If you got lost on a winter hike, could you make a fire?
When dangerous cold weather hits, the best defense is to be prepared, according to La Plata County’s Director of Emergency Preparedness Butch Knowlton.
“People need to sit down and evaluate their ability and preparation,” he said. “And know how they’re going to be able to take care of themselves, especially if there is an accident.”
Knowlton said having a kit in your vehicle containing extra blankets, clothing, food, lights and water always is a good idea.
Stephen Surdey of AutoZone said sometimes motorists wait until the last minute before preparing for winter driving.
“Plan ahead,” he said. “That’s the main thing. Make sure you have all of your ducks in a row – good snow tires, good battery. Make sure your fluid levels are good and everything else – your jumper cables, your scrapers, brushes. We’ve been selling a heck of a lot of all of that stuff. And make sure you have plenty of antifreeze.”
Also, newly available are small power storage packs that can hold enough power to jump start a dead battery. Easily stored in a car kit, some can hold charges for up to six months.
Knowlton said for people leaving their vehicles and heading outdoors, it’s easy for them to forget to try and comprehend the weather.
“The most important thing for any outdoor recreation is to be prepared,” he said. “Have enough clothing with you, and understand the weather taking place where you’re going. We have people go out – even this time of year – poorly prepared, and they get into trouble in a hurry.”
Hydration is just as important in the winter as it is during warmer months, Knowlton said.
“You must stay hydrated,” he said. “And if you’re going to leave your vehicle and go into the backcountry, you’re going to want to have a pack that is complete, and by that I mean water, foodstuffs, fire-making capability, additional clothing, lights – it’s going to have all of those things that you can rely on if you get into trouble.”
Knowlton said people should take the time to think ahead and plan for such scenarios.
But you’re not the only one getting cold: What about your pet?
Don’t let that fur coat fool you, as cats and dogs get cold, too. Pet Haus employee Hanna Grant said they have been selling booties and jackets from the pet supply store and even have waterproof coats for dogs.
“Booties have been really popular,” Grant said. “They’re little doggy shoes; they keep snowballs from forming in their feet and legs.”
The store also carries a nontoxic ice-melt product for patio and pet areas as well as heated water bowls.
bmathis@durangoherald.com
