When the heat escapes but you cannot

As the winter months approach and temperatures start staying below freezing, those without shelter face one of their biggest challenges - staying warm when you have nowhere to call home. Where winter temperatures can plunge well below zero, this task becomes even more difficult. There are some things homeless individuals can do to help conserve body heat and avoid hypothermia when night falls and the freezing winds blow, though.

Layering clothing is key. Wearing several thin layers is better for trapping body heat than one thick layer. Thermal underwear, socks, a long-sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, coat, hat, and gloves should all be worn. Make sure clothes are clean and dry - wet fabrics conduct heat away from the body much faster than dry ones. If clothes get damp or sweaty during the day, it is important to change into dry layers when possible. Check with nonprofits and churches to see if they have clothing giveaways coming. Big Lake Community Closet is one such place where you can get free clothes.

Stay active and keep moving to generate body heat through physical activity. Even small movements like jogging in place or doing jumping jacks can help warm up. If safe to do so, activities like chopping wood or shoveling snow provide exercise while accomplishing useful tasks. Be sure not to overexert yourself though, as sweating will dampen clothes. Someone might be willing to pay a little money for you to split their firewood for them, which is a win-win-win of you getting to warm up with activity, some money to save, and the person getting the firewood split.

Seek out sheltered, windproof areas when resting or sleeping. Back alleyways, the sides of buildings, bridges, or small shelters can block chilling breezes. Do not sleep directly on the ground; cardboard, newspapers, or other insulating materials placed on the ground before lying down will reflect body heat upwards. Covering all exposed skin, especially the head, neck, hands, and feet is critical.

Build small, contained fires if safe to do so and allowed in your area. Fires provide radiant heat as well as a task to focus on. Use only dry tinder and kindling to avoid producing smoke that carries away warmth. The darker the smoke you produce, the less heat the fire will produce. Never burn trash or anything toxic. Maintain the fire responsibly and fully extinguish it before leaving the area or sleeping.

Public buildings like libraries, community centers, or hospitals can provide a welcoming environment during opening hours. Many have seating areas where individuals are permitted to spend time without harassment. Warm up, use the restrooms, and grab a drink. Be respectful of others though to avoid causing issues.

Soup kitchens and shelters should always be options of last resort, as overcrowding can increase the risk of illness. Go early, follow all posted rules, and be considerate of staff and volunteers. Check availability and hours, as demand may be higher in colder weather. Talk with volunteers to find out how you can help to repay their support for you in your time of need.

Staying dry and eating high-calorie snacks is important for maintaining inner body warmth. Food banks and food pantries can provide non-perishable items like nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, or canned soups and stews for on-the-go meals. Public water fountains offer hydration - drink regularly to avoid dehydration, which saps heat. There is no excuse for stealing, even food; there are so many food pantries, churches, and nonprofits willing to help you.

I would be remiss to not cover an important aspect of winter life: frostbite and hypothermia are medical emergencies. Seek help immediately if experiencing severe shivering, confusion, or loss of sensation in extremities. If your fingers, toes, or other extremities are turning purple or especially grey or black, that is a 9-1-1 medical emergency. If you cannot call for help but also cannot drive to medical care, find someone who can.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.