Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:14 AM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
Tips for surviving inside your cold houseLast edited Thu Feb 18, 2021, 12:08 AM - Edit history (4)
My family and several friends live in the Dallas Ft. Worth, Texas area. Watching a WFAA TV News feed this morning they had a short interview with Chrystal Smith from the local American Red Cross. She offered a few tips for conserving heat energy inside your home. Thought this might help someone out there in the extreme chill this AM.
(1) Shut all doors in your home and place towels under each door to conserve heat energy (2) Wear loose fitting clothing and lots of layers (3) All people in one room She also said that several Warming Centers had been opened providing cots, blankets, water and snacks. Check your County Website or with the American Red Cross for more information. These are just 3 tips that can help and I'm sure there are more. Hoping others hear have helpful and practical suggestions or experience to share. Also, check on elderly neighbors and others who may need assistance right now. Many are without power or heat trying to get through this dangerous and historical weather event. ![]() EDITED TO ADD:I posted this today for 2 reasons. First was to make ideas and suggestions available to those who could immediately put them to work. It did that. Second was to get ideas on this subject for my afternoon phone call today with my Senior parents in DFW. They are doing fine and are safe tonight! I thank everyone who responded. Another fine example of the kind and resourceful people here on DU. If these types of posts (from this one and others) have helped even one person be a little warmer, or a little less afraid or even just a little bit safer, then it has been worth everyone’s effort! ![]() ![]() ![]() __________. __________. __________. __________. __________ EDIT 2: Here's another link to a similar and helpful thread by Peacetrain earlier today. Thank You!: Good ideas to share with all the DU'er's stuck in the freeze zone. https://democraticunderground.com/100215116550 __________. __________. _________. ________. ________. ________ EDIT 3: ADDING AN IMPORTANT LINK FROM THE CDC SITE ON CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CO poisoning is entirely preventable. Protect yourself and your family by learning the symptoms of CO poisoning and how to prevent it. “Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.” “Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.” “Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.” More at link: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/copoisoning/index.html Another link at the CDC to their "Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Website" with more information. https://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm __________. __________. __________. __________. __________ There were LOTS of Posts in the last couple of days (not referenced here) with helpful info and experiences from other DU'er's. Search them out and stay warm out there!
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44 replies, 4772 views
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Author | Time | Post |
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LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | OP |
flor-de-jasmim | Feb 2021 | #1 | |
Duppers | Feb 2021 | #18 | |
hlthe2b | Feb 2021 | #2 | |
dalton99a | Feb 2021 | #3 | |
marble falls | Feb 2021 | #4 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #7 | |
Turbineguy | Feb 2021 | #8 | |
littlemissmartypants | Feb 2021 | #14 | |
neohippie | Feb 2021 | #23 | |
BobTheSubgenius | Feb 2021 | #35 | |
Shermann | Feb 2021 | #5 | |
FailureToCommunicate | Feb 2021 | #28 | |
Cairycat | Feb 2021 | #6 | |
marble falls | Feb 2021 | #9 | |
UpInArms | Feb 2021 | #10 | |
drray23 | Feb 2021 | #11 | |
drray23 | Feb 2021 | #12 | |
BobTheSubgenius | Feb 2021 | #37 | |
UpInArms | Feb 2021 | #38 | |
BobTheSubgenius | Feb 2021 | #43 | |
Delphinus | Feb 2021 | #41 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #13 | |
Irish_Dem | Feb 2021 | #17 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #39 | |
Irish_Dem | Feb 2021 | #40 | |
AllaN01Bear | Feb 2021 | #15 | |
blue sky at night | Feb 2021 | #16 | |
MontanaMama | Feb 2021 | #22 | |
Shermann | Feb 2021 | #29 | |
Ramsey Barner | Feb 2021 | #24 | |
rickford66 | Feb 2021 | #19 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #21 | |
randr | Feb 2021 | #20 | |
MontanaMama | Feb 2021 | #25 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #26 | |
CaptainTruth | Feb 2021 | #27 | |
bucolic_frolic | Feb 2021 | #30 | |
NutmegYankee | Feb 2021 | #44 | |
Peacetrain | Feb 2021 | #31 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #36 | |
FailureToCommunicate | Feb 2021 | #32 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #33 | |
FailureToCommunicate | Feb 2021 | #34 | |
LazySusanNot | Feb 2021 | #42 |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:17 AM
flor-de-jasmim (2,061 posts)
1. Towels on windowsills - hang sheets over curtain rods for extra layer over windows
Response to flor-de-jasmim (Reply #1)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:52 AM
Duppers (26,304 posts)
