How to Survive Extreme Winter -
From Nuclear Winter to Extended Winters Caused by Asteroid-Impact or Volcanic Eruptions
   – by James Roberts - SecretsofSurvival.com –



How to Survive Extreme Cold
The states of Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts make up what is commonly referred to as the New England area of the United States. Located in the northeastern section of the country, New Englanders are quite used to surviving cold spells.

Heck, the area is known for it.

But in 1816, something drastic happened on that front.

The winter of 1815-16 had been unusually mild, concluding with less precipitation than was typical. Thus, when spring hit, most probably thought they were in for an unusually warm season.

They were wrong.

Actually, the weather really didn't change at all. In other words, though the winter had been somewhat mild, it had still been colder than our usual spring season. Thus, spring started off somewhat cold for that time of year. Further, there was little rain.

Two things that are never good to hear when growing crops.

Then things even got stranger. On May 15th, frost hit home in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Three days later, it took root in New England. Further, the majority of May was more frigid than those previous, and although there was a very short spell where milder temperatures returned, it was short lived.

In June, New Englanders had to deal with several snowstorms, high winds, and severe frigidity. Punctuating this, on June 6th, ten inches of snow fell in some areas of New England.

Snow in summer. Can you imagine?

Again, there was another short respite in July. But later in the month cold weather mixed with rain to form a layer of ice that spread over sections of the area. This weather continued into August.

In other words, in 1816 New Englanders (and many others) experienced something that none of us ever have. A year without summer.

Many years later, we learned that the disruption in climate was due to the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia in 1815. This was the largest eruption that's ever been recorded, and the pyroclastic flow emanating from the volcano ended the lives of everyone on the island (approximately 10,000).

But the aftermath of the volcano killed many more ( tsunamis, storms, etc. ). However, what caused the lost summer was the fact that during the eruption, Mount Tambora shot 25 cubic miles of debris into the atmosphere. These dust and sulfate aerosols took hold in the stratosphere, and took their time coming back to Earth.

Thus, it shielded our world from its normal elements.

Sounds a lot like a nuclear winter, no? Or perhaps the aftermath from an earthbound asteroid. Still, this true to life excerpt simply demonstrates that warm weather is not guaranteed for any of us. Further, a longstanding winter can be caused by more than one event.

Or for that matter, perhaps there has been no worldly emergency. Maybe you're just stuck out in the wilderness in the cold. Regardless, this all leads to the following issue:


How to Survive the Cold

First, let's just talk about the cold itself. You see, there are several scenarios present. For example, if the problem was due to a volcanic eruption or perhaps a nuclear bomb being set off at a distance (causing particles to be released into the stratosphere) then you may still have your house and heat. If you do, then that's the place to stay as often as you can.

Simple common sense.

However, a longstanding winter would impact the global and national economy in a very negative way. Thus, it wouldn't be a bad idea- as a precaution- to have two heat sources. For example, if you only have oil heat and issues cause oil to skyrocket in price, it could be an issue for you. It is in these cases that you might wish that you had that wood stove.

Which brings us to the next point. Coal and wood stoves sometimes offer nice alternatives. Especially a wood stove, because if things really break down then you can find and chop your own in many locations.

Regardless, try to have reserves on hand. It's a smart preventative measure.

But, let's face it; turning on the heat is not what this article is about.


How to Deal with the Cold

A nuclear bomb or asteroid touching down very close to your area could, in essence, knock out your heat source. In reality, it could knock down your house as well. Further, if you're stuck out in the wilderness, a thermostat simply isn't available.

Under such circumstances, you should know the facts. Humans are not made to deal with frigid conditions. We're basically tropical animals. That said, it takes adaptations on our part to survive. These adaptations must serve to foster two things.

First, we must stay warm by consuming appropriate food, which the body 'burns' for heat.

Second, we must prevent the loss of the heat gained by our burning of appropriate food via shelter and clothing. We all know we need food. However, this article is about the basics of dealing with the cold only.