Clothing, shelter and
sources of
survival heat are the three combined elements that will prevent cold
related injuries and death.
When exposed to cold
weather, your body can lose heat faster than it can produce it.
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature that makes you sleepy,
confused and loose manual dexterity. Core temperature below 95° F is a
medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.
Other cold created
physiological conditions include:
-
Frostbite - frozen body
tissue, most often the face, ears, fingers or toes
-
Frostnip - an early
warning sign of frostbite that leaves affected areas white and numb
-
Chilblains - red,
swollen skin caused by inflamed small blood vessels
Best Defense
Preventing cold exposure related injury is simply a matter of
preventing or minimizing heat loss. Thermal insulation is the key.
Most insulation is simply a trapped, stagnant air volume between
you and the cold.
Survival Shelter
Permanent and temporary shelter must be constructed to provide an
insulating air gap. The best insulation is ineffective if drafts
are uncontrolled at doors, windows and other openings. Temporary
shelters can be made more effective by placing them close to the
downwind side of a windbreak such as large rocks, dense groups of trees,
embankments or other structures.
Survival Clothing
The capability to add and remove multiple layers of
clothing as
temperature and level of exertion change is a huge benefit when staying
warm is an issue. The inner layers should be made of
material that wicks away moisture and the outer layer, in conditions of
even moderate wind condition, should be water and wind resistant to
prevent exchanging the cold outer air with the warm air trapped in the
inner layers.
Heat Sources - after
loss of electrical power
In the event of electrical power loss, your house will not
immediately become a frozen wasteland. It has stored heat that
will eventually dissipate with time. You can maximize the capability of
your homes ability to retain heat by improving the insulation,
especially in the attic areas and ensuring doors and windows are draft
free. Having an alternate means of heating will become a high priority.
Next Surviving the Heat
See the ADVANCED
Area for Specific Plans
