Working in the Cold - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Working in the Cold

A letter carrier, a florist, and a car salesman... you may not think they have a lot in common.

But one thing they DO have in common... they all have to brave today's bitter cold.

Krista Harju has the story.

Just a look at this number, can make you shiver. But it's not just the temperature that's keeping many indoors... It's the minus 40 degree wind chill.

Jacey Rodgers: "It's cold!"

For the team at Dutch Mill Florist it's not just about keeping themselves warm. Florist and delivery driver Jaycee Rodgers says while the weather doesn't affect the AMOUNT of business they do, it DOES affect HOW they do it.

Jacey Rodgers: "Below zero, we typically double bag them, so that's more cost for double bagging stuff. We have to run the van a lot longer and we try not to take as many deliveries at one time so they don't freeze outside."

At Stan Puklich Chevrolet, the cars are on the lot and ready to be sold. And for the salesmen at this dealership, there is no escaping the bitter cold.

Don Glassheim: "If they are outside looking at a vehicle we should be outside helping them out."

Even with the freezing temperature, Ben Hilson keeps a brisk pace delivering the mail. He says staying warm is his challenge...

Ben Hilson: "In order to go through the mail, you have to wear a thin glove. You can't wear something big and bulky."

"I've got my hand completely loaded with hand warmers just to keep my hands warm. I'll just show you how many I got here. Yeah, I've got five hand warmers here just for my right hand, just to keep my hand warm."

With temperatures dipping well below zero, putting on the layers still isn't enough. Hilson has to take frequent breaks along his seven mile walking route to warm up.

Ben Hilson: "All the walking routes take about six hours and today it will probably take me about an hour over just because of the weather."

Hilson like the others is relieved to hear this cold snap will be short lived...