My First Winter Guide
Winter, and a new place, can be a daunting experience, but if you prepare for it well it can actually be an exciting time all around. Below you will find safety guidelines to follow during winter and snow season, what to wear, where to shop for it and tips and tricks.
What to wear in winter
When you are dressed warmly for the season you will tolerate it and actually can enjoy your outdoor time doing fun activities. Figuring out what to wear in which temperatures, especially for children can be challenging. Below is a simple chart, found at Settlement.org, that explains it all.
Remember to check the weather forecast every day before you leave the house. It will help you prepare your clothes for the day for you and your family.
When it's below 0°C, it's helpful to wear a thermal layer underneath your clothes.
Below you will find what kind of thermal wear to buy and from where.
Buying tips
With so many choices, shopping can be overwhelming especially when you have no clue what to buy.
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For boots and coats:
When looking for boots and coats, look for labels that indicate the temperatures the boots or coats withhold. Your aim is for a coat/boot that is good for up to -30°C
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Coats
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Heavy coats don't necessarily mean they keep you warm enough
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Pick something warm and comfortable. Whenever you begin your search for a warm winter jacket, it's essential that you value your safety over style, or if possible, find a coat that suits both. ...
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Choose a waterproof jacket. ...
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Combine utility with style. ...
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Make sure you can add layers underneath
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The Altitude blog has more useful advice on buying the right coat for you as well as the different styles
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Boots
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Boots' materials matter. The primary, "upper" material (basically the part that covers the top of your foot) needs to be both strong and water-resistant to stand up against harsh winter weather.
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Inspect the sole; it should be anti-slip. The quickest way to identify whether the shoes are non-slip is to check the label. Shoes, boots, and other types of footwear have labels on which you can read whether they are slip-resistant or not
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Insulation is important
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Consider height. If you frequently walk and mostly use buses it's best to buy high boots. However, if you find yourself driving your car often you can buy lower boots
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Closures should be functional. For example; boots with laces can be a hassle to put on and take off. Some boots are slip-on or have zippers on the side, these are easier to handle.
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Shopping time
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Winners or Marshalls are off-price retailers, they have good quality merchandise, often designers, reasonably priced. You can find women, men's and children's clothes in their stores
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Mark's has good quality winter wear. When they have a sale, it's worth checking out their stock
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Children grow out of their clothes quickly, and winter clothes are often costly; that's why sometimes parents buy them second-hand in very good condition. Once upon a child is a store that sells children's clothes and toys and even buys from you your used children's clothes and items for store credit.
Another shop that sells second-hand clothes is Value Village -
For thermal wear or base layer, Uniqlo has good quality wear that is not too thick so you feel bundled up with all the layers. They are available in different colors, for men, women, kids, and even babies
Winter Safety Tips
Winter Fall Prevention Safety Tips
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Slow down. Allow yourself enough time to get where you are going. Your chances of falling increase when you rush.
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Walk like a penguin. When walking on ground that is slippery from ice and/or snow, take short, shuffling steps, and walk as flatfooted as possible.
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Choose the right footwear (Check our shopping guide for help). Be aware of your footwear and choose the boots or shoes that give you the greatest traction.
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Pay attention. Walk consciously. Be alert to the possibility that you could quickly slip on an unseen patch of ice. Black ice can form when the sun melts snow or ice and then it refreezes. Be careful when entering buildings due to foot traffic that may have made the floor slippery.
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Take extra caution in parking lots; getting in and out of your car. Hold on to your door or vehicle as you get in and out giving yourself extra support. Watch for cars stopping and sliding in parking lots.
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Keep your hands free. Wear gloves or mittens so you can keep your hands out of your pockets to help you balance. This allows you to also keep 3-point contact when using stairs or when entering or exiting a vehicle.