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Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by protomyth on Sunday January 10, 2021 @07:52AM (#25714212)
If you just moved to a northern climate and have been saying this isn't that bad, then this is a bit of a wake-up call to make sure you are ready for winter. I still do recommend that you keep one of those shiny silver mylar survival blankets in your car. It works not only for warmth but also to put outside the car if you are off road and need to be spotted. Keep a week's worth of good at home that doesn't need electricity to prepare. Power outages in extreme cold are a pain.
Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by dlkinney on Sunday January 10, 2021 @09:44AM (#25715035)
I think it's important to dispute your recommendation to keep a mylar blanket in case of emergency.

Those blankets have practically zero thermal advantage, and really are only good to deflect wind, rain, and snow. (As well as signaling.)

Please keep a large wool blanket in your vehicle if you are in a location that threatens extreme cold with the inability to walk to safety.

I would hate for someone to be stuck in a tight spot and realize the useless thermal properties of those blankets the hard way.

Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by Ma8ee on Sunday January 10, 2021 @10:36AM (#25715657)
People in cold climate know to always have a full set of outdoor clothes in the car, either wearing them or in a bag even for shorter drives. You don’t want to be the guy who freezes to death after not bothering to put on a jacket since you are only picking up a pizza in the next village 3 miles away and then freezing to death because your car broke down.
Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by protomyth on Sunday January 10, 2021 @10:33AM (#25715616)
Well, the one I bought works damn well for heat and had one huge advantage over wool. I can bungee cord it to my car and be very, very visible to any search going on to find me.

I would hope people going out in winter also have proper coats and pants, but extra blankets as well a proper survival kit is a very good thing. Small grain shovels are also quite nice.

Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by awestroke on Sunday January 10, 2021 @11:19AM (#25716172)
Yes. Keep wool clothes and a set of winter coveralls to quickly put on in an emergency
Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by heavenlyblue on Sunday January 10, 2021 @07:57AM (#25714259)
Which country are you speaking about?
Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by protomyth on Sunday January 10, 2021 @08:07AM (#25714318)
USA since a lot of commuting, but I think safety is pretty universal. Depending on infrastructure in any place the climate can kill you might not be a good idea.
Re:A Polar Vortex collapse sequence has begun by sjg007 on Sunday January 10, 2021 @08:19AM (#25714397)
I agree. The polar vortex is no joke.