Winter safety in periods of extreme cold starts with planning and preparation. Photo by Bethany O’Hagan

As of late, a very large portion of the continental U.S. is extremely cold. Wind chills have fluctuated from the teens to -20’s. There is an actual super fun formula based on the National Weather Service and Environment Canada to figure out wind chill, and it looks like this: 35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75 (V^0.16) + 0.4275T (V^0.16). Without even using that, we all know it is wildly cold out there. Why is it so darn cold? Aren’t we experiencing global warming? Yes. Yes, we are. To be more accurate, it needs to be correctly labeled as climate change. Our planet is unfortunately heating up rapidly, which is causing this extremely cold weather that feels like everything is covered by ice. Okay, so if the planet is heating up, then why is it so cold? Well, interesting enough, it is because of the rising temperatures that we are experiencing this freeze. To put it simply, all the frozen northern portions of the earth are melting which is causing arctic air once contained to move south and blast us with the temperatures usually only felt above the arctic circle. Fun!

This is a generational winter storm that’s hitting us and has already affected over 30 states. Southern states are freezing over and, unfortunately, people are dying. Which leads me to this – are we prepared for these types of conditions? Weather in general is only going to get more drastic from here on out. Not only will it continue to be hotter every summer, but winters are also expected to continue to be those “well it used to be that” type of weather that I keep hearing everyone around here say. We are in unprecedented times, with the weather and so much more. So, what can you do to prepare yourself? Obviously, I am preaching to the choir here in Western New York where we live in snowy conditions like it’s nothing. But even people who have lived here all their lives can get caught off guard with a negative 30-degree wind chill. And for those of you who know me, I am a born and raised Alaskan prepper. I am that person who will undoubtedly have Band-Aids, or acetaminophen, or Chapstick, or chai flavored mints, an extra pair of gloves, or liquid bandage on me always. Even though we all know the droll of what to do when winter turns cold, I wanted to put a reminder out there in the off chance it helps someone somewhere.

Things to keep in your car:

– An extra pair of gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and some snacks. Flares, flashlights, jumper cables, a small bag of wood chips or course sand, and tire changing tools. A jug of water (which may freeze, so make sure you do not fill it completely full). A metal cup to melt snow in. A shovel, rope or tow straps, and chains for your tires. Chargers for devices and, my personal favorite, a deck of cards.

Ways to keep yourself safe while outside:

– Carry a whistle. SOS on a whistle is three short bursts, followed by three long bursts, then three short again. Cover the top of your head with a hat – that is where a ton of heat escapes your body. Wear a scarf – your neck and collar bone area will chill your body down faster when exposed. Wear gloves, coats, winter boots, and layers. Waddle like a penguin when walking on ice. Tell people where you are going and when. Make sure your phone is fully charged, and video anything that may be helpful. I could really get into Doomsday prepping here, but I will keep it cold related.

Basically, everyone needs to make sure they are safe while out in negative temperatures and wind chills. Things like hypothermia can develop in under 30 minutes. Take the time to prepare for extreme weather and keep yourself and those you love alive and safe.

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. For more information, visit chautauquawatershed.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.