Winter is the season newcomers find hardest. Temperatures often sit below zero for months and wind makes it feel colder still. With the right clothing it is entirely manageable, and many people come to enjoy it.
Dressing for the cold
- Wear layers: a base layer close to the skin, a warm middle layer such as wool or fleece, and a windproof waterproof coat on top.
- An insulated winter coat rated for cold weather is the single most important purchase.
- Boots with grip and insulation, plus warm socks, matter as much as the coat.
- Cover the parts that lose heat fastest: head, ears, hands and neck.
- Buy winter clothing in autumn when prices are lower and stock is full.
Understanding the forecast
Temperature tells you how cold the air is. Wind chill describes how cold it feels on exposed skin. Snowfall amounts, freezing rain and winter storm warnings help you decide whether travel is safe.
Frostbite and hypothermia
Frostbite is the freezing of skin, most often on fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. Watch for numbness, white or grey patches and hard skin. Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature, with shivering, confusion and drowsiness. Get indoors, warm up slowly and seek medical help for anything beyond mild cases.
Ice, snow and driving
- Walk slowly with short steps on ice and hold handrails.
- Clear the sidewalk in front of your home. In many cities this is required by law.
- Use winter tires if you drive, and clear all snow from the roof, windows and lights of your car.
- Keep a blanket, a shovel, a scraper and a charged phone in the car.
- Listen for snow day announcements from schools and check transit updates before you travel.
Inside your home
- Report heating problems to the landlord in writing and keep a copy.
- Never use a barbecue, outdoor heater or generator indoors.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and keep exits clear.
Schools, transit agencies and municipalities post cancellations and service changes on their official websites and social media accounts. Check them before leaving during a storm.