Outside The Window

Freezing in February

Here we are, freezing and hoping that the temperatures will warm up to us once again. The US is feeling a little more united since the election. States that are not equipped for chilling temperatures are without power and have little knowledge of what to do during these trying weeks. Cold front after cold front, snow piling up around our vehicles, homes without power and people struggling to get out for basic necessities. That is our cold, harsh reality.

For anyone that has to commute to their jobs, it is getting rough. Keeping the kids satisfied, warm, fed, happy and educated is proving difficult to do.

Tips

1. If you have snow up past the tailpipe of your car, before you use your car next, you need to clear out any and all ice or snow from inside your tailpipe. That snow or ice can clog your tailpipe and block the exhaust, and that exhaust can back up into your car and kill you.
2. Don't have gloves? Socks will do in a pinch.
3. You can use leggings as a scarf
4. Don't own a warm hat? Get extra creative with those leggings. It'll do.
5. DO NOT forget lip balm. Your lips will chap badly!
6. Always put your gloves on before going outside. They are meant to keep warm so it will take longer to warm your hands if you put them on while you're cold.
7. Put cooking spray on the inside of the car doors so they do not freeze shut. Spray on the insulation/ waterproofing area.
8. No ice scraper? Use a CD case.
9. Flip up your windshield wipers, you can also throw plastic bags over them if you are expecting ice. Making them easier to clean.
10. A loose layer over a fitted layer does wonders. Leggings under baggy pants will keep you warmer than doubling up on leggings. Remember air is an excellent insulator. That is why fur and puffy coats are so warm.
11. Do not try to scrape ice off with a credit card. Odds are you will just screw up your card and not really get the ice off. Use lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
12. Learn to layer your clothes. Use thin layers, but if you sweat while shoveling snow, you need to change them. Cotton kills. If your cotton layers are wet and cold while outside you can get hyperthermia.
13. Make sure nothing is clogging the drains and let the water drip throughout the night.

Seeing the amount of chaos cause simply because of mother nature is astounding. Areas of the country that have not seen snow for years are now confronted with the reality that anything is possible.

What caused this cold front?

A split in the polar vortex has been identified as the cause of the bitter cold that continued to sweep parts of the country. The polar vortex is a mass of cold air that usually stays bottled up in the Arctic. But when the split occurred, that air spilled and traveled much further south than usual, causing a painfully cold weather system that put much of the Midwest into a historic deep freeze.

At least twelve people have died in weather-related circumstances. Some died in weather-related traffic accidents, others from apparent exposure to the elements.

The amount of snow and ice will stick around for a while. Every state has its own set of rules and regulations to help the locals and local businesses. There are places to donate and help others in need.

Anyone with a vehicle should be vigilant while driving, especially if you have never driven in snow. Reach out to someone who has that experience or do a little research of your own! Stay safe!