As usual - here's your weather warning that there is now snow on the ground - and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere....as it keeps sneakily falling from the sky non-stop.
So what does that mean for you, the person living in Finland?
It is mandatory to get snow tires on your car/truck/vehicle.
And strongly recommended for your bicycle.
I don't know if they actually make a REAL difference, as I won't bike in the winter!!
Wear reflectors on both sides of your body if possible - so people can see you where it may be poorly lit...yes the snow helps a bit but not always if there's no street lights!!
Get a bike bell and bike light - DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE THEM. You can help to prevent many accidents by warning people you're coming too quickly towards them - or trying to get around them. It's the polite way to get past someone faster...*RING RING*
Your balcony (if you are lucky to have one) makes an EXCELLENT extra fridge/freezer (once it's REALLY cold out) - and it's prime time to empty out and clean your fridge...and if you have icicles in your freezer...probably a good time to de-frost as well.
Also an excellent time to stock up on ice-cream by the way (no, you're not crazy for eating ice-cream in the winter..or shopping 6 months in advance so it won't melt on your way home from the shops!)....and I've used mine as an extra freezer for meats and so on too once December hit!!
Just be sure to have proper trays or mats or plenty of towels to soak up the liquid from the de-frosting!!!
And make sure you change your towels/mats/empty the trays out frequently so you don't damage your floors if they happen to be sensitive to moisture/humidity.
It's also a great spot to let baby/young children sleep in their strollers - well bundled up (and usually not colder than -15*C or so)...as cold air soothes them, minimalizes flu bacteria growth, lets them sleep longer...and fresh air never hurts!
Layer up!
Most important thing about living in a cold climate country (especially if you're not used to it) is to wear light layers.
It's also handy (even if you don't have children) to get a pull-sled to get your groceries! Because walking in the snow that's not been plowed can be hard enough - may as well make use of it and drag your groceries (especially heavy things!) quickly along the snow!!
So what does that mean for you, the person living in Finland?
It is mandatory to get snow tires on your car/truck/vehicle.
And strongly recommended for your bicycle.
I don't know if they actually make a REAL difference, as I won't bike in the winter!!
Wear reflectors on both sides of your body if possible - so people can see you where it may be poorly lit...yes the snow helps a bit but not always if there's no street lights!!
Get a bike bell and bike light - DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE THEM. You can help to prevent many accidents by warning people you're coming too quickly towards them - or trying to get around them. It's the polite way to get past someone faster...*RING RING*
Your balcony (if you are lucky to have one) makes an EXCELLENT extra fridge/freezer (once it's REALLY cold out) - and it's prime time to empty out and clean your fridge...and if you have icicles in your freezer...probably a good time to de-frost as well.
Also an excellent time to stock up on ice-cream by the way (no, you're not crazy for eating ice-cream in the winter..or shopping 6 months in advance so it won't melt on your way home from the shops!)....and I've used mine as an extra freezer for meats and so on too once December hit!!
Just be sure to have proper trays or mats or plenty of towels to soak up the liquid from the de-frosting!!!
And make sure you change your towels/mats/empty the trays out frequently so you don't damage your floors if they happen to be sensitive to moisture/humidity.
It's also a great spot to let baby/young children sleep in their strollers - well bundled up (and usually not colder than -15*C or so)...as cold air soothes them, minimalizes flu bacteria growth, lets them sleep longer...and fresh air never hurts!
Layer up!
Most important thing about living in a cold climate country (especially if you're not used to it) is to wear light layers.
- Long johns/underwear - usually made of cotton or wool - touch your skin and keep your skin happy because this fabric is breathable.
- Long sleeved shirt and pants - not too thick (of course depends how cold it is outside and how long you'll BE outside and how much you're moving).
- Wool socks
- GOOD winter boots - warm on the inside, waterproof, quick-to-dry if possible, excellent grip underneath. It gets slippery - and the rest won't matter if you're falling all over the place and getting soaked and twisting your ankles and whatnot. It's worth the investment and can last you several years!!
- Snow pants or even basic wind/water proof pants (I went one winter just wearing "track pants" that were breathable, water-proof and wind-proof. I wore thick pants underneath like fleece pajama bottoms and long johns beneath those and felt perfectly fine!).
- Winter coat - should have a hood, reflectors, wind/water/snow resistant/proof. Brightly coloured helps too - especially if you're hiking or travelling and have a tendency to get lost....
- Scarf or cowl - nobody enjoys a sore throat.
- Hat/toque (Canadian term)/Pipo (Finnish word)
- Ski mask helps on very blustery and cold days!!! I have a great thin one from Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a Canadian sporting/outdoor shop. Best thing I ever bought.
- Mittens/Gloves
- Moisturizer - not just your hands and body - but your face and lips!!!
- Sun-screen...yes you can get burnt on exposed skin when skiing or being out for long periods of time (or even short ones with sensitive skin) in the winter.
Signs of FROST BITE AND HYPOTHERMIA....
In case you've never had it, been close to experiencing it - or have never been to a country with a snowy/freezing winter - you may want to check the link above.
In case you've never had it, been close to experiencing it - or have never been to a country with a snowy/freezing winter - you may want to check the link above.
It's also handy (even if you don't have children) to get a pull-sled to get your groceries! Because walking in the snow that's not been plowed can be hard enough - may as well make use of it and drag your groceries (especially heavy things!) quickly along the snow!!
I think that's everything....but just keep an eye on the weather and ask a Finnish friend (or friend that's lived here through a winter or two) to help you out!!!
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