Extreme Winter Weather and Climate Change

Chances are no matter where you live in the World, you can walk outside sometime during the year and see an example of extreme weather due to climate change. In Altoona, PA they had an oddly high temperature of 60°F on 12/30/19, with their historical average high temperature typically being 34°F for that day. The town of Van Wert, OH set a new snow record with 30” on 12/16/2019. There are also the other extremes: in South Florida some cities are already facing the flooding of their homes and roads several times a year due to rising seas, then in areas of drought like California and Australia there has been an increase in extremely devastating fires, fueled by the dry conditions.

With the increase in extreme weather, it’s important to be prepared for anything! One way to be prepared for large temperature fluctuations is by layering. This is a great way regulate body temperature throughout the day so you and your family can enjoy the outdoors longer. Check out all of the details in our layering guide and when you layer with Patagonia, you can’t go wrong! Patagonia understands the importance of caring for our planet and combating climate change. They build durable products that also limit their ecological impact. Plus, their 1% for the Planet is an alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of protecting the natural environment.Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. They have awarded over $89 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities.

If you were to receive a Winter weather, flood, wildfire, or other evacuation warning, watch or alert,ready.gov gives some basic preparedness tips that we thought were important to note:

1. Make an Emergency Plan of where you can and will go if you are ordered to evacuate. Consider any special needs your household may have such as medical or pets and learn the local evacuation routes.
2. Sign up for alerts and warnings that are specific to your area.
3. Have an emergency bag packed and ready to go! Be sure to include a flashlight/headlamp, batteries, cash, first aid kit, your everyday medications, and copies of your critical information.
4. Have a Stay in Place Plan! Know your evacuation zone, and if you are not in an area ordered to evacuate, make sure that you have enough supplies for everyone in your home for an extended period.
5. Make and practice your Emergency Communication Plan so that family members and friends have a way of knowing you are safe and know the plan ahead of time.

We encourage you to always heed the warnings of your state and local government as far as what is safest for you, your family, and your neighbors.

Gear up for anything with Ramsey Outdoor!