Chilled to the Bone? You don’t have to be!

By Angela Unsworth

-16 degrees Celsius is looking pretty good right now for Calgary, considering our temperatures can get as low as -30 and feel even colder with the wind chill.

Sometimes we get lucky here in Alberta and the snow melts away within a day of landing on the ground, leaving barely a trace of existing at all. This year it seems that the snow has fallen and winter is here to stay.

While snow is fantastic for snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, snow shoeing and snowball fights, it can also be dangerous. The temperatures fluctuate and go from mildly warm to freezing. The snow that falls will sometimes cover a layer of ice that can be tricky to walk on, or in some cases, work on.

I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of suggestions and tips for what to do and wear to be safe during the winter, but just in case you haven’t, I wanted to get in my two cents.

Wear appropriate winter clothing

If you’re working outdoors, you’ve probably already invested in some warm winter gear but, if you don’t normally work outside, it’s just as important to get warm clothes for your trips to and from work.

It can get really cold while you’re waiting for a bus, or waiting for your car to warm up. Investing in good quality winter wear can make the next six to eight months much more comfortable for you and will keep you safe.

What can you wear to stay warm?

Layer up

I like to layer up because it gives me so many options on what to wear and if I get too warm I can remove some items. It’s perfect for Alberta weather, which we all know can change within minutes.
Good layering includes a wicking layer, which is usually long underwear. It removes moisture away from your skin, which, with all the layers is good, because you might sweat.
Next you would pop on an insulating layer. This is where you have a chance to don that sweater that your kind relation bought for you for Christmas last year.
Last on the layer list is the exterior layer. If you’re working in snow, this can be snow pants and a winter shell coat.

Don’t forget!

Wear a toque, hat or headband that covers your ears. Gloves or mittens are important, too, and last but not least, make sure you’re wearing thick socks to keep your feet warm in your boots.
Don’t get caught unprepared out in the cold.

How do you stay warm and safe during winter? Tell us by leaving a comment, or send us a tweet @HeadsUpAB