Don't ever leave home or office without keys. Not even to shovel the driveway.

Forgetfulness is out of the question. No holes in pockets and secure keys where zippers will maintain them in an available access. Don't leave children unattended. There are no children in any expedition to Antarctica or the Arctic Ocean. There is a short tolerance for children while playing in subzero temperatures. Make play dates with friends at each other's home.

These temperatures require self-reliance in ways most Americans aren't usually exposed to. There is no hurrying out the door. Set the alarm to wake one half hour earlier. If sleeping in then arrival at work may be late. There are no short cuts. Double check for keys before exiting any door. Carrying a butane lighter can thaw a metal door knob. Deicer for locks is a good idea. 

Basically, "Murphy's Law," anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Don't leave gloves off for any length of time. With standing pain is not the best idea. Compromise of circulation to bare skin happens quickly. Don't use a hand to warm up a door knob. Out of the question unless there is no other method and it is an emergency.

These temperatures require "mindfulness." Please take care.

February 17, 2015
By David Taintor

Here’s something you don’t see everyday. (click here)
The brutally cold temperatures gripping much of the U.S. have hit Niagara Falls. While the falls have not been totally cut off by the deep freeze, the cold weather has arrested some of the water in glorious, massive icicles. Temperatures haven’t risen above freezing at all in February, according to NBC News meteorologist Dylan Dreyer.
The flow of water actually slows in winter. In summer, 40.68 million gallons of water tumble over the falls per minute, according to NBC News. In winter, that number drops to almost half — 22.71 million gallons per minute....