18. We did that once.
Even pulled the mattress off the bed in spare bedrm & covered the one window there.
We put our then 1yr old kiddo in his snowsuit (remember those?), put 4 or 5 blankets on our king-sized bed & all 3 of us pretty much stayed in bed. We didn't freeze. Electricity was off for 3 days. When the streets were cleared enough, we went to a Burger King to really warm up tho. |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:18 AM
hlthe2b (96,630 posts)
2. Down comforters, a warm doggy, and don't be afraid to wear gloves and face mask inside to keep warm
Double the wool socks. Put on a hat. You will be amazed at how comfortable you can remain if your hands, feet, and face (nose) are not cold.
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:25 AM
dalton99a (74,386 posts)
3. Also, fill the gaps around your garage door
They are visible in the daytime and can be felt.
Gaps around doors that are too small for towels can be filled with cardboard, paper towels, folded strips of paper, blue masking tape, etc. |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:25 AM
marble falls (47,684 posts)
4. Light candles, put Steppinwolf on the box, burn incense, roll doobies and relive the sixties ...
... we two old relics are doing fine. I shoveled snow yesterday for the first time in over twenty years. Shovel 10 minutes, go inside for a half an hour. Repeat.
Powers been staying on for three or four hours and then off for three or four since Sunday. They announced opening a warming center, but they almost seemed to discourage anyone from using it here in Trumpland. |
Response to marble falls (Reply #4)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:44 AM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
7. I love it.
Glad you old relics are doing fine!
![]() Kicking for exposure. |
Response to marble falls (Reply #4)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:48 AM
Turbineguy (35,843 posts)
8. An excellent suggestion!
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Response to marble falls (Reply #4)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:43 AM
littlemissmartypants (20,065 posts)
14. Magic Carpet ride, long version...
Response to marble falls (Reply #4)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:21 PM
neohippie (1,125 posts)
23. put your candles in a metal can
I read the other day that putting your candles into a metal can will let the candle heat the metal and can raise the temp around the can by 20 degrees, amplifying that heat source may work with glass too
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Response to marble falls (Reply #4)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:09 PM
BobTheSubgenius (11,360 posts)
35. A quite underrated band, IMO. Not everyone's taste, for sure, but John Kay not only...
...coined the phrase "heavy metal", but wrote some good songs.
Who from those days would have ever thought that we'd be rolling in an ocean of better weed than we could have dreamed of? Keep having fun, ya old geezers! ![]() ![]() |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:26 AM
Shermann (5,498 posts)
5. Political conversations with relatives
Things tend to get heated when that happens.
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Response to Shermann (Reply #5)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:43 PM
FailureToCommunicate (13,366 posts)
28. Excellent idea!
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:28 AM
Cairycat (1,580 posts)
6. A hat or hood
covering your head can help you feel warmer
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Response to Cairycat (Reply #6)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 10:49 AM
marble falls (47,684 posts)
9. Makes a big difference. Makes the cat look at you funny, too.
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:08 AM
UpInArms (50,599 posts)
10. I have an entire layer ensemble
For when I feed my horses ...
