mixed.
Tire Pressure - As the air in your tires gets colder, it contracts and has less pressure. So be sure to check your tire pressure more often than you normally would. Some even switch over to winter tires, especially if they live in an area that is snowy and icy for a good chunk of the winter.
Gas - Always make sure to keep your fuel level at a half tank or more in the winter. Doing so prevents the fuel line from freezing too.
Check Your Headlights - If your headlights are all fogged up, consider cleaning them with toothpaste with baking soda.
Clear The Snow Off - Don’t be lazy and leave snow all over your car. Clear it all off, even the snow on the hood. If you don’t it’ll blow up onto the windshield as you drive, and if you leave snow on the top it will slide down when you hit the brakes. Sometimes it evens hits the windshield of whatever car is behind you while you’re driving and that’s an car accident waiting to happen. Don’t forget to make sure the front intake vent of your car is clear of snow and that the exhaust is free of snow too. Also, an ice scraper and a shovel is a must.
Wash Your Car - If you live in the city and it snows a lot, then wash your car once the weather starts warming up a bit. It’s very important to keep the exterior of the car clean in winter. The salt used on roads in winter can be very corrosive to the car’s paint and metal surfaces. Slushy roads allow dirt to build up quickly on the lower portion of the car. Leaving the salt and winter grime on the car can lead to permanently damaging the metal surfaces, finish, and paint. It isn’t limited to cosmetic issues with the car’s exterior surfaces. Salt can corrode the metals of the car’s undercarriage which can cause rust. This can lead to mechanical problems from components being compromised by rust.
Emergency Winter Kit - It never hurts to be prepare for when something goes wrong while you’re out in your car. This involves a shovel, kitty litter or a bag of sand (if your tires are spinning and can’t get traction), a blanket (or a sleeping bag), extra winter clothes to change into or layer on top, granola bar and other snacks, bottle water, flares, flashlight (such as hazard triangles or LED flashers), and a first-aid kit. Other suggestion is portable phone charger/battery so that you’ll be able to call for help without worrying the possibility of your phone’s battery being at 1%, pocket-sized heat reflective blanket, hand crank-powered emergency radio, whistle, an empty bottle to urinate into, etc.
Feral & Stray Cats - A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood. Also, always check between your tires and wheel wells.
HOUSE & APARTMENT
When the temperature plummets and the snow falls, there are some safety measures that apartment dwellers and homeowners need to do to keep their home in tip-top shape during winter. There are also ways for us all to make our homes warm and cozy during the cold.
Weatherproof Your Windows - The windows throughout your home/apartment are a primary culprit when temperatures drop in the winter, and this is especially true if your windows are a few decades old, or without any type of insulation or special pane. As you turn up the heat inside, your thin windows cause cool air to sneak in and wage a temperature battle. In order to prevent this from happening, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent that. Use bubble wrap for your windows, by measuring the sheets of bubble wrap and cutting them down to size. You want to make sure the plastic fits easily from edge to edge of the window, resting closely against the pane. Then use a spray bottle filled with water and spray all over your window. Pick up your bubble wrap and press it against the window, with the bubbles themselves touching the glass (the flat back should face you). That’s it and within just two months, you can see a change in your energy bills and usage. If that doesn’t work you can also use a hairdryer and those plastic shrink film which seals out drafts and dust. But bubble wrap is cheaper in the long run, since a roll will cost less than a bunch of those window shrink insulator kits. There’s also rubber weather stripping, which are strips of self-stick rubber that can be use on window frames (as well on doors frames) to close any gaps and keep out drafts.
Window Curtains/Drapes - If you use Velcro or magnets to attach your drapes to the wall on the sides and bottom of your windows, you can reduce heat loss in a warm room by up to 25 percent, according to the Department of Energy. Lined curtains are insulated to keep light out and heat in, so they’re an energy-efficient way to warm up your apartment. If you don’t want to invest in a new set of heavy drapes, you could hang old comforters or quilted blankets instead. But don’t forget to let the sunlight in during the day. It’s important to try to use as much natural – and free – heat (in the form of sunlight) as possible.
