Surveillance in the winter and in cold climates does not seem to pose as many health problems for the private investigator as during the summer, though some caution must still be maintained to avoid freezing to death in harsh conditions. Keeping yourself warm from the start of a surveillance assignment is easier than trying to warm up when you are cold. Layer your clothing and cover the head and hands as much as possible. Several outdoor apparel and gear catalogs sell one-piece suits used by skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts, which I understand will keep you warm during even the longest surveillance.
Keep wool blankets handy and a couple of thermoses with something hot to drink close by. Again, you will need a couple of empty containers; coffee and tea are diuretics.
Do not use open-fire type heaters, like kerosene burners, a car will catch fire very quickly and the combustion may create carbon monoxide, which will kill you and you won’t even feel it coming. Space heaters use a tremendous amount of power; if you are going to use them keep them attached to a different power supply than your vehicle’s ignition system. A heated blanket is also a luxury item. Also consider the chemical hot packs that they often sell with hunting supplies to keep your hands warm.
Windows may tend to fog up while you are inside of the vehicle on a cold day, apply anti-fog solutions to the inside of your windows to help keep this surveillance footage crippling problem to a minimum. You can also run an electrical fan, directing the air to blow on the areas you need to clear. Be aware that your surveillance camera lenses and viewfinders may fog up as well; do not use chemicals on your equipment, instead opt for the fan or car heater.
A car engine running on cold days is often more visible than it is audible, therefore more discernable at greater distances, because the engine exhaust is released and turns to steam.
Be aware that you will leave tracks in the snow if you get outside of your vehicle.
This article is purposefully short because we want to hear your BEST WINTER SURVEILLANCE TIPS! Tell us what works for you, the challenges you face and any warnings you might have for other investigators by leaving a comment below!