Close fitting undershirt Long sleeve turtleneck Light wool sweater Sweatshirt Knee socks Crew socks Footies Fleece leggings Levis Down vest Coveralls Lined work coat with hood Fleece Ear band Wool scarf Knitted cap Sub zero muck boots ETA: two pairs of gloves Have also found wearing a face mask helps to keep my cheeks warm Don’t know if that will help anyone stay warm, but it is currently -15 and I will be out in the weather for at least 45 minutes and I do not get cold |
Response to UpInArms (Reply #10)
drray23 This message was self-deleted by its author.
Response to UpInArms (Reply #10)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:24 AM
drray23 (6,997 posts)
12. I guess another option you have if you are desperate
is going to lie with your horses in the hay. That should keep you warm.
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Response to UpInArms (Reply #10)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:16 PM
BobTheSubgenius (11,360 posts)
37. I once went to the Yukon because of my job, and was supposed to be transferred to a very cold place.
That transfer fell through, but I still have a down vest and a down-filled parka that's supposed to be good to -40. I don't know about that, empirically, but I was outside in weather where wind chill took us to -30, and I was toasty warm.
Oddly, I don't use them much, since settling in a place where people freak out if a flake falls from the sky. I just can't bring myself to get rid of them, though. (This year, we had TWO snow days, back to back, each setting a record. Total accumulation, about 25cm, or about 10 inches. So far, little rioting and looting, but we expect it.) |
Response to BobTheSubgenius (Reply #37)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:18 PM
UpInArms (50,599 posts)
38. I moved from Austin in 1992
And ended up 14 miles south of iowa ...
I learned that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes When I got here, all of my clothes were bad 😂😂 |
Response to UpInArms (Reply #38)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 04:33 PM
BobTheSubgenius (11,360 posts)
43. That kind of expression is SO typical of local folk wisdom.
For quality and quantity of funny sayings, though, TX is hard to beat. My favourite:
"If you wanted to be a bigger idiot, you'd have to put on weight." |
Response to UpInArms (Reply #10)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:22 PM
Delphinus (10,577 posts)
41. That is
impressive!
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:27 AM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
13. I did a search for "foods that help your body stay warm"...
and came up with a few. I have not looked into the scientific efficacy of any of these so do your own research.
Here a just a few of the ones I found. I’m sure there are others. Whole grains and complex carbs Cumin Fresh Ginger Banana’s Turmeric Cinnamon Dried Fruits Eggs Cayenne Pepper Brown Rice Peanuts Coconut oil NOT ALCOHOL |
Response to LazySusanNot (Reply #13)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:51 AM
Irish_Dem (35,769 posts)
17. Thanks for this list, I am changing my menu for the day to incorporate
some of these foods.
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Response to Irish_Dem (Reply #17)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:56 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
39. Glad it gave you ideas for things you may already have in the pantry
I also read in a couple of articles about drinking ice water or iced coffee to help warm up. I had always thought this would help lose body heat instead of gaining it. According to one of the articles about ice water:
"Seems counter intuitive, don’t it? Your whole life you’ve been raised to believe that warm drinks like hot chocolate are perfect winter beverages. But your basal body temperature will fluctuate to try and counteract the effects of hot liquid, meaning your body temperature will drop from drinking even one cup of cocoa. Cold water has the opposite effect, raising your core temperature to counteract the chilly liquid." https://www.tastemade.com/articles/7-food-and-drinks-scientifically-proven-to-warm-you-up-and-one-that-won-t |
Response to LazySusanNot (Reply #39)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 02:18 PM
Irish_Dem (35,769 posts)
40. Bottom line is to stay hydrated. Cold drinks in summer make me quite cold.
I am not sure how it would work in winter.
My body thermostat does not work very well any more. Yes I added some of the spices and foods you listed for lunch and snacks. |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
AllaN01Bear This message was self-deleted by its author.
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 11:49 AM
blue sky at night (3,242 posts)
16. I burn wood
In my very efficient cast iron wood stove...never been without heat since 1981. I like procuring my own fuel as I get a real workout in all phases of it.
