Be Smart About Cold Weather<\/h3>\n

Cold weather can be dangerous. But not if you are smart about it. I grew up in North Dakota and Montana, so I\u2019m no stranger to the cold. And fortunately, my father did too, so he taught me lessons he learned from growing up in Montana, hunting, fishing, and then time in the military regarding cold weather survival. Cold weather isn\u2019t something to fear if you are prepared and smart about it.<\/p>\n

My wife was sometimes curious because I always insisted on having blankets or sleeping bags in the vehicle, extra water, protein bars and snacks, extra warm clothes, a small shovel, and a bag that contained various gear including knives, matches, lighters, cans of Sterno, small saw, mirror, and other items that could be useful in an emergency. Sadly, the story of the Kim family in Oregon in 2006 really made her realize why I insisted on having such items in our vehicle if we left town.<\/p>\n

I walk to school every morning, including days where it was below zero and the windchill factor was in the negative double digits. We\u2019ve been fine. There is no way I ever want anything bad to happen to my daughter, so I make sure she is wearing appropriate clothing for the weather, and I monitor her to ensure she is okay when we are out in the cold. I also pay attention to my own body when I am out in the heat or cold, and I know how I am doing. I\u2019ve never had a cold weather or heat injury during my years in the Army or times in extreme climates. So here are a couple of the most important things you should know.<\/p>\n

Shelter Is Vital<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In a winter survival situation, you must find or build shelter to protect you from the cold, wind and wet. These are the things that will steal your body heat, leading to hypothermia which can kill you. (If your core temperature drops to 92 degrees F (33 degrees C) or less, you won\u2019t be able to help yourself any more.)\u00a0 A snow cave is one kind of shelter.<\/p>\n