It is no secret that we are still in the midst of another erratic winter in Southern Alberta where weather conditions can change on a dime from extremely mild to terribly cold in the matter of a few hours. Therefore to ensure that everyone on the picket line is well-prepared for the colder days, our fellow glaciologist colleague Dr. Hester Jiskoot has generously provided a few tips to keep our Members warm and safe on the picket line. Note that these are simply recommendations, and if you have concerns or requests, please reach out to the ULFA staff for more information and assistance.
- CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST
- The night before your shift: https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/hourly/ab-30_metric_e.html
- For experts and weather lovers: https://www.windy.com/?49.651,-112.837,5,i:pressure
- CHECK EACH OTHER
- Talk, listen and check visually.
- **Pay attention when any or all of the following occur: this person should be warmed up indoors: Someone has uncontrollable shivers, starts having difficulty speaking or thinking, is lethargic, has developed white hard spots on the skin of the face or hands (frostnip is a first sign towards developing frostbite), or can’t get feeling back in their fingers or toes after wiggling and walking or other movement.
- GENERAL WAYS TO KEEP WARM
- Move: walk, dance, jump, wave your arms or that sign or flag.
- Huddle together or hug (yourself or a close friend).
- Chant.
- Wiggle those toes and fingers.
- Warm up each other’s hands by holding hands or by putting a cold hand on a warm belly (only after consent!).
- Face downwind or stay out of the wind (you can take turns sheltering each other or create some other barrier).
- Soak up the sun.
- Get enough sleep the night before.
- The picket line kits have hot pads for the hands/feet and a couple of umbrellas. Ask your picket captain.
- GENERAL TIPS for DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR WINTER WEATHER
- Wear layers but not too tight-fitting: some air between layers will keep you warmer and unrestricted body movement is important.
- NONE of the layers of clothing should be made of cotton.
- Do not wear down material if rain or wet snow are in the forecast: consider synthetic filling (and an umbrella).
- Bring an extra mid-layer in a backpack just in case.
- TRUNK/TORSO
- Layer 1: The underwear layer should fit snug but not too tight. Long-sleeve is best. Thermal underwear is (merino) wool or silk or a synthetic thermo blend. Polyester works fine but is smelly. For those who wear a bra under this layer choose a sports bra or a thermal bra (avoid cotton, underwire).
- Layer 2: A long sleeve thin/mid thermolayer: can be wool too. It is best if this layer goes to up to halfway the neck (turtleneck or front zip) and down your bottom and front.
- Layer 3/4: These 1 or 2 layers are a thicker mid-layer material. Can be a medium thickness fleece, a wool sweater or a thin downy jacket. Should be long enough to cover your bottom and front.
- Layer 4/5: The outer layer is a winter coat/parka (down or synthetic) and should be warm AND wind proof, cover at least your bottom and front but may be over the knees, and have a high stiff collar and/or hood.
- LEGS and FEET
- Normal or thermal boxers/briefs.
- Legs should have 2 layers: full-length thermal underwear (wool, fleece, silk) and then thick winter pants that have insulation and are wind proof. Fleece-lined jeans/pants are a bare minimum here. Ski pants and ski bibs are excellent. Make sure they close well and keep the pockets zipped up.
- Socks: any thick long socks with wool, e.g. knee-high ski socks. If you want to wear a thin pair of socks underneath, do not wear cotton, but choose wool or synthetic.
- Ideally, wear in snow boots or other insulated winter boots. Hiking boots only insulate (relatively) well when the outer layer is leather or suede (Goretex with breathable mesh will let the wind/cold through).
- Boots should not be too tight-fitting (wiggle the toes).
- You can keep the soles of your feet much warmer if you add a felt insole inside the boot.
- If there is a lot of snow gaiters are useful.
- HANDS, HEAD, EARS, NOSE
- Mittens are warmer than gloves, but you can layer inner and outer gloves. Keep your hands moving and avoid having to remove your gloves.
- Anything you hold will make your hands colder. Shift your hands on the signs, swap signs with your colleagues or walk without sign for a it.
- Put your hands in you coat pockets.
- Wear a winter hat/tuque: warm and wind proof. Must cover the forehead, ears and top of neck.
- Fleece or wool neck warmer or warm scarf or balaclava (under the hat/tuque). Wool is best. Must go over the nose (even if you are already wearing a mask)
- Facemask in extreme cold to keep the cheeks, mouth and nose warm.
- Sunglasses when it is sunny. Ski goggles when it is really cold.
- Remove your earrings/piercings/nose rings, especially if they are metal, silver or gold.
- Bring tissues or a handkerchief to address that runny cold nose.
- EATING AND DRINKING
- In cold weather your body loses moisture much quicker than in warmer weather.
- Stay hydrated (but not so much that you have to pee a lot).
- Drink warm/lukewarm drinks in sips: bring an individual thermos with herb tea or hot chocolate or heated water. Caffeine drinks (coffee, tea, coke) should be avoided as they restrict the blood flow. If your love coffee, add milk/a substitute and a little sugar or cinnamon. Don’t drink alcohol.
- The body needs energy to keep warm: eat more than usual and eat snacks and food containing protein, fat, fibre and/or slow carbohydrates (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, a wholegrain sandwich, pasta or potatoes/yams the night before). Pepper, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric are spices that will help keep you warm. Keep food in your pocket so that it stays warm and softer. Don’t skip a meal just because you have to picket at that time.
