Enjoying the holidays with family and friends brings joy and happiness, and warms the heart. If the temperature outside has dropped to single digits, or colder, it’s important to follow some precautions to stay safe. I’m not a doctor, and each reader is responsible for their own safety, but I’ve found these tips to be useful:
- Dress in layers, and have extra layers available to add. Temperatures fluctuate rapidly in Colorado, and a cool winter day can turn into a winter blizzard very quickly. The forecasters often miss, so it’s best to prepare for the coldest weather, and take off layers if they are not needed.
- When enjoying outdoor activities in sub-freezing temperatures, I always dress in socks (not cotton), with wool socks over, long johns (not cotton), wool or fleece scarf, fleece sweater, wind proof coat, wool or fleece hat, wool, fleece or wind resistant gloves. I occasionally use a face mask to protect against windburn.
- Sunscreen is necessary regardless of whether it’s cloudy or sunny. Rays reflect off snow and can result in serious burns.
- Drink liquids. Cold weather will decrease thirst, but it’s important to stay hydrated, so drink several glasses throughout the day.
- Alcohol may be felt more intensely if arriving from a lower altitude.
- Carry a walking stick or two. These will help to prevent falls. Some people will use one pole, keeping the other hand free. Others prefer two sticks and get into a rhythm similar to an elliptical machine.
- Bring ‘ice-walkers’ like Trax. These slip over hiking shoes and grip the ice to help avoid slipping.
- Carry hand and feet warmer packets – grocery and drugstores carry them – if you get chilled, they will be invaluable for warming up quickly.
- Check the operating temperature range of any electronic equipment you will be relying on, such as radios, phones, tracking devices.
- If you will be driving in the mountains, you should carry a shovel. Roads can be very slippery in winter, and with a shovel, you have a good chance of digging yourself out.
Depending on your itinerary, some of these tips may not apply. If you will be staying in one location, and going for walks during the day, stop for a warm drink or pop inside to warm up occasionally.
Visiting Colorado in the winter time can be thrilling. Plan ahead and you will be well prepared for any weather you encounter.
Happy 2016!
