I’m not normally an advice kind of writer. “Dear Abby” was already taken as an editorial approach to life’s problems when I started blogging last year. However, I have a lot of strong feelings about living in the Midwest and using common sense to survive the winter. When I say survive, I’m not talking about “staying positive” or “being your best self” – although Erika Sevigny at All Things E has some good tips to help you get through it, and Sarah Von Bargen at Yes and Yes has an entire e-book about enjoying winter.
I am talking about literally surviving.
I have commuted from the middle of nowhere into school, work, and the grocery store in every place that I have lived (current situation not included). I come from a long line of men and women who have worked outside their entire lives. My husband works outside all year round, including – and especially – when it is 9 degrees Fahrenheit with 16 inches of snow on the ground. Winter can actually, physically be dangerous for him.
So here are 5 ways to keep from freezing, dying, and becoming stranded in the cold this winter:
1. Wear unattractive yet functional winter gear. Even if you work in an office and have to wear dress shoes during the day, wear your ugly, waterproof snow boots to and from the office (I have these
2. Layers are your friend. Do not be too proud to purchase and then wear long underwear for safety’s sake. There are a lot of options out there that aren’t the itchy and uncomfortable long underwear of old. A quality pair of silk long underwear
3. Keep extra winter gear in your car. I have snow pants, a hat, gloves, boots, and even an entire extra change of clothes in my car (see my “survival basket” above). I put them in at the beginning of winter, and it all stays there until spring finally arrives. I’ve never had to use any of it, but I feel better knowing that it is there.
4. Carry snacks and water for long(er) trips. I usually have a bottle of water with me at all times, but if I’m going to be driving anywhere farther than my office or between cities, I pack extra snacks and water with me. A few years ago, hundreds of motorists were stuck on an interstate in Wisconsin for 8+ hours because of a horrible snowstorm. It’s always possible, and I am going to be prepared. Because I am bad at being hungry.
5. A shovel & some salt wouldn’t hurt. Want to go above and beyond and impress others? Carry a small shovel and some ice melt in your trunk. Winning at adulthood, right there.
As someone who lives in Wisconsin and has been battling below zero temperatures this last week, I speak from experience: these tips will keep you sane. And safe. And both of them are important.
It’s much nicer to walk out the door each morning when you are warm.
Did I miss anything? What would you add to the list?