WINTER WISDOM

by Pam North

Gilpin County residents know about winter, or so you would think.  Despite 
the fact that we mountain dwellers are intimately acquainted with icy 
temperatures and snowstorms for several months of the year, not all of us 
take the precaution of carrying a few supplies that can be lifesaving in 
the unexpected instance of being stranded in winter conditions.  For those 
who have never quite gotten into the winter preparedness mode, and with the 
snowiest months still ahead, now is the time to stock your very own "Blizzard 
Bag" and put it in your car.

Find a medium-sized duffel bag and stash the following items:  handful of 
wood kitchen matches in a waterproof container, and a piece of sandpaper on 
which to strike them; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; large 
empty coffee can with a plastic cover, accompanied by tissues and paper towels
(all for sanitary purposes); smaller can in which snow can be melted for 
drinking water; a couple of large, fat candles and a metal can in which to 
stand them; 12-hour night sticks; fire-starting sticks; a pair of "space 
blankets" (these lightweight, thin tarps, folded into fist-sized packets, 
reflect back body heat); high-calorie food items, such as chocolate bars, 
granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, powdered soups); water containers;
cup and set of eating utensils; signaling mirror; large sheath knife; compass;
plastic garbage bags; 25 feet of parachute cord; duct tape and a super-loud 
whistle on a cord.  Carry along some blankets (or sleeping bags), and 
extra lightweight but warm, layerable clothing to keep dry (this should 
include heavy socks, mittens or ski gloves, stocking cap, scarf, water-
repellent outer garment with hood).  Additionally, your vehicle should 
be supplied with booster cables, windshield scraper/brush, tow rope, flag or 
bright piece of cloth to hang from the window or antenna, tool kit, sack of 
sand or cat litter and a shovel.

If caught in a storm, stay with your vehicle; a car makes an excellent
temporary shelter, and it's more visible to rescuers.  After checking the 
exhaust pipe to be sure it's not blocked, run the engine about 10 minutes
each hour for heat.  Crack the window on the side away from the wind to let 
fresh air into the car to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you're stranded 
at night, turn the dome light on inside the car during the intervals that the 
motor is running. Tie the bright cloth to the antenna or close the window on 
the edge of it, and raise the hood of the car; blow the whistle out the window
or honk the horn every so often.  The object is to let the world know you're 
in need of help. In the meantime, exercise by moving legs, arms, fingers and 
toes vigorously from time to time to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. 
 Eat to supply energy to the body, and drink water to avoid dehydration.  Do 
not eat snow; melt it first.

Everyone is potentially at risk for a winter death given the right set of 
circumstances.  Recent winter death statistics in the United States indicate
that, related to snow, about 70% occur in automobiles; 25% are people caught 
out in a storm, and 40% are males over 40 years old.  Since the future is 
unpredictable, it's always best to take precautions.  Winter weather can be 
unforgiving and deadly; a "Blizzard Bag" could be the difference between life 
and death, and in less serious circumstances, it can certainly make things a 
lot more comfortable while you wait to be rescued.