| Our Objective for shelter is to maintain NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE (98.6 degrees F.)to avoid Hypothermia or Hyperthermia.
Hypothermia - Body temperature below 98.6
Symptoms:
Shivering
Mumble - slurred speech
Grumble- Apathy, confusion
Fumble - Loss of fine motor skills (control of finger movement)
Stumble - Difficulty walking
Pale or gray skin color
Hyperthermia - Body temperature above 98.6
Symptoms:
Thirst
Same 4 "umbles" from above
Sweating
Headache, Dizziness
Nausea, Vomiting
Cramps, weakness
How do we Gain or Loose Heat?
Conduction - Direct contact
Convection - Air & Liquid Currents
Radiation - Emitting Heat
Metabolism - Converting Food to Heat
Evaporation - Heat loss through converting liquid to gas
Respiration - Heat loss through breathing
How to Prevent Gaining or Loosing Heat
Insulation - Trapping air between layers to slow the transfer of heat.
Reflection - Bouncing heat back or away
Protection - Keeping out the elements
Absorption - Pulling water and heat away or toward the body
Using these rules of Physics to maintain body temperature.
For COLD WEATHER
1. Layer clothing and shelter
Base Layer - against the skin to pull moisture away.
Insulation Layer - use as many layers as needed, trapping air inbetween. This also gives vent for moisture to be trapped away from your skin. Remove a layer as needed.
Outside Protective Layer - Protects against the elements, rain, wind, etc. This may be a coat, tarp, tent, or building. Think of your shelter as an extension of your clothing - the outside protective layer.
Wear a hat, gloves and socks. Keep heat from escaping your body.
Insulate from the ground also. Place tarps, blankets, or even leaves on the ground under you.
2. Focus on preventing moisture buildup.
Keep your skin dry, keep a dry layer of clothing next to your skin. Remove wet clothing.
3. Create a WARM ROOM or area
Reflect any heat or sunlight that is available into your warm room. Use clear plastic over windows during the day so sunlight can come through, Use dark or Mylar blankets at night to keep the cold out.
Make a "nest". Use blankets, get cozy with the family, snuggle together. Use body heat.
Keep moving. Exercise, walk, anything that will build your metabolism and keep your body warm. However, avoid heavy exercise that will cause heavy respiration causing you to loose heat.
For HOT WEATHER
1. Consentrate on reflection of heat
Cover the skin with light colored clothing to reflect the heat away.
Wear light weight material such as cotton that can breathe to let air and moisture through.
2. Wet down clothing or place wet sheets in the open window to allow air to circulate and promote evaporation and convection.
3. Make a COOL ROOM. Choose a lower level, away from direct sunlight and afternoon heat from the sun.
4. Place foil or mylar blankets directly on windows to reflect heat away.
5. Keep low. Put mattress on floor - it will be cooler there. Open high windows at night to let out the heat.
6. Limit activities during the hottest part of the day.
Good Sheltering Practices
Assemble a "Shelter in Place Kit" and choose a room that would be suitable.
Have chimney, Flue and other Duct work checked and cleaned yearly
Store fuel, as possible
Service gas and fuel burning appliances yearly
Have space heaters checked for safety
Store extra blankets, sleeping bags, and sweaters
Check Smoke & CO Detectors monthly
Check Fire Extinguishers yearly
Install attic vents and fans
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