Got Extreme Cold Conditions And Want To Know How To Stay Warm? These 6 Tips Will Keep The Shivers Away

Extreme weather is when temperatures drop below average, and is typically preceded by an Environment Canada warning. It's important that you are well prepared for such weather, even if you've grown up in this climate and have a tendency to underestimate it. Best thing is to be prepared, and these tips will help you.

1. Dress Warmly: Sounds simple, and it is. If you're heading out to work and don't want to wear your parka and boots, take them with you in the trunk in the event you get stuck or involved in an accident.  Have something to cover your face, like a good scarf,and always keep your head covered. The thing with wind chill is that the wind rapidly sweeps heat from your body, so even if the temperature doesn't seem that cold, it's the wind you have to watch out for.

2. Rock out your vehicle safety kit: Here you've got to get your McGuyver on and pack things in your car that you'll need in the event you get stuck, such as a good multi-tool, a foldable shovel, kitty litter, candles, a solar charger for your mobile phone, and other things you can read here.

3. Don't exert yourself: Extreme cold can put a great deal of stress on your body, especially your heart. If you have a heart condition, wait till the weather gets warmer before shovelling your driveway, or, if you must, ask a neighbour or loved-one to do it, or pay someone to provide the service for you.

4. Use Salt: You don't want slippery walkways, driveways, and sidewalks. With extreme temperature, you could have flash-freezing take place. Use salt or other chemical treatments to reduce and clear the ice; or, if you like neither of those options, laying gravel down will provide enough traction for pedestrians.

5. If you're stranded...: Move blankets and warm clothes from the trunk to inside the vehicle and wrap yourself up. Run the motor for ten minutes every hour, removing any snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce carbon monoxide poisoning. Set up pilons behind your vehicle to protect you from being struck, call CAA or whatever other service you're a member of and wait it out. You should have your candles handy as well to help keep you warm. Stay awake, so you'll be less likely to succumb to cold-related health issues.

6. Recognize hypothermia: For adults: shivering, exhaustion, mumbling, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech. For children: bright red-coloured skin, and very low energy.

The key is prevention. If you're heading out on the road during these weather conditions, make sure you're prepared for it. If you're reading this during a time of normal weather conditions, use this time to set yourself and family up for the next extreme cold spell.