The weather outside in the Dripping Springs community is frightful. Then it’s delightful. Then it’s frightful again. That’s Texas weather for you. Here are seven tips to help keep you warm and toasty on those frightfully cold days to help you prepare.
- Check the weather forecast
Tune to your favorite weather app or station to get the latest weather forecast. Make it a daily part of your routine so Mother Nature never surprises you. When the forecast indicates temperatures will drop, then do the next item.
- Adjust your schedule and clothing
If you have children who wait for the bus, you can adjust your schedule to prevent them from waiting outside too long or have them wait in the car by the bus stop.
Considering the weather can vary by more than 30 degrees in one day, wear layers to avoid getting overheated when it warms up. Besides, it’s more eco-friendly to adjust your body temperature than change the room temperature. Keep a pair of merino wool socks on hand as they keep your feet warmer than most socks.
Remember to wear a hat, even if you’re inside to maintain your body heat. Though losing more than 40 percent body heat is a myth, a hat can stop you from losing 7 to 10 percent of your body heat.
- Check your car survival kit
Before you check your car survival kit, fill up the tank to prevent getting stranded or to ensure you stay warm if it happens. Verify you have the following items in your car survival kit:
- Jumper cables
- Flash lights
- First aid kit
- Food and water
- Spare phone charger
- Blankets and warmers
The best option is to stay off the roads as much as possible. But sometimes that’s not possible.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat
If you’re looking at new homes in Dripping Springs, ask the home builder about a programmable thermostat. Otherwise, you may want to switch to one that automatically changes based on your schedule.
Some thermostats allow you to program them from your phone. This lets you cool down or warm up your home by the time you get home. Sometimes you’ll be out longer, so you don’t want to waste energy when no one is home to use it.
- Block drafts
Plug any gaps that let in cold air with blankets, towels, and a pool noodle. Cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise then wrap it in fabric. This works well for blocking the gaps under the doors.
- Warm your bed
There’s nothing like getting under the covers to stay warm except for the first few minutes when the bed feels cold. You can warm it up with a hot water bottle or a heated blanket under the covers. Or if you just finished laundry, pull out a towel or blanket to put on your bed. If possible, moving the bed away from the wall may prevent it from getting too chilly.
- Make a hot drink
Hot chocolate, coffee, warm tea, and hot apple cider will warm you right up. Plus, it tastes yummy! If you’re doing any kind of physical work, skip the caffeine because it raises your heart rate and tricks your body into thinking it’s warmer than it is.
These seven cold weather tips will safely keep you warm on a frigid day without turning up the heater. Stay safe out there.
Visit this Caliterra website regularly for more tips about living in Dripping Springs. You can also connect with Caliterra on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
