How to Stay Safe this Winter

Let’s face it, the next couple of months are going to be miserable. The cold may not bother you, but it is still a good idea to be prepared. Consider the following tips before trekking out into the tundra.

Walking: Whether you walk 10 miles, a block or not at all, you’re going to have to step out into the bitter, Loretto cold at some point or another. Make sure you’re prepared.

1. Check the weather forecast before heading outside. If you’re looking for a user-friendly weather app that will help you find everything you could want to know about the weather for the day ahead, try the Weather Underground app.
2. On especially cold days, one layer is not enough. Be sure to wear a jacket under your coat so that you’ll be warm outside and still comfortable in a cold classroom.
3. When the temperatures drop below zero, you’ll need to cover yourself from head to toe in order to prevent the possibility of frostbite. A hat, gloves and scarf are necessities when walking to class in the winter.
4. A solid pair of waterproof boots could prove to be equally as important as a hat and gloves. Most boots will give you great traction through snow and ice, while keeping the elements outside and keeping your feet dry inside.
5. Avoid showering immediately before leaving your home. Walking out into the cold with wet hair or skin makes frostbite more likely. It is also recommended to shower sparingly so that you’re not stripped of your natural body oils that protect the skin from dryness, bacteria and viruses.

Driving: In the days following a storm, road conditions are not ideal. Drivers are advised to practice additional caution when navigating on snowy and icy roads.

1. Put six seconds between you and the car in front of you on icy roads to avoid an accident or collision. It will take you a little longer than usual to get where you’re going, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Another key to getting from Point A to Point B safely is accelerating and decelerating at a more gradual pace than normal, especially on hills and curves.
3. Test your vehicle’s grip on the road. If the road appears to be wet on a frigid day, you’ll want to be sure that you aren’t driving on a sheet of ice.
4. During or even after a snowstorm, all drivers should be prepared for the unexpected (i.e. breakdowns, flat tires, being stranded in the woods). It’s always good to keep a few blankets in your trunk, along with an extra coat, hat, pair of gloves, boots, some water and a snack to eat while waiting for help to arrive.

With all of these tips in mind, have a safe winter, Saint Francis.