Top 5 ways to beat the freeze

FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, UNITED STATES

11.06.2014

Story by Sgt. Sean Callahan 

United States Army Alaska

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Most people know that winters here in Alaska are long and extremely cold. Whether you’ve lived in Alaska all your life or have recently moved here for work everyone wants to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. We spoke with Fort Wainwright’s Installation Safety Officer, Greg Sanches to put together this resource of just a few tips and tricks to help you embrace the frigid temperatures, while also debunking some common myths about the extreme cold and how to best prepare for it.

1. Layers. There is no single piece of clothing that will protect a person from -50 degrees.
“The key for protection against the cold is layering.” said Sanches. A light weight ploy material or silk against the skin with a heaver fleece for your next layer and than a shell jacket. The jacket is important because you can unzip it for ventilation if you get to warm.

2. “Winter gear for Alaska can ONLY be purchased here in Alaska.”
Gear purchased down in the lower 48 states is the same you will find here and most times less expensive with the exception of the extreme cold foot wear. Again, the key is layering to stay warm. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg for winter gear a great place to look for gear locally thrift stores and church bazaars.

3. How do I protect my pets in sub-zero temperatures?
Always check the yard before you let the pets out, there could be a moose lounging around in your yard. For the smaller dogs, you might want to get a dog jacket and booties for them. They do not have the fur and body fat to protect them that larger dogs do. In extreme cold, always put booties on all dogs that go outside to protect their paws against cuts from ice that might have built up in the yard.

4. Check your car. During the winter months cats other smaller animals like to hide inside the warmth of an engine compartment. a small tap on the hood before starting you vehicle could save you some heartache and expensive repairs should something be hiding inside.

5. Protect the kids. Be aware of how your children are dressing before they go out to play. A lot of the kids tend to not dress in warm enough layers because it’s just not cool. Monitor the young ones while they are outside playing, kids will go and go and not feel the cold like adults do. It’s also an excellent idea to have extra gloves and hats on hand; and expect children to go through quite a few sets during the winter months.
This is the first in a series of articles designed to help survive winter in Alaska. For more information, visit the U.S. Army Alaska Facebook page.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2014
• Date Posted: 11.06.2014 17:19
• Story ID: 147259
• Location: FORT WAINWRIGHT, AK, US