2 | TAILGATE TALK T A I L G A T E T A L K Plan, Prepare & Stay Protected It’s cold weather season. Prepare for any forecast by keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. Having supplies on hand in case of an emergency is crucial to protecting yourself and your loved ones when unexpected bad weather hits. Here are some suggestions to get your pack started. A A B C D E F J G K L B C D E F G I I H H J K L Shovel Essential for digging your vehicle or someone else’s out of the snow. Flashlight See into dark/tight spaces. Don’t forget the extra batteries! Nonperishable Food Food that doesn’t spoil & is easy to access, like granola bars, is best. Blanket Useful for keeping you extra warm & can be used as a cushion or pillow. Boots Warm, waterproof boots are best—plus steel toe would be even better. Hat A knit hat that is a little longer will help to keep your ears warm as well. First Aid Kit A basic first aid kit is the perfect go-to for minor injuries. Ice Scraper Great for removing ice & frozen debris. Water Stay hydrated, even in cold weather. It’s best to have multiple bottles. Socks Keep a pair of dry, warm socks in your to-go bag. Gloves Warm gloves are a necessity when traveling in cold weather. Pack/Bag Perfect for storing all of your to-go supplies. Layering for the Win The key to staying warm in cold weather is layering. For best results, start with a base layer, then add on an insulating layer, and top it all off with a protective outer layer. Stay Warm in the Field Flagger Force winter apparel is available on the Gear Store. Visit Store.FlaggerForce.com & stock up today! Base Layer Your first layer of clothing, known as your base layer, should sit snug against your skin. This layer helps to keep warm air against the body by managing moisture and keeping you dry. It’s best to wear wicking fabrics like wool, silk, or polyester. Insulating Layer This middle layer insulates your body by keeping a layer of warmth around you—protecting you from the cold. Wearing materials such as wool, down feather, and polyester fleece are ideal and will help you maintain your body temperature. Outer Layer Your final layer is a protective outer shell—shielding you from wind, rain, or snow. These items keep your inner layers dry and you warm in the process. Good items to wear are your winter parka jacket and pants/bibs, as well as waterproof gloves and boots. TAILGATE TALK | 3