One thinks about a lot of stuff while isolated indoors while a period of sub-zero temperatures grips the region, restricts our movements and alters our routines.
The weather dominates local and national news this weekend, and for good reason. Not only are daytime highs well below zero in many areas, but gusting winds make the air feel as though it's 30-degrees below zero or colder. And significant snowfall is predicted in many parts of the country.
I understand why the weather is a big part of the news coverage, but I frequently cringe at how TV news presents its coverage and question the need to dramatize how weather conditions might work to kill us, harm us, or damage our homes and property.
It's nothing new and it's a standard of TV new since at least the 1970s. I'm just surprised and disappointed that it still presented this way. It always goes something this: Somber and intense looking TV-news anchors sitting in comfortable studios urge us not to step outdoors, because frigid temperatures combined with terrifying wind chills can contribute to frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. Then they take us live to one of their coworkers who is reporting from the outdoors, with her face exposed to the bitter cold and wind, telling us it's terribly cold and we should stay indoors to avoid the risk of frostbite and maybe death.
It's the same delivery year after year and it happens during warmer months in my region, when thunderstorms are common - some poor reporter is sent out to stand in the rain to us how strong winds knocked down a tree somewhere. It's not groundbreaking reporting or necessary.
Back to the present situation. We know it's cold and dangerous outside. We don't need to see some poor soul standing outside in front of a camera to have it confirmed for us, but there it is, and for some reason those who produce TV news have determined such things must be reported today exactly has they have been for nearly 60 years.
I think the safety tips about indoor heating units are valuable and worthwhile, as are the suggestions for keeping furnaces operating efficiently during these days.
I encourage adults to limit their consumption of alcohol. Isolation for any period of time can be mentally challenging. Best not to add to the challenges with alcohol or other drugs.
Read books or find a creative outlet. Limit your screen time, whether it's with the TV or other devices.
We'll get through the cold and the snowstorms. We have in the past; we will again.
--Thank you for reading. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Post your comments here, or send an email to kbotterman@gmail.com.
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