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of 95 degrees the body begins to get tired. The body now begins to work harder just to keep the body's temperature up, so overworking the body should be closely monitored in severe cold weather. Cold air is also inhaled into the body which is very hard on your internal organs; such as the lungs.

Always remember the mind is probably your most important tool. Try not to panic; this does nothing but confuses the situation at hand, and adds more useless work which robs the body of its much needed energy. If you are stranded without any type of heat the first thing you need to do is start a fire. This is an easy task if you have prepared the essentials above.

If you don't have any kindling with you, look around the area and find some small branches and twigs on the ground and break them up. Some of these twigs and branches are dry on the inside and will burn along with the foliage which is on them. This will make a smoky fire which will draw more attention to you. Gather more pieces of wood of different sizes to keep the fire going once you've got it started.

If you have trouble getting the twigs and branches to catch on fire; tear some pieces of paper or newspaper up and wad it up loosely and put the small twigs around them. Light the paper with your fire starter and the small twigs will begin to burn slowly. A last resort is to put some accelerates on the wood to help start the fire; but be careful when doing this. When the fire begins to build put a few smaller pieces of branches on the fire to help build its momentum. When the fire begins to grow put larger pieces of wood on the fire to keep it going. You might have to fan the small fire at first to get it started if it is a windless night.

5. Before you make any decisions stop and: think, sit, observe and plan. Your best defense in an emergency situation is to be able to "think and make the right decisions." If you're in a car which has heat, a good rule of thumb is to run the car at thirty minute intervals; for five to ten minutes at a time. Make sure that the tailpipe is not blocked of any snow or debris. It might also be a good habit to crack the window to filter in fresh air.

If you are stranded and can't get a signal on your cell phone; hike to a hill and try again, or climb a tree to get a better signal to call for help. If the weather is very cold; dress in many layers of clothing; this will help to retain your body heat. Keep plenty of water available because you can live for many days without food; but not water.

6. Signaling is also something which is necessary for your rescue if you have become stranded. If your cell phone is dead the fire is also a good signal as is your flashlight or any other type of noise or reflecting object. Three of any type of signals is considered a signal for help. Three gunshots or even three blows on a whistle. Three reflective flares are also a signal for help.

7. Be cautious and know how to ration the food which you have, because you never know how long this ordeal will last. Try not to panic and try to work smarter not harder, because your mind could be the key element which could save you in the end. Always try to keep a positive attitude. Remember; it's always better to be too safe than not safe enough, when it comes to dealing with severe elements in the winter months.

Learn more about this author, Kevin Lamb.
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