Dealing with Cold Weather

Written By: Puck Arks

 

Dealing with Cold Weather

 

• Dehydration is a major factor in hypothermia and other cold injuries

• Drink 4 liters of water a day before going into the field to build a fluid cushion while you are protesting. Maintain at 4 liters a day while protest- ing

• Cold weather increases your need for fluid intake but does not increase thirst. Be aware of fluid intake, chapped lips, and urination to keep your- self hydrated. You should drink until your lips are not chapped and your pee is clear and copious

• Your body wastes a lot of heat keeping your pee warm. If you have to pee, go pee. You will feel warmer

Add fuel to the furnace

• Snack on nuts or energy bars throughout the day

• Take warm nutritious fluids. Deliver fluids in the form of hot chocolate, hot cider, instant miso soup, Jell-o mix (with sugar) dissolved in warm water, and ginger tea with honey. Bring a thermos and scout opportunities for hot water. Caffeine and alcohol contribute to dehydration, while nutritious beverages give your body quick energy to use to stay warm

• Don’t neglect regular meals with plenty of fats and proteins as well as carbs. You can sneak fats into your nutritious fluids by putting butter in your hot chocolate or bringing homemade bone broth in your thermos

Run with a buddy, recognize warning signs, and warm up when needed

• Hypothermia disables a person by causing altered mental status. It is difficult for a person with even mild hypothermia to recognize how cold he is or to care for himself

• If your buddy sees you exhibiting “umble” signs (mumbling, stumbling, fumbling, tumbling, etc.), shivering, or losing muscle coordination (for instance, unable to operate a zipper), she should assist you

• Some suggestions for your buddy: get you into a warm space, bring you warm nutritious fluids, get you into dry clothes and dry socks, or ac- tively rewarm you (for instance, with handwarmers on your hands, feet, or armpits)
When sleeping, pad and insulate your sleeping area

• Cardboard, an inflatable mat, or foam between you and the ground is essential: you lose half of your body heat through prolonged contact with the ground

Use plastic, shiny mylar emergency blankets, newspaper, or fabric (like
wool batting) to insulate your tent or other sleeping area

• A hot water bottle, dog, or other safe heat source in your bedroll with you can make a huge difference. Take the hot water bottle out of your bedroll when it cools so it doesn’t rob your heat

• Wear a hat or hood while sleeping