Winter Tips on Staying Warm

Food is essential for winter survival.  It is a necessity for creating and maintaining proper body heat.  The calories in food produce energy and heat through the digestion process. It is for this reason that it is important to have adequate food supplies during the winter months. In case of a disaster or power outages you should store plenty of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.  Some of these foods can include freeze dried foods, nuts, crackers, canned food, grain, and dehydrated fruits and vegetables.

Store plenty of water, even during the winter.  Don’t let the cold mislead you,   Water aids in digestion and blood flow and it’s easy to become dehydrated even in the winter time as dehydration can “sneak up on you” since you don’t feel as thirsty as when it is hot out.

Dress warm, head to toe.  Especially keep areas of the body covered that are prone to heat loss such as the head, feet, and hands.  Always wear warm socks, hat and gloves when exposed to the cold.  Your clothing must be able to keep you warm and dry at all times.

Keep emergency blankets that are big enough to cover your whole body, water proof, and small enough that you can fit in your pockets.

One candle is enough to keep you from freezing to death in a stranded vehicle for as long as the candle will last.  Make sure you stock plenty of them

Keep moving just enough to not break a sweat.  Motion and activity creates heat and keeps your blood flowing.  Those calories you are burning are all the more reason to have plenty of food.

There is no reason you should freeze in a stranded vehicle.  If you’ve planned properly you will already have your extra clothing, emergency blanket and candles and you would have let someone know where you are going.  Telling someone of your trip plans and where you are going and having supplies on hand will go a long way in helping you wait for help to arrive.  If your clothing is not enough, look for alternate sources of insulation that can be used to stuff into your clothing.  Look for paper and wrappers that you might have in your vehicle.  Try your floor mats, and carpeting.   In a survival situation, you don’t have the luxury of worrying about the value of your upholstery, use that to wrap up in.  Break up the cushion material in your seats and use that as insulation.

Post provided by:  American Preppers Network