Smart Safety: 4 Secrets to Survive Winter Like an Arctic Boss

Winter is here - and in Minnesota, January means frigid temperatures.

 

But there's really no reason to be afraid of the shorter days and colder nights. Fresh snowfall, wind-chilled cheeks, and abundant layers of clothing are a natural part of winter. With as much as six months of winter per year, the countries of the North embrace the cold months with enthusiasm—and they could teach us a thing or two about surviving winter. 

 

I recently partnered with Kungs —a Finnish producer of premium snow brushes and ice scrapers that are tested in the harshest Arctic conditions— to bring you some fun expert tips from one of the coldest countries on Earth: Finland.

 

*** KUNGS' 4 SECRETS TO SURVIVE WINTER LIKE AN ARTIC BOSS ***

 

>> 1. USE THE COLD TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Low temperatures inspire many in the Nordic region to get together outside and enjoy the 'fresh' weather that only winter can bring. Take advantage of what winter has to offer:  Plan a day trip to your nearest sauna, go sledding on the nearest hill or simply throw snow at your friends and family. Here's a "cool" idea: Pack a warm thermos of soup to enjoy after a wintertime ski run—and have a picnic right in the snow!

 

>> 2. DRESS LIKE YOU MEAN IT 

One of the key reasons winter-haters despise the cold is that they simply don't know how to dress for it. The people of the Arctic know better. It's easy: Before heading outside, make sure you're properly clothed. The secret? Multiple layers. A thick winter coat is essential, along with waterproof gloves, wool socks, a scarf, a hat, and of course, snow boots! Several layers of pants can help, as well. Arctic tip: Allow yourself some extra time (10 minutes) to get in and out of those extra articles of clothing.

 

>> 3. WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

Got a car? Then you're going to want to prepare it to handle winter conditions without a hitch. Stock your car with an emergency kit, consider winter tires for better traction, and thoroughly check your battery before the cold strikes. In winter precipitation, visibility is crucial. Keep both a snow brush and a durable ice scraper on hand—and be sure your ice scraper can de-ice windshield wipers. I recommend grabbing Kungs ice scrapers and snow brushes, which are available at Sears Auto Centers across the Northeast.   

 

>> 4. YOU CAN ENJOY WINTER INDOORS, TOO 

The winter months are ideal for wrapping up in a blanket and cozying up next to a warm fireplace (or space heater), glass of wine in hand. Even the best Arctic bosses aren't afraid to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a winter day indoors. Arctic boss tip: Get cozy with your significant other and surprise them with a hot cocktail!

 

Many of us complain about winter and wish it would end sooner. But as the folks in Northern Europe know better than any of us, winter is a special season that can be thoroughly enjoyed—if you make the appropriate preparations. With my Kungs snow brushes and ice scrapers—and multiple layers of clothing—I'm ready for an adventurous winter on the road!

 

Made in Finland—a country with some of the harshest winters on the planet—Kungs snow brushes and ice scrapers combine Scandinavian design and ergonomics with the durability needed to handle whatever winter throws at you. 

 

I had a chance to try out Kungs scrapers, and I really liked them. The long-handled brush/scraper was awesome for reaching across my minivan window. They also have something I had never seen before - the scraper part comes off, and becomes a nifty tool for de-icing wiper blades. That's often been a winter problem, and everything else we've tried before hasn't quite worked. This did - making it much safer to get ready to drive. Kungs just launched their line of environmentally friendly products (complete with a three-year warranty!) in the U.S., exclusively at Sears Auto Centers.