When ‘the weather outside is frightful’, it’s good to know that you’re prepared for whatever the delightful British winter may choose to send along. With that in mind, here are a few cold weather precautions you ought to consider so you really can ‘let it snow, let it snow …’ without too much to worry about.
Home comforts
Home heating is expensive in colder weather so it’s vital to conserve warmth where you can. Keep curtains closed as much as possible, and use lined curtains if available. Add a radiator shelf, and also use tin foil behind your radiators to reflect useful heat back into the room – inexpensive foil sheets can be purchased, or make your own DIY version. Remember to keep your doors closed and don’t heat unused spaces. Fitting draught excluders and insulation is a cost-effective way to prevent your heat escaping outdoors. Often a simple DIY ‘sausage dog’ is enough to provide a comfortable seal for a draughty door.
Core conservation
Thermals are the ultra-comfortable high-tech way to keep warm and comfortable in winter. A purpose-designed ‘base layer’ next to the skin should be close-fitting to effectively keep warmth in and, most importantly, avoid any moisture build-up; so you can continue to feel warm and dry – a function known as ‘wicking’. Any looser fitting layer worn next to the skin will just let the warmth escape. Wool materials tend to be best for sensitive skins, but synthetic materials are good also, and the latest ‘technical fabrics’ are all extremely efficient.
Snow shoes
Whether you are planning a hike through the winter wonderland, or just a walk to the shops because nobody has yet managed to dig the car out of the snow, you will need proper footwear for the job. The more serious winter falls are usually caused by slipping on icy surfaces – which rules out wellington-type rainwear. Winter boots for safe walking in snow and ice have proper studs for grip and traction, alongside many other features to ensure you remain comfortably upright and stay safe, warm and dry.
Weather checker
Staying ahead of the game when poor winter weather is about has become a lot easier with the development of smartphone mobile apps now able to give at-a-glance reports on weather up to five days ahead. The BBC have released their own (free) weather app this year, to support a ‘huge increase’ in weather service access via mobiles. The app is designed to focus on weather data and is available in both Android and iPhone versions. Besides weather forecast data, there are also reports on wind speeds, humidity, pollen counts and UV information.
Christmas shopping solution
When the weather is bad and it’s slippy underfoot, don’t forget the Transport Innovation facility inside most supermarkets which provides a free telephone link for shoppers to call local taxi companies. This easy system is often used at busy shopping times to quickly arrange a taxi as an effective weather-beating solution when you have armfuls of shopping to drag home.
With these types of winter weather precautions in place, at least you’ll know that when the bleak midwinter finally comes along you’ve done everything possible to ensure you’ll still enjoy a happy New Year.
Belinda is a personal shopper and writes a blog about style and shopping tips.