Draft Stoppers - Also known as draft blocker, draft snakes, or draft door pillow is a fabric tube placed on a window sill or under a door to prevent cold air from creeping in. You can make one by sewing a tube of fabric to fit the width of your window and filling it with dried rice. Or if you don’t have the time or money a folded-up towel can work in a pinch.
Cover Your Floors - Cold hard floors like ceramic tile, cement, laminate, and other hard flooring can feel especially chilly during the cold months. It can also contribute to your apartment’s heat loss. Rugs and carpets can help trap heat and keep a room warm. You can also use towels or old blankets to cover your cold bathroom tile.
Ceiling Fan - In the winter, ceiling fans should rotate clockwise at a low speed to pull cool air up. The gentle updraft pushes warm air, which naturally rises to the ceiling, down along the walls and back the floor. This makes a room feel warmer, which allows you to lower the thermostat temperature and decrease the use of heating devices. Homeowners who use ceiling fans during the winter can save as much as 15 percent on heating bills.
Pipes - To help prevent frozen pipes, keep your home temperature at least 55 degrees. If temperatures drop below freezing, it will be necessary to let your pipes run with a slow drip to keep it from icing over completely. You should also open up all the cabinets in the house, particularly those in the kitchen and bathrooms, to circulate the warm air in there. Another way to prevent it is to insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold) under house with foam pipe insulation.
Vents - If your place uses forced air heat (so if your heat comes out of the wall via vent), make sure the vents are clean. Pet hair and air flotsam can get trapped in there, and trapped junk in your vent will reduce the amount of hot air that actually gets to your chilly limbs. Also close the doors and vents in unused rooms if you are trying to reduce heating costs.
Swap Out Your Sheets - Cotton sheets are breathable, but they naturally keep you cool. During the cold winter months, go with fleece or flannel sheets instead. If that's still not enough for your freezing apartment or house, layer on the blankets. Try adding an extra fleece or microfiber throw under your bed's comforter.
Electric Blanket - Consider using an electric blanket to 'pre-heat’ your bed. If not, a hot water bottle under the blankets works just as well. Either way, be sure to turn down the thermostat before you go to bed because it will help to reduce your heating bill.
Blankets - Seriously though, use lots of blankets on your bed and on your sofa, in particular wool or fleece. Wool is a classically warm, heavy-weight material that is also moisture-wicking, meaning it will keep you dry and not sweaty. Blankets made of wool are able to adapt to the changing temperature and remain breathable while keeping you cozy. Wool is also fire resistant. However, many people can be sensitive to the feel of wool on their skin, causing itchiness and even contact rash. While fleece is a soft, cozy synthetic material that gives you the warmth of wool without the itch. It’s not as heavy as wool but can still keep you comfortable on a cold night. Although fleece is synthetic, it’s still moisture-wicking, which means it creates a cocoon of dry, warm air around you as you sleep. Fleece is a great choice if you want ultimate softness and are sensitive to wool.
Bed - Use a thick comforter or duvet which will help to keep your heat trapped in and layer multiple pieces rather than rely on a single, bulky blanket. For example I use two fleece blankets and a thin wool blanket that has a satin trim. I have the first fleece blanket underneath me (because the cotton sheets are always so ice cold and I hate that), the second fleece blanket is on top of me and above that is the wool blanket and then the comforter. I also wear thick fuzzy pajamas so that too helps to keep me warm. If it’s a extra cold night than I throw in another fleece blanket on top of the wool blanket.
Use Tin Foil - One way to prevent unnecessary heat loss from radiators, particularly on those attached to external walls, is to use heat reflective aluminium foil behind the radiator. This prevents heat disappearing through the wall by reflecting it back into the room.
Humidifier - Winter air can be rough, leaving you with chapped lips, dry skin, allergies, and sickness. Using a humidifier can counteract the dry air. If you’re on a budget, you can do this by like running a hot bath (or shower), boiling big pots of water, etc. I suggest adding eucalyptus oil/branch to the water if you’re sick.
