As temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to prepare for the incoming snow. For many SUU students, this winter may be their first experience with frigid weather and icy windshields. Luckily, Thunderbirds have been thriving in southern Utah winters for years.
Before You Go Out
Preparation is essential for safe and fun winter activities. When planning an outdoor activity, it is important to keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. Cedar City weather is notorious for its rapid changes, so recognizing the potentially-changing conditions will ensure you are prepared for anything.
Wearing extra layers is especially important if you’re going on an outdoor adventure. Be sure to wear tight, moisture-wicking materials, thickly-insulated layers and a light shell to block the wind or snow.
One thing that many students don’t think about during the winter is how to properly prepare their automobile. Remember to take your car in for an inspection before the snow falls. Cold weather is notorious for draining car batteries and balded tires never mix well with slippery streets. And though it might seem like a no-brainer, ice takes many shapes and colors. Black ice is often deadly.
It’s also never a bad idea to keep an extra blanket to keep in your car. This can come in handy for many situations, but can save your life in times of emergency. If you have an unexpected breakdown, keeping warm is more important than immediately fixing the problem
Out in the Cold
Cold air actually requires more cardiovascular exertion than warm air. This means that you cannot physically do everything in the winter that you can during the spring or summer. If you haven’t trained for the cold air, it’s best to take it easy on the activities you have planned.
Most outdoor winter activities also require some sort of safety gear. The winter is no time to stop wearing your helmets, goggles and boots. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Staying properly hydrated is always important, but when you are cold the last thing on your mind is drinking cold water. Believe it or not, it’s just as easy to get dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer. Drinking tea is a great way to keep your body temperature up while providing water to the body.
Parting Advice
One big mistake we college students make when it gets cold is to stay indoors. Whether it’s hitting the slopes or just building a snowman, spending time outdoors is a great way to fight the winter blues.
As long as you are staying warm and dry, drinking enough water and taking precaution, there is no harm in going outside for some winter fun.
Story By: Ansleigh Mikesell
outdoors@suunews.net
Photo By: Mitchell Quartz
