Elise Balin
Staff Writer
As the temperature begins to drop, and the winds begin to blow, residents of Laramie say goodbye to warm sunny days and give us insight into how to prepare for the frigid winter ahead. Laramie has a long-standing reputation for its below zero temperatures.
Albany County resident for 59 years, Helen Bosler and UW student Amanda Lewton said they agree that winters in Wyoming are not for the faint of heart. Bosler said the key to surviving a bitter Wyoming winter is to always be prepared for any situation and expect the worst.
“The wind in Laramie can make temperatures so much colder,” Lewton said
Laramie is well known for its record-breaking wind chills, which Bosler said she has experienced for a countless number of years. She said the actions she takes in order to combat these cold gusts of wind are ensuring she has a scarf to cover her face and many layers of clothing in order to prevent frostbite.
“The risk (of frostbite) increases as air temperature falls below 5 degrees Fahrenheit, even with low wind speeds. In wind chill of minus 16.6 degrees Fahrenheit, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes,” reported the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit medical center based in Rochester Minnesota.
In order to keep frostbite and the cold at bay, Lewton said when she is outdoors she always wears a pair of waterproof boots and gloves in order to stay dry and warm. But not only are the proper clothing an important aspect of getting through a Wyoming winter, but having a vehicle that is well equipped for the winter can also be essential.
“Having a reliable vehicle during the winter months can save a person from being stranded in desolate areas,” said Bosler.
Both Wyoming residents said they agreed that having extra clothing and survival essentials in your vehicle are common sense when the extreme cold weather hits.
Wyoming Department of Transportation recommends people to have the following items in their vehicle in order to be prepared for an emergency: tire chains of the proper size, a shovel, a snow brush and ice-scraper, blankets, a sleeping bag, a can of deicer, water, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit and booster cables in case of a dead battery.
“Be prepared, but also make the best of it,” Lewton said.
The winters in Wyoming can be cold and weary, but Lewton said she loves to get outside and make the most of the weather by cross country skiing and doing other activities. She said she believes winters do not have to be miserable and people can enjoy the outdoors if they are prepared.
