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Safety On Floating Ice!
Is it safe to walk/drive on?
This year, one of the biggest concerns here in the North Country is the lack of moisture and cold weather. It has definitely cut into skiing, snow-boarding, ice fishing, and snowmobile/ATV riding.
Normally. This is the time of year when you can get out on the lake with just about anything without fear of falling through the ice. However, this year that’s not the case as is verified by depiction of a tragic accident almost every day in the daily news. I do remind everyone that safety is an individual responsibility.
One of the best resources that covers the common-sense, precautionary measures a person should follow when on a fresh water ice cover can be found at the following: LINK (US Army Engineering). This resource stipulates that there are four things that a person must focus on when planning an outing on the ice, your: physical condition, clothing, equipment, and procedures.
Dress In Layers!
Be Warm!
Dressing in layers during cold-weather is a proven way to ensure comfort during the coldest of weather conditions. What’s beautiful about this simple concept: it allows you to make quick adjustments based on present body heat and increased/decreased physical activity.
- Basic Layer – This is the comfort layer, closest to the skin. It should be made of a non-absorbing synthetic fabric or Merino Wool. Thermal underwear is ideal and can be selected in different weights (heavy, medium, light) based on weather conditions and anticipated activities.
- Middle Layer – This is the insulation layer that provides warmth and must trap/retain body heat close to the body. It should be made of moisture wicking fibers to help keep you dry. This could include a polyester vest, jacket, and/or tights. Goose down products are good but must be kept dry to maintain their insulating ability.
- Outer Layer - This outer shell protects you from the wind, rain and/or snow. Ideally, it should be waterproof but breathable; this version is a little more expensive than the non-waterproof/breathable options but well worth it. It will provide the desired comfort in any type of weather. Fit is important, so consider all other cold-weather clothing to be worn.
Ice Fishing!
WOW!
Up-until last year, my fishing experience had been limited to the warm, fair weather periods of the year. However, here in the North country, anglers know and anticipate a whole-other world of fishing once the temperature drops below freezing. Ice fishing is a fantastic Winter sport and an excellent family activity.
Like all other sports, the initial investment can be expensive, so I would suggest trying it first to determine level of interest before buying the auger, hooch and etc. There are outfitters you can hire who will provide everything needed to drill the holes, bait and hook the line, and even a structure to get in out of the weather.
That way, the only thing you would need initially would be cold weather clothing, boots, gloves, and head-gear. Before venturing, make sure you understand all safety precautions. Determining that the ice is not thick enough to hold a vehicle or even your body weight, once you’re in the middle of a lake, will be extremely unforgiving. Be safe and have fun!
Winter Vacation!
"Warm at Heart"!
Summer and Fall are the periods when most folk get the urge and subsequent opportunity for a vacation. If you missed the chance to go this year – don’t fret, take a Winter Vacation. If you are an excitement freak, it could be just the thing you’re looking for; especially if you enjoy snowmobiling, snowboarding, or skiing.
However, a winter vacation does not mean that you have to go rough it in the snow. You could go on a cruise or to some other sunny, warm, and relaxing location to soak -up the rays while others back home freeze their “b_ _ _s” off. The point being – take the chance! It may require a different skill set or special gear/equipment; but, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. It could be the result of a life changing experience – DO HAVE FUN!
Snow and Ice Safety!
Be Careful!
Winter is just around the corner and with it comes the sleet, ice, snow and all of those conditions that create safety hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there will be over 35,000 people injured this year because of sliding injuries, couldn’t stay on their feet due to slick ground/surface conditions.
There is nothing prettier than a frozen world twinkling in the sun-light. But, also remember, that there are few things more treacherous as-well! The key is to stay on your feet, so:
- Plan ahead – If you can shop before the winter storm hits, do so. If not, after the storm, don’t buy more than you can easily carry.
- Stay inside when there is ice on the ground. Most people fall while getting the mail, picking-up the paper, or taking-out the trash.
- Be cautious with your first step on a slick surface. Sometimes it’s hard to detect ice, particularly at night. Use a flashlight.
- When walking on snow or ice, take it slow. Keep your body position slightly forward and put your feet down flat, not on the heels. Bend your knees and take short, slow steps. Or, move/slide your feet forward without lifting them from the ground.
- Always wear the proper outer clothing and footwear that will provide good traction. Snow-boots, hiking boots, and tennis shoes are the best choices. Some people wear strap-on ice cleats or even cleated golf shoes.
- If possible, walk on the grass.
