Staying Warm & Safe During an Arctic Blast — Addressing 2 Major Challenges

But first, what is an arctic blast? — An Arctic blast is a period of bitterly cold weather caused by a mass of cold air from the Arctic region moving southward. These blasts can bring freezing temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall to areas not used to experiencing such extreme cold. This year’s arctic blast weather breaks decades-old records.

How to Stay Warm During an Arctic Blast

One of the biggest challenges of an Arctic blast is staying warm. The cold temperatures and strong winds can quickly sap the heat from your body, leaving you feeling chilled to the bone. To keep warm, dress in layers, protect your head, hands, and feet, and stay inside as much as possible. If you do need to go outside, be sure to cover all exposed skin to prevent frostbite.

Here are some tips for staying warm during an Arctic blast:

1. Dress in layers: Layering your clothing will help trap heat between the layers and keep you warm. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric to keep your skin dry, add a middle layer for insulation, and finish with a waterproof outer layer to protect against the elements.
2. Stay dry: Wet clothing can rapidly cool your body, so stay dry during an Arctic blast. If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible.
3. Protect your head, hands, and feet: These areas of your body are especially prone to losing heat. Wear a hat, gloves, and warm socks or boots.
4. Stay inside: Stay inside during the worst of an Arctic blast and keep the heat on. Also, close off any drafty rooms or windows.
5. Stay hydrated: It is good to drink plenty of fluids to help your body stay warm. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they can cause your body to lose heat.
6. Stay active: This can help your body generate heat, so try to do some light exercise or take a walk (as long as it is safe). Move! because sitting for 30 minutes or more is toxic.
7. Use heat sources wisely: If you use a heat source, follow all safety precautions and never leave it unattended.

In addition, check out our free guide on staying safe this holiday season.

How to Stay Safe on the Roads During an Arctic Blast

Another challenge of an Arctic blast is staying safe on roadways during an arctic blast. Snow and ice can make driving conditions treacherous.

Here are some tips for staying safe on the roads during an Arctic blast:

1. Slow down: Snow and ice can make roads slippery and treacherous, so reduce your speed and allow extra time to get to your destination.
2.  Keep a safe following distance: It is critical to leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you, as it can take longer to stop on slippery roads.
3.  Use your brakes gently: Sudden braking can cause your car to skid, so use your brakes gently and allow extra time to come to a stop.
4.  Stay in control: If you start to slide, don’t panic. Instead, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go and gently ease off the accelerator.
5.  Keep an emergency kit in your car: If you get stranded on the road, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, warm clothing, a flashlight, and non-perishable food.
6.  Avoid unnecessary travel: If the weather is particularly severe, it may be best to stay off the roads altogether. If you need to travel, let someone know your route and estimated arrival time.

Finally, it is wise to stay prepared for an Arctic blast with a backup heat source while at home in case of a power outage. If the weather is severe enough, you may also need to stock up on non-perishable food and water (if you need to stay home for an extended period). Overall, an Arctic blast can be a challenging and potentially dangerous event. But with some preparation and common sense, you can stay warm and safe until the cold snap passes.

I hope these tips help you stay warm during an Arctic blast! Be alert and drive carefully!

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