Thriving below zero

Some tips for surviving arctic temperatures

— Driving: Keep your gas tank close to full. You can warm up the engine properly without having to worry about running out and can also keep warm if you get stuck. Likewise, keep the window washer fluid reservoir full and make sure to clean all the snow and ice off of your windows.

Keep a spare blanket handy and maybe some old warm clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water in case you do get stuck. Keep some sand or cat litter in the trunk for traction to help get unstuck.

Source: PBS Car Talk Winter Driving tips

— Bundle up: Dress in loose, well-fitting layers making sure to wear waterproof layers on the outside. Shun cotton in favor of wool or other fabrics that will stay warm when wet. Don’t forget warm wool or propylene socks and waterproof shoes or boots, a hat and scarf. Mittens are better than gloves because your fingers are together.

Source: Web MD

— Walk like a penguin: Keep your weight over your front feet when walking on slick surfaces and icy sidewalks to keep from slipping. It’s not foolproof, but it can help limit falls.

Source: Tablet Infographics

— Why not stay home?: Leave the tap on all of your sinks open just enough so they drip, to help keep pipes from freezing. Make sure your fireplace, wood- or pellet-burning stove or furnace is well ventilated and never run an outdoor grill — like gas or charcoal grills — indoors. The fumes and carbon monoxide are deadly. Never run an electrical generator inside for the same reason.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

— Generator safety: Run the generator in a dry, well ventilated area removed from the home’s ventilation. Never run it indoors. Make sure you know how it works and how many appliances it can power. Never refill the fuel tank while it’s running and make sure to turn off the breaker or pull the fuse block before plugging it into your household power.

Source: Central Maine Power

— Keep pets warm: Even for outdoor cats and adventurous dogs, indoors is the best place on especially cold days. If they must be outside, check on them carefully. Remember: Salt can irritate their paws, antifreeze can be attractive to animals but is deadly poisonous and pets can get frostbite, too. Make sure they have plenty of unfrozen water to drink.