Cold weather is a relative term. Cold weather can mean 50 degrees if you live in the southern United States. Cold weather might be 20 below if you live in the far north. No matter what the temperature is that strikes you as cold, some precautions must always be kept in mind.

When the body is exposed to temperatures that bring our own internal temperature down to 95 degrees or less, hypothermia sets in. Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous lowering of the bodies temperature. This is dangerous because the central nervous system does not function well when the core temperature is lowered. Your mental function is slowed to a point where you will not think or even act correctly. The cold may actually be perceived as being warm. You may become lethargic. Vital signs will slow. Adequate shelter, clothing and calorie intake are needed for protection from the elements.

A person living in the northern portion of the United States will need different items than the southerner will. In the north one should always have a warm blanket in the car. A secondary form of heat is a must. Placing a candle or two in a empty coffee can along with a lighter will fill this need nicely. It is surprising how much heat is produced from just one candle. Place the candle in the center of the can. Hold it in place by melting some of the candle into the bottom center of the can and sticking the candle into the wax. Place the can away from any burnable area and remember to crack a window a bit for fresh air. Light the candle only long enough to warm the interior of the auto and then put it out. This will prolong the life of the heat source. A extra pair of socks and gloves are also a good idea. Many folks carry a spare snowsuit and boots. A flashlight and a whistle are good to have packed. They both can be used for a distress signal. Always carry a warm hat. 70% of your body heat can be lost via the uncovered head. In cold weather a hat is a must. Not a baseball cap but a warm hat designed for the purpose of keeping ones head warm and dry. Pack along a few candy bars for they are high in calories and the burning of calories produces internal body heat. Above all remember, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR. It is easier for searchers to find a car than it is to find a single person.

If you live in the southern regions you may want to omit the snowsuit for maybe a heavy coat . Keep in mind that even as far south as Alabama the temperature can drop to well below freezing and stay there for days. Use common sense. Be prepared.

When out on a hike or hunting or any outdoor sport that you may enjoy, always dress in layers. If you get to warm you can always strip off a layer. If you start to cool off then just replace the layer. I always like to carry a lighter with me. I quit smoking years ago but still carry a lighter when I am out and about.

Even at the beach you must remember that hypothermia is a real concern. Water quickly saps your body of heat and energy. Shivering is the first sign of hypothermia. Everyone has been cold enough to shiver but your mind is still clear enough to direct you to cover up, seek shelter or find the proper means to regain the body heat that you have lost.

Parents should always keep an eye on their children. Their bodies have not developed the temperature controls that an adults has.

As you can see Hypothermia is a serious matter that should be acknowledge by anyone that is venturing outdoors. Prepare yourself before a problem occurs. Good intentions will not warm you when your auto breaks down on a cold night or when you are out on a hike and you suddenly discover that you are lost. Saying to yourself that you had been meaning to pack those extra clothes or that you were going to dress in layers will not help you when the temperature falls and you are cold. Cold to the bone.

One last item that in this day and age is a real life saver. Carry a cell phone. You can call for help and will be able to give your location. The areas of cellphone service are growing every day.

Dress properly. Pack those emergency items in your autos trunk. Enjoy the outdoors and be safe.