National Geographic March 2014 | Page 16

COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL

When it all comes down to survival, people cross their fingers hoping it will never be their turn to confront extreme situations. Unfortunately, most people are not ready for an emergency and do not know what to do in times of desperation and putting in practice all they know on survival.

TOP 11 TIPS FOR SURVIVING IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES:

1- The head, neck, wrists, and ankles are the parts of the body through which around 40-45% of the body heat is lost. Focus on covering those parts first than anything.

2- Keeping yourself clean is very important. It prevents you from getting rashes caused by the cold.

3- To prevent hypothermia, identify the symptoms. When the shivering becomes uncontrollable, it is time to move around, especially the limbs.

4- Focus on keeping all your body dry, especially the feet. The feet are very susceptible to trench foot, which in extreme cases results in gangrene, which can cause an amputation.