Surviving Extreme Cold

Preparation Steps

• Insulate your home. Seal drafts around windows and doors. Add insulation to pipes, especially those in unheated areas.
• Stock emergency heating supplies. Have blankets, sleeping bags, and hand warmers ready.
• Prepare an alternative heat source. Know how to safely use a fireplace or propane heater with proper ventilation.
• Winterize your vehicle. Carry a blanket, ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction, jumper cables, and a phone charger.
• Build a winter emergency kit. Water, food, medications, flashlights, hand warmers, and a weather radio.
• Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Early recognition saves lives.

Immediate Actions

If caught in extreme cold:

1. Get to shelter immediately. Even a car provides protection from wind.
2. Layer clothing. Use the COLD method: Clean, Avoid Overheating, Loose layers, Dry.
3. Protect extremities. Hands, feet, ears, and nose lose heat fastest.
4. Stay dry. Wet clothing accelerates heat loss up to 25x faster than dry clothing.
5. Eat and drink warm fluids. Food provides energy for generating body heat.
6. Avoid alcohol. It causes blood vessels to dilate, accelerating heat loss.
7. Move. Physical activity generates body heat. Avoid sweating — it wets your clothes.

What to Avoid

• Do not run heating equipment designed for outdoor use indoors. Carbon monoxide risk.
• Do not rub frostbitten skin. This damages tissue.
• Do not eat snow for hydration — melting snow consumes body heat.
• Do not ignore shivering — it is your body's warning sign.
• Do not travel in a blizzard unless absolutely necessary.

Supplies Needed

• Thermal base layers (wool or synthetic — not cotton)
• Waterproof outer shell jacket and pants
• Insulated waterproof boots
• Wool socks (multiple pairs)
• Gloves and insulated mittens
• Balaclava or wool hat covering ears
• Hand warmers and foot warmers
• Emergency space blanket
• High-calorie snacks (nuts, chocolate, jerky)
• Thermos with hot liquid
• Portable propane heater (with CO detector)

Recovery Steps

• Treat hypothermia gently. Move the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and wrap in dry blankets. Give warm beverages if conscious. Seek medical attention.
• Do not rewarm frostbite in the field if there is risk of refreezing. Seek medical care.
• Check pipes. Inspect for burst pipes after a hard freeze.
• Monitor for CO. If you used alternative heating, check your carbon monoxide detectors.