Just wanted to let you know I've been on another podcast. I've got to figure out a way to post them someplace else. Anyway, I'm kinda embarrassed to share the link with you, but I promised Laura. I'm listening it to it now as I post this, and I sure don't come across as very intelligent. C'est la vie. Click here.
Much of the following has already been addressed by various articles on the blog, but in isolation, like how to be prepared with food in cold weather or what medical issues arise in cold weather. However, in cold temperatures food and medical issues can synergize to create greater complications.
If we prepare well and all goes according to plan, we won’t experience truly cold temperature problems. We won’t bug out, a tree won’t fall on the house in an ice storm, the power won’t go out, and our wood for the stove and fuel for the generator won’t run out. We might get lucky. Our neighbors might not. There will probably be someone in our circle who needs this information.
Food and water. The average American diet of 2000 calories per day is not sufficient for cold weather or work, and especially when the two are combined. The body may need 500-2000 calories or more. Even if there’s no additional work involved, the body is working harder to breathe and circulate blood. Shivering, the body’s response to excessive cold, takes more calories. The body sweats more and loses more water due to needing to warm cold air and moisten airways.
The body’s response to cold weather is to protect the heart and brain, so that’s where the warm blood is directed. Cold blood gets sent to the extremities. Wiggle fingers and toes often. Keep noses and ear lobes covered. Other body functions also adapt to the cold. Digestion slows, which means less pooping and more water retained by the body. Urination diminishes because more water is lost to respiration and sweating. Constipation becomes a real threat. Be sure to include high fiber foods in the diet and drink extra fluids. Hot chocolate is an excellent choice for warming the body and providing quick sugar for energy.
Medicine. Reduced vitamin D absorption through the skin, such as happens in winter when we’re all covered up, may negatively impact mental health and cause depression in some people. Couple that with being constantly cold and uncomfortable, and that’s a recipe for disaster. At the very least, make sure there’s enough vitamin D for everyone to get through a winter or two. As noted above, digestion slows, and that may affect how the body metabolizes medications.
Clothing and shelter. Layering clothing is so basic for those living in cold climates, but perhaps not for residents living much further south. We forget that hyperthermia can develop even in frigid temperatures. Remember to remove a layer or two if active to avoid overheating. And the treatment for hyperthermia is rest. Review the signs, symptoms, and treatments for hypothermia, frostnip, and frostbite.
Be prepared to set up a simple tent or emergency shelter inside the house to conserve heat. Select a room or area with limited external walls. Be prepared to cook outdoors to reduce the fire risk.
Links to related posts:
Work is often -40C and has reached -60C with wind chill. Even with layers at temps below -40 you need frequent breaks, our policy is for every 10 minutes outside working you need 20 for warming up in a shelter or vehicle.
ReplyDeleteExposed flesh freezes in under 30 seconds at those temps, so be sure you dont have a gap between your sleeve and your gloves. Ensure you breathe through your nose as it pre warms the air vs mouth breathing which can damage lung tissue. Inner layer should be wicking and outer layer needs to be wind proof. A neck gater will cover the nose, neck and back of the head and prevent gaps between the toque and jacket, put an insulated hard hat liner over top and you'll stay warmer. Two layers of socks or really good boots. For winter get the carbon fibre steel toed work boots, they are expensive but they don't pull the geat out of your feet as fast as the steel ones.
Cheap tools are made of crap metal, some metals can become brittle below -20 or so, that means your wrench may snap if it gets cold enough, also think about what will happen if it breaks. Which way will it and you go? You want to push not pull to prent it coming towards you. Also if it breaks will your fingers get injured? Pens dont work at cold temps, even special ones tend to stop working below -40. Grease markets are best or soapstone for marking metal at low temps.
You wont feel thirsty but keep drinking, dehydration is a real issue at low temps.
Eye protection is important both for cold and for snow blindness.
I probably forgot something but i'll stop hete.
Exile1981
It all sounds like critical information that we hope we absolutely never need. -40 to -60 or colder? No, thank you.
DeleteWas +2 on wednesday and its -25c tonight, but no wind so not too bad.
DeleteExile1981