Cooling off in Summer or Warming up in Winter; Technology Magic Saves Lives

Surviving the hot summers or cold winters is not simply a matter of comfort for many around the world but the elderly and small children may be at risk. So here are some common sense tips and some technology wonders (old and new) to help.

Winter wonder lands are being created by nature around the world but cold weather dangers lurk around the corner. Cold temperatures combined with strong winds making sub-zero conditions ripe for frost bite and hypothermia. Technology old and new can combat the cold and reduce the preventable fatalities due to cold.

Summer landscapes are being created by nature around the world but hot weather dangers radiate around the corner. Hot temperatures combined with bright sun making high temperatures (80 F and up) conditions ripe for dehydration and heat stroke. Technology old and new can combat the heat and reduce the preventable fatalities due to high temperatures.

Sheltering from the cold involve the structure’s position, design layout and heating system. Key factors may be having a natural wind break of trees and shrubs or having part of the structure under the ground. Structural items like siding, insulation, and double pane vinyl window systems will keep the home comfortable with minimal heating (note you can get free estimates from Home Depot on installation). Central heating (HVAC) systems offer a variety of options (gas, electric, oil, geothermal and renewable) for every budget and location. There are some very effective portable space heaters just shop around and get those with good safety features like over temp shut-off and tip over shut-off . “The World Health Organization recommends a minimal indoor temperature of 65 degrees F and 68 -70 F warmer minimal temperature for rooms occupied by sedentary elderly, young children and persons with a disability” see www.udeworld.com for more info.

Sheltering from the heat has similar key aspects like the cold for different factors like sheltering from the sunlight and creating a breeze. So your structure may be partly underground and shaded by tall trees or nearby hilltops. Structural items like insulation, siding or thick brick walls along with double pane windows with low-e rating or 3M film will keep your home comfortable with a minimum of cooling. Central cooling (AC) systems offer a variety of options when it comes to powering them on. The portable air conditioning type is becoming more popular as cost have been reduce and some can easily be moved room to room.

Winter wear clothing must be functional especially jackets, boots and gloves. When out and about dress in layers so when you get too hot you can adjust by removing something. Technology based items clothes like down and goose feathered jackets offer a water resistance outer shell and isolative warmth. Winter boots keep feet dry and offer traction in snow and ice. Technology has moved the bar from exotic material combination to electrical/battery power heat to personal wear and blankets to chemical reaction inserts that are one time use and throw away. Everyone should have some foil thermal blankets in your car or in a back pack when hiking it could save a life.

Ratings to gauge performance against cold or heating performance to counter act the cold. Clothing for general use by consumers is very difficult to gauge due to a long list of variables. Clothes use for cold protection on the job has evolved to a new ASTM international standard F2732 Practice for Determining the Temperature Ratings For Cold Weather Protective Clothing.

Physical conditioning, age and health are all factors that may determine how a person handles the cold or heat. Some may say the tech used to stay in physical condition still is in play but that’s a subject for a later blog.

 Personal testimony, I have a winter rated sleeping bag because I do a lot of cold weather camping (good for temps as low as -20 degrees F). The first time using it was a cold snowy weekend in a see thru cabin in sub-zero weather but I was sweating in that bag. The bottle of water I left on the table was frozen solid the next morning. Research before you buy and note how you would be using the equipment so its covers your needs. What item or heating/cooling system helps you fight the cold / heat?  Jumping on a plane and traveling to warmer or cooler climates does not count.

Knowledge is key to dealing with the heat and cold. So I have listed a few websites and books you may find useful.
 
Please send me your top ways to beat the heat or cold.


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