
Maria Vaaler
Cold winter conditions in Iowa pictured from last season's Polar Vortex.
Can you survive the arctic tundra of an Iowa winter? Keep track of your points and tally them at the end to find out.
A= 4 points B= 3 points C= 2 points D= 1 point
At what temperature is it no longer acceptable to wear shorts to school?
A.Is it ever acceptable to wear shorts?
B. The moment it drops below 50 degrees.
C. Once it drops below freezing.
D. I’ll wear shorts no matter how cold it is. It’s always shorts weather and no one can tell me otherwise!
Do you have a snow scraper in your car?
A. I have one in my car and extra antifreeze too.
B. I have a snow scraper in my car, I’m just not sure where in my car it is.
C. I’m sure I have a snow scraper somewhere at home.
D. What’s a snow scraper?
If someone dared you to lick a frozen pole, would you?
A. Never! I saw what happened in “A Christmas Story”
B. I’d consider it, but I probably wouldn’t follow through.
C. If I was offered a good enough incentive, then sure.
D. Of course! If I was dared to then I’ve got to do it.
Do you have a spare hat and gloves or blanket in your car?
A. I always keep a spare hat and gloves and a blanket in my car. You never know when you’ll need them.
B. I’ve got either a blanket or a hat and some gloves in my car.
C. I’ve got the hat I’m wearing right now. Is that good enough?
D. Why would I keep any extra clothing in my car?
Do you have snow boots, and do you wear them?
A. I’ve got snow boots and they even have extra grip so I don’t slip on the ice
B. I’ve got snow boots but I only wear them when I absolutely have to.
C. I have snow boots I can wear, but I only wear them to shovel.
D. I don’t need snow boots, my converse work just fine in the snow.
Do you need to experience sunlight to remain sane during the year?
A. The sun is great and all but I can function just fine without it.
B. I’m alright with not seeing the sun but I’m definitely going to be a little tired.
C. I’m going to be struggling to stay awake after school.
D. What do you mean no sunlight?!?
How do you react if your car starts to slide on the ice?
A. I keep my feet off the pedals and try to keep the wheel under control
B. I keep my feet off the pedals but I don’t go near the wheel.
C. I do nothing. I just have to hope things work out I guess.
D. I slam on the brakes of course.
Are you a master at layering clothing?
A. I’ve mastered the art of wearing 3 pairs of pants at once.
B. I’ll wear a hoodie under my coat if that’s what you mean.
C. I wear all my winter clothing but I don’t really do the whole layering thing.
D. I’ll wear my coat if I have to I guess, but I prefer to just throw on a light jacket.
Do you walk carefully when walking on ice or snow?
A. I step slowly to make sure I’m not on ice and I try to wear shoes with traction.
B. I walk slowly and pay attention to where I’m going.
C. I don’t run around on the ice very often……
D. Are you kidding??? Slipping around on the ice is the best part of winter!
Do you even like snow?
A. Of course! I can’t wait for the moment Iowa becomes a Winter Wonderland.
B. The holiday season really is a lot better with the snow.
C. Ehhhhh I could definitely go without the snow and slush.
D. Snow is a crime against humanity and I better not see it this year.
Survival Results:
32+: You must have been through an Iowa Winter before. You’ll not only survive the winter, but you may even keep warm during it.
27-31: You’ll survive the winter, but you may lose a few fingers and toes before it’s through.
22-26: You probably won’t make it through the entire winter. There are just too many things that could go wrong.
21 or less: You haven’t been exposed to winter before have you? You’ll be lucky to make it through the first couple weeks.