Another festive holiday season is upon us. Try and use this time to focus on your family and friends that make your lives so meaningful. We also know it is the time for us to see more structure fires and carbon monoxide checks; 'tis the season for candles, overloaded electrical circuits, supplemental heating sources and creosote in chimneys.

With some planning and preparation, you can minimize the risk of cold weather exposure on first responders. Cold weather increases risk factors associated with firefighting. The constant exposure to Mother Nature's brutal side takes it toll on personnel and machinery.

Ensure that you are wearing the proper layers of clothing. Keep extra dry socks, caps and sweatshirts with you as you roll out. And throw a tube of lip balm in your gear bag along with some petroleum jelly to smear on any exposed skin.

Too cold to train outside today? Get the crew together to review department SOGs on winter operations.

Here's a winter a quiz on some winter rehab procedures:

1. What warms you up the most during a winter shift?

A. Riding on the tailboard and pulling the hose bed cover over your head.
B. Placing your hands and arms on the diamond plated doghouse, while riding backwards in the jump seat.
C. Wearing your turnout gear outside while shoveling snow or going for groceries.
D. Eating Texas style chili with extra hot sauce. (See below)
E. Reporting to the rehab sector for proper warming

2. A cold-induced condition caused by the formation of ice crystals on exposed body parts, which occurs when extremities such as hands, feet, ears, and nose are exposed to cold for extended periods of time, is:

A. Hyperthermia
B. Hypthothalmus
C. Frosty the snowman
D. Probiementia 
E. Frostbite

3. You can prevent cold stress conditions with the following measures:

A. Wearing multiple layers of light, loose-fitting clothing.
B. Paying particular attention to protecting feet, hands, face and head.
C. Reporting any cold-stress related symptoms that you are suffering.
D. Remaining hydrated and refueling your energy with food.
E. All of the above are true and beneficial

Hopefully, you selected E on all of the responses. Since most of the country experienced a hotter and drier summer than usual, let's see what old man winter will deliver. Regardless of your work location, it is important to review some recommendations so as to avoid any "freeze-ups." In times of bitter cold, rehab in a warm spot is essential.

If all else fails in keeping you warm, try out this recipe at the firehouse during your next frigid shift. This is also good for those slow days with a full schedule of football or hockey to watch.

Three Alarm Chip Dip/Burrito Filling Recipe

• 1 ½ pounds of lean hamburger, or turkey meat, or venison
• 2 large cans of refried beans
• 1 large jar of pace salsa (hot-mild)
• 1 jar of jalapenos slices
• 1 large tub of sour cream
• 1 large onion, (diced)
• 1 pond of cheddar cheese (chopped into small chunks)
• 1 large bag of corn or flour tortillas
• 1 large bag of corn chips  Spices; cayenne pepper, garlic powder and onion salt
   

Directions:

• Chop onions, brown meat in frying pan.
• Add spices to taste (more cayenne for hotter). Then add a couple of spoonfuls of jalapenos and brown with meat.
• Drain the fat after meat is well browned.
• In another large pan put the beans in and let warm on low heat.
• Then add the pace sauce (your choice on mild to hot).
• Add cheese chunks and let melt.
• Add a few peppers and let simmer.
• Then add the meat mix.
• Then add the sour cream. Let simmer till warm all the way with the cheese completely melted. 
• Serve with corn chips or spread on flour tortilla and wrap into a burrito. Remember the longer it sits in the fridge, the hotter it gets. Stand by with an adequate water supply. This will leave you feeling warm throughout your body!

Please submit any of your favorite winter meals that have proven to be popular in the firehouse, in addition to any time-honored practices or hints to survive the cold. Here's hoping for a moderate, quick winter season. Please stay focused on safety and look out for each other. Happy Holidays to you and yours.