Winter in Indiana can be no joke. One day can be sunny and warm, and the next day, there could be black ice on the roads. It’s imperative that you prepare yourself for all the harsh weather conditions that winter can bring. Preparing for any colds you might get is also a good idea. If you don’t know how to prepare for the winter, that’s okay! This article will give you all the tips you need for building your winter survival tactics.
One of the best ways to prepare for harsh weather is to have a car kit! You may find yourself stuck in your car if the roads are bad, so having a kit could help save your life. I suggest taking an old bag or box and sticking it in your trunk or backseat so you can easily access your supplies in case of an emergency. This kit should have first aid supplies in it like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, gloves, etc. You can easily find a first aid kit in most stores, including Walmart! I suggest always keeping a first aid kit in your car and not just for the winter. In your kit, you should also have nonperishable foods like crackers, dried fruit, canned food, etc. Put extra warm clothes, blankets, and hand warmers in your kit. A flashlight can help you see if you get stuck in the dark. Lastly, put a portable charger in your car! This can help keep your phone alive so you can call for help or contact your friends/family.
With the colder weather comes cold and flu season. Make sure to have plenty of tissues! I like to have the pocket tissue packs in my backpack when I’m out and about. Of course, you want a bottle of cough syrup and decongestant. You’ll want a thermometer to check for a fever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen can be used to help reduce fevers, but make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Cold packs can also help with fevers. When you’re sick, you need to stay hydrated, so have plenty of water on hand. Hot drinks can help sore throats, so I like to make sure I have ingredients to make hot chocolate. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a cold is that sleep can truly be the best medicine!
While UE’s campus is small, you’ll still want good winter clothes for walking around campus. Staple winter clothes include a parka/puffy coat, gloves, hats, thick socks, and boots. I also like to throw in sweaters, sweatshirts, and light jackets because layers are very important! Sometimes, it can get so cold that a short-sleeved shirt and a puffy coat won’t keep you warm enough! Having warm underclothes is also a good idea. These underclothes are typically fleece but anything that says it is “thermoregulating” should be good!
Wintertime can be hard to navigate especially for out-of-state students used to warmer weather. If you still feel unprepared for the weather don’t be afraid to ask your friends or professors! Winter safety should be taken seriously so there isn’t a dumb question. Hopefully, this article helped you realize some of the steps you need to take to keep yourself safe. Stay warm this winter and good luck on your finals this semester, Aces!
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