- If you must walk in the street, be careful around intersections; cars might slide through them.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep looking ahead to avoid slick spots.
Be Safe – Not Sorry!
Time to Pack!
I have mentioned the importance of being properly dressed when going out hunting. These guidelines/suggestions centered around keeping warm/comfortable and item dependability. There is a third component that is just as important, if not more, and that is “safety”.
The selling of camouflage clothing and equipment is a multi-billion dollar industry. They are so sophisticated that you can become invisible. This extreme has no place in game hunting today. Granted, you want to be concealed as-much-as possible from the game you hunt but not to the point where you can’t be seen by other hunters. There is not much consolation in being totally invisible and winding-up a statistic with a bullet between the eyes – BE SMART!
The International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) strongly recommends that each hunter wears some bright orange hunting apparel for safety purposes. Each state has their own legal requirements for the minimum amount of orange a hunter must wear (www.ihea.com). Be warm, comfortable but stay safe during your next hunt.
Frost Bite!
Be Prepared!
As defined by the encyclopedia, Frost Bite is a medical condition where damage is done to the skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. Other factors influencing this condition would include inadequate clothing, wind chill, and poor body blood circulation.
- At or below freezing, the blood constricts/slows-down circulation. Continued exposure, will result in the eventual freezing and death of skin tissue.
- Wind Chill is the felt air-temperature on exposed skin due to wind (i.e.: Outside temperature is 0 degrees (F); the wind is blowing at 10 mph; temperature on the skin would be -16 degrees (F).The harder it blows the colder it gets!
- Poor blood circulation can be further exacerbated by tight clothing/footgear, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, alcohol, or a blood circulation disease.
Frost Bite is the #1 winter, cold weather injury. It covers a full spectrum from treatable discomfort to death. This condition does not discriminate and will affect those who do not take it seriously. But, it is preventable by wearing the proper cold weather clothing, footgear, and headgear. Be Safe!
Cold Weather Apparel!
Be Prepared!
Being able to enjoy the great outdoors should be a year-round activity.However, based on the climate and cold weather conditions, the activity planning and preparation will be some-what different than any other time during the year.
Nothing will ruin an outdoor activity quicker than not being able to keep dry and warm. If camping-out, consider packing your clothing in Ziploc bags and carrying them in a plastic, possibly Tupperware type container.
When exposed to the elements during cold weather/winter time, your clothing should be worn in layers. A layer can be added or removed based on physical activity and retention of body heat. Caution should be exercised not to over-heat; subsequently causing a sweat.. A suggested Cold Weather Clothing packing list would include:
- Both gloves and mittens (gloves for work/mittens for warmth);
- Cold weather coat: It should be water proof, have a hood, and be large enough to accommodate loose layered clothing;
- Knit cap and ski mask;
- Long underwear (gore-tex, wool, polypropylene);
- Loose clothing for layering (gore-tex, wool, or polypropylene, never jeans or cotton);
- Rubber overboots;
- Thin wicking socks, to be layered with heavy wool socks.
Ice Fishing!
Fishing at Its Best!
I would not consider myself an avid fisherman but have thrown a line or two. All of my fishing would be considered “fair weather” type, mostly in the lakes and streams of Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Last week, I was invited to go Ice Fishing on a lake in the land of 10,000 lakes, in Northwest Minnesota. The 5-day trip is scheduled for the last week in January 2011. We will stay at a lodge and be transported about a mile to/from the fishing site via individual ATV’s. Even though the fishing site is somewhat austere; it is enclosed and does have limited eating, sleeping, and even bathroom facilities.
I was further told that fishing equipment will be provided but proper cold weather clothing, head gear,and footgear should be brought. This time of year weather is below 0 degrees and sometimes as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. I have never caught a Walleye – wish me luck!
Withstand Cold Weather Camping!
Stay Warm!
I first fell in love with cold weather camping in the Boy Scouts. Undoubtedly it’s a lot more work than camping any other time of year, but the extra effort is worth it. There’s something so serene about snow on the ground, not to mention the grueling work out you can endure trying out snow shoes or cross country skiing.
Winter camping takes a lot of preparation and safety precautions. You’ll probably need to pack heavier, more substantial gear to keep you warm and dry at night. Hypothermia can also become an issue, so it’s important to dress in dry layers. To stay warm, I usually wear long underwear, cold weather sports gear, and pack one or two down hunting jackets, as well as an assortment of hats, gloves, and wool socks. These items, especially the down jacket, will keep you warm as you explore nature’s winter beauty.
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