Winter is coming — or rather, has already arrived here in Wyoming, with frigid temperatures, snow and hazardous road conditions in tow. Whether you’re a cold season veteran or are new to this climate, there are things you can do to prepare yourself, your home and your vehicle for winter.
Start with yourself. From your head to your shoulders to your knees to your toes, know how to dress appropriately for any temperature and precipitation. Body temperature varies between individuals and everyone has a different tolerance for cold, but here are some guidelines.
According to Harvard Health, the human body is “thermoneutral’ at 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning at this temperature a naked body generates as much heat as it loses to the air around it. Anything colder and your body has to work progressively harder to maintain its heat. As a general rule of thumb, when temperatures are 50 degrees or lower you should cover up all exposed skin except your face. This means long sleeves, long pants, at least a light jacket and light hat and gloves.
Once the temperature reaches freezing, wear a heavier coat as well as hat and gloves. Also consider warmer footwear like non-mesh sneakers or waterproof boots. If the temperature is low but the sun is shining, winter gear like a hat and gloves may not feel necessary, but as soon as the clouds move in or sun goes down you’ll wish you had them.
Just a big a hypothermia hazard as the cold is the wet. “Cotton kills,” the saying goes, since cotton material retains moisture from sweat or snow and rain and will actually keep you cold. While this is less of a concern for those walking to and from class, it’s important to wear non-cotton material if you’re active outdoors in the winter or plan to be outside for an extended amount of time. Wear a base layer and socks of a wool or synthetic material blend. Pro tip: even if you are just walking to class, unless you have warm, waterproof shoes wear those socks anyway. If moisture is falling from the sky, be it snow, rain, hail, sleet, graupel or some other form, wear a waterproof shell. Down loses its insulating properties when it’s wet.
In addition to preparing yourself for cold weather, winterize your home. For those in the residence halls, this is as simple as turning up the heat to at least three and ensuring windows are closed. For those in an apartment or house, winterizing requires a bit more work for your or your landlord: check your weather stripping and insulation, insulate outdoor water lines and disconnect garden hoses, repair any roof leaks and gutters. Clean heating systems and fireplaces and check your smoke detectors still have batteries. Make sure you have a shovel for snow removal, and plan your snow pile placement so you’ll have room to put snow later in the season. (This means not shoving it right to the end of your driveway.)
Finally, winterize your vehicle. Check the tread of your tires to make sure it hasn’t been worn smooth by use, and switch to winter or all-weather tires. Maintain antifreeze levels and use a non-water formula of windshield washer so it doesn’t freeze. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded or help someone who is. Include blankets, food and water, a first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries and compass and maps. In case of car trouble, be equipped with jumper cables, flares, tire pump and a bag of sand or kitty litter for tire traction. If you do become stranded on the roadside, turn on your emergency lights and remain in your vehicle to avoid getting hit by other drivers. When traveling, always check the weather forecast and advisory information. See Wyoming travel information and highway webcams at Wyoroad.info.
Winter in Wyoming comes with its challenges, but prepared adequately and you’ll survive in relative comfort until spring.
