The teeth-chattering cold is officially here and cold
weather can be dangerous. Follow these tips on how to dress for the conditions.
Dress in layers. Several
layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a
single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should
be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear the right gear. Our
bodies prioritize keeping our organs warm, which means hands and feet are
typically the first to feel the cold. Wear either wool-lined winter gloves or
heavy mittens, sturdy waterproof boots, and a hat one that covers your ears. Cover your face and mouth
with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Add one more. Children
get cold faster than adults. That’s because they can’t regulate their body temperature
as well. As a rule of thumb, dress babies in one more layer than what you’re
wearing (e.g., you may not need a jacket, but they do), but don’t go overboard.
Bundling them up too much may cause them to overheat.
Check your comfort. Shivering is an important first sign that you are losing body
heat and need to go inside.
Pack
a dry bag. Pack a cold-clothes
emergency kit equipped with extra gloves, socks, pants, and shirts. It’s
always good to have extra clothes in case yours get wet.
This message is brought to you by the IUP Emergency Management Office.