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December 2, 2015

10 Items for Surviving Extreme Weather

Whether it's scorching or freezing out, here's what you need to survive extreme weather conditions.

Will Dabbs, MD

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Hot Weather Gear
Full Coverage: A proper sun hat is portable shade for your head and face. Your sun hat needs to be lightweight, breathable and opaque to offer the most protection without weighing you down when you’re on the move.

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Hot Weather Gear
Block The Rays: Use sunscreen on places not covered by clothing. The face, neck, ears, hands and arms are of particular concern. Keep in mind that the sun reflects up from white surfaces like sand or even snow.

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Water Supply: Water is better if it’s cool. Canteens and coolers are great but I swear by my CamelBak. These hydration bladders are either standalone or incorporated into existing packs and make packing water easy, comfortable, and accessible.

Food with electrolytes for extreme weather

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Hot Weather Gear
Stay Hydrated: The best hydration and electrolyte replenishment comes from cool water, regular meals and snacks. If snacks and food are not handy, then sports drinks provide a useful option.

Ponchos or space blankets for extreme weather

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Hot Weather Gear
Seek Cover: A poncho or space blanket can be a lifesaver if you’re trapped in an arid location without the benefit of shade.

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Cold Weather Prep
Insulate Yourself: Sleeping bags are useful for comfortable sleeping as well as warming injured patients or treating injuries caused by the cold.

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Cold Weather Prep
Stay Covered: It is an old wives’ tale that we lose most of our heat through our heads, but the scalp is quite vascular, and decent insulating headgear does indeed help you retain body heat.

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Cold Weather Prep
Dress In Layers: Multiple layers can be adjusted to meet ambient conditions. Modern clothing is lighter and more comfortable than it was even a decade ago.

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Cold Weather Prep
Fire Starter: There are countless ways to do it. Just make sure it will be easy to make a fire even if wet and cold.

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Cold Weather Prep
Walk On: Proper boots make a huge difference in cold weather. Keep them handy at the house or in the car when travelling. Spare socks are lightweight and take up very little space, yet they pay huge dividends when your feet get wet.

Scorching heat or freezing cold can make any situation a life-or-death struggle! Modern advances in fabrics and gear can keep you warm, safe and comfortable in the most wretched environments. As always, consider the seriousness of these environmental threats in advance and prepare accordingly. Your life just might depend on it.

RELATED STORY: Escaping Extreme Heat
RELATED STORY: 4 Remedies For Heat Injuries

Hot Weather Gear

When venturing out on hot and humid days, you need to be prepared to protect your body from the life-threatening dangers posed by extreme heat. To do this, here’s some must-have gear to add to your planning.

1. Sun Hat

2. Sun Screen

3. Water

4. Food with Electrolytes

5. Poncho or Space Blanket

RELATED STORY: FEMA Releases Severe Weather Preparation Toolkit

Cold Weather Prep

Below-zero temperatures can be deadly if you haven’t properly prepared. Have the following items stocked both at home and on the go for emergencies in the winter months.

6. Sleeping Bags

7. Insulating Headgear

8. Layered Clothing

9. Fire Starter

10. Boots