What to Wear in a Blizzard

A blizzard is a severe winter storm with high winds and blowing snow that creates extremely poor visibility. A blizzard may be accompanied by heavy snowfall and extremely frigid temperatures. However, in some cases, all that is needed to cause a blizzard is previously fallen snow and very windy conditions. Knowing what to wear in a blizzard and other severe winter storm conditions is a matter of physical safety, not merely comfort. Inadequate clothing can result in frostbite, hypothermia and can even prove fatal.

Instructions

• 1

  Wear multiple layers of clothing. Air trapped between these layers provides extra insulation, reducing the rate at which your body loses heat. Start with a set of long underwear under your street clothes.

• 2

  Add a heavy sweater, preferably wool with a turtleneck, to keep cold air from penetrating. Choose a waterproof outer coat with a down liner or a liner made of lightweight, high-tech insulating materials. Waterproofing is important. If your clothes get wet, the moisture causes your body to lose heat at a much faster rate. The coat should be as long as possible. A short jacket won’t give your legs any protection. Another useful feature is a waterproof hood you can pull over your hat and head.

• 3

  Wear a hat with flaps that cover your ears. If the hat does not cover your ears, wear earmuffs to protect your ears from frostbite. Add a scarf to wrap around your neck that is long enough to pull over your mouth and lower face in extremely frigid conditions. Your hands are vulnerable to frostbite, so wear a pair of insulated, water-repellant gloves.

• 4

  Shield your feet with waterproof boots that have an insulating lining. Rubberized soles are a plus, since they will help you keep your footing on slippery ice and snow. Add a pair of heavy wool socks as well. You can carry a pair of shoes appropriate to your workplace or other destination and change shoes when you arrive.