Sidewalks/Driveways - Use rock salt, sand, or clay based kitty litter on sidewalks and driveways to prevent ice from setting on top or if you need traction. Keep in mind that salt can damage grass and other plants. And chemical melting products can be toxic to animals and harmful to their paws -- so consider a safe alternative to use instead. If you own property in the city it’s the law and your responsibility to keep your sidewalk clear of snow and ice. The reason for that is because if someone falls and hurts themselves, you're liable to pay for their medical bills. Also, it’s best to shovel the snow when it’s relatively light and fresh to the point where you can just brush it away with a broom. The longer you wait, the more compacted and heavier the snow will get. It can even freeze into crusty patches of ice.
Rain Gutters - Clean out your gutters of leaves and debris so that snow melt can run off of the roof. Clogs can mean water sitting in the gutters and freezing. The subsequent ice dam penetrates the lower layer of shingles of your roof, hits the heat of the house and then melts, causing damage to your roof, walls and drywall inside the house.
Fireplace - Opting for firewood rather than turning on the thermostat in the early winter months is a helpful way to save energy for many homeowners. As most fireplace-users know, the warmth from your fire tends to stay in the area immediately around your wood-burning appliance – rather than circulating efficiently through the home. Installing tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system can help to blow warmed air back into the room. Also, use hardwood from broad-leaf trees because they produce more heat energy than softwood from evergreen trees or conifers. Hardwoods such as oak and beech are dense, so they’ll burn longer and with less smoke when seasoned properly compared to softwoods. Hardwoods also produce beneficial hot coals, which give off radiant heat for a longer period of time than softwoods that quickly burn down to ash. If you don’t want to use your fireplace, keep the flue sealed and shut, as well as the fireplace damper closed.
Space Heater - While they might not be able to heat large rooms alone, if used in a smaller room, space heaters can save energy if you turn down the thermostat everywhere else. To avoid any fire hazards, never leave the space heater on overnight or unmonitored and place it away from anything flammable. Also don’t ever plug it into extension cords and power strip either. Keep in mind that even though electric space heaters are legal to use, many buildings prohibit their use and tenants must comply with the rules and regulations of the building. So definitely check your lease agreements for a clause to see if it covers its usage.
Keep Batteries Warm - Cold weather can kill batteries quickly. Lithium batteries tend to hold up better in cold temperatures than alkaline batteries, but no matter what battery type you use, it’s best if you try to keep them warm. Stowing your headlamp, GPS, cellphone and other electronics in a pocket close to your body can help.
Lights - Use light-emitting diode -- or "LED" -- holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays. Also replace regular light-bulbs with Energy Star Certified Light Bulbs to save on your electricity bill and protect the environment.
Use Your Oven/Stove - Cooking and baking meals more often, especially the ones that take a while to complete (like pot roast, chili, stew, cakes, etc.) helps to keep you and your home warm. Also, when you finish baking (and of course, don’t forget to turned it off), leave the stove’s door open to let the heat add onto what’s already in the kitchen. And remember, do not use your oven to help heat your apartment as it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food - There will come a time when you don’t want to leave the house to grocery shop and the weather is too bad to order in. That’s why it’s a good idea to have some soup, chili, or noodles on hand. Plus you’ll avoid the snowpocalypse shopping crowds when there’s a real blizzard.
Pets - Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. Like people, they are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather. If they must go outside, give them a sweater or dog coat to keep dry and warm. As well as booties to protect their feet. During walks, your dog's feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. So wipe them down (or wash, if possible) to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur.
Feral Cats - Please consider in creating a dry and warm shelter for them in the winter. There’s plenty of DIY winter shelter that people can look up and do for their neighborhood feral and stray cats. Shelters don’t need to be big or complicated. Besides, bigger shelters aren’t always better because heat disperses quickly.
I’m sure there’s plenty of advice that I forgot to mention, but this is what I’ve got so far. Feel free to add on your own tips and tricks.
 DamnBlackHeart · Fri Dec 21, 2018 @ 01:05am · 0 Comments |
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