Surviving the extreme cold requires staying warm and dry.
Canada and Alaska offer some of the world's most stunning landscapes and natural beauty. However, situated far to the north, their climates can also be challenging. In the winter, temperatures routinely stay below freezing, and intense snowstorms represent a serious danger to one's physical well-being. A prepared individual can protect himself against the cold weather.
Source of Heat
Heat your living area. If you have gas or electric heating, keep the thermostat at a steady, warm temperature. Purchase a space heater for extra heat but keep it away from curtains or other items that may catch fire. The risk for carbon monoxide poisoning is greater in the winter when people are using heating systems more often. Install carbon monoxide detectors and have your home heating system checked by a professional. If you rely on a fireplace, keep the fire going and stay in its proximity to benefit from its warmth. Do the same if caught outdoors. Gather firewood before the sun goes down. For firewood, look for fallen limbs and branches that are not too green. Ash, oak and pine, all of which are native to Canada and Alaska, are good for burning.
Health Hazards
Learn to recognize and treat frostbite and hypothermia. Both cold-induced maladies can be fatal in extreme cases. Frostbite is evidenced by skin that turns gray or white or even looks frozen. Hypothermia is indicated by notable drops in body temperature, uncontrolled shivering, and disorientation or delusion. If you are suffering these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, or if medical attention is unavailable, find a source of heat and, if outside, go inside immediately. Do not pour hot water on frostbitten body parts.
Clothing
Wearing proper clothing is key to surviving the cold. Try to cover as much exposed skin as possible, head to toe. Layer clothes as much as possible. Wool is a good insulator, while synthetic fabrics can be waterproof. Try to have a change of dry clothes ready at a given moment. Don't neglect to wear scarves, hats, gloves, and other accessories. Wear synthetic fibers engineered for the cold, such as GoreTex. Wool and fur are good natural fabrics for protecting against cold. Silk long underwear can be worn under both shirts and pants.
Diet
Diet also affects winter weather tolerance. Eat properly and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which may dehydrate you and (in the case of alcohol) lower circulation, which depresses body temperature. Your body may burn more calories in cold weather, so don't be reluctant to eat more than usual. Stay properly hydrated to maintain your body's homeostatic, self-heating system. Warm, sweet drinks and soups or broths are ideal. Stockpile necessary food items if you have dietary restrictions in the event you can't leave your house.
Communication
Keep tuned in to severe weather alerts. In Alaska, the National Weather Service broadcasts alerts that are transmitted over the radio or TV in emergency situations. In Canada, the Weather Office does the same. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand in case of power outages.
Tags: against cold, body temperature, Canada Alaska, carbon monoxide, medical attention