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Response to blue sky at night (Reply #16)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:19 PM
MontanaMama (21,566 posts)
22. There is something about getting your own wood, IMO.
Preparing for a long winter is comforting and you’re right, great exercise.
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Response to MontanaMama (Reply #22)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:53 PM
Shermann (5,498 posts)
29. When you cut your own wood, it warms you twice
I remember seeing that corny saying was on a wall hanging of one of my neighbors growing up. It kind of stuck with me.
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Response to blue sky at night (Reply #16)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:25 PM
Ramsey Barner (348 posts)
24. You're probably familiar with this quote:
"I had an old axe which nobody claimed, with which by spells in winter days, on the sunny side of the house, I played-about with stumps which I had got out of my bean-field. [T]hey warmed me twice, once while I was splitting them, and again when they were on the fire, so that no fuel could give more heat." - Henry David Thoreau
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:04 PM
rickford66 (5,200 posts)
19. Avoid carbon monoxide sources
Some ventilation is needed under any circumstances.
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Response to rickford66 (Reply #19)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:18 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
21. Good reminder rickford66. Lots of good safety tips out there in various threads...
along with this from the CDC.
CO poisoning is entirely preventable. Protect yourself and your family by learning the symptoms of CO poisoning and how to prevent it. “Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.” “Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.” “Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.” More at link: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/copoisoning/index.html Edited to add another link at the CDC to their "Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Website" with more information. https://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:07 PM
randr (12,101 posts)
20. Leaving water dripping from faucets can prevent freezing
Especially pipes located on exterior walls
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:25 PM
MontanaMama (21,566 posts)
25. Put a lit candle under an overturned terra cotta pot.
Lots of ways to build these simple heaters...YouTube has dozens of how-to’s.
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Response to MontanaMama (Reply #25)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:40 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
26. This is great. Brings out the MacGyver in me. Thank you for posting
I'm going to try this to get a feel for how well it works. Also a reminder for anyone with opens flames (even small ones) and sealed up rooms. See above in Reply’s #19 and #21 for safety considerations. Good ideas here to help stay warm - but be safe in the process!
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:42 PM
CaptainTruth (5,646 posts)
27. If you have a sleeping bag, use it.
Not sure many folks go camping anymore, but I used to do a bit of winter camping (the Grand Canyon is beautiful in January, with the snow, & you have the campground to yourself, just you & a couple other people crazy enough to be there in freezing temperatures!) so I had a good sleeping bag. If I was stuck in freezing Texas with no power & no (or little) heat I would be in that bag.
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:55 PM
bucolic_frolic (36,148 posts)
30. Your hot water heater is still warm
If the water runs, you could put it in metal pots in your room and gain a few hours of diminishing warmth.
If your hot water tank is poorly insulated and the outside is warm, put something cold on the top - a pot of water with a lid, or a brick, and when that warms up, move it to your living space. |
Response to bucolic_frolic (Reply #30)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 04:39 PM
NutmegYankee (15,736 posts)
44. If a natural gas fired hot water heater, you'll still have hot water.
Run a shower on full hot. The bathroom will become a sauna. If you plug the drain, the ~120 degree water will heat the room for a hour.
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:57 PM
Peacetrain (22,435 posts)
31. Oh I missed seeing this thread..
and started one of my own.. I am going to cross reference your thread in mine.. great ideas in here: hi:
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Response to Peacetrain (Reply #31)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:11 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
36. I just read your OP and will link to it here. Thank you Peacetrain!
Here's another link to a similar and helpful thread by Peacetrain:
Good ideas to share with all the DU'er stuck in the freeze zone https://democraticunderground.com/100215116550 |
Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 12:58 PM
FailureToCommunicate (13,366 posts)
32. Awful. My son & fianc are near Dallas and they had to evacuate their apartment building due..
to flooding from frozen pipes (flooding and frozen pipes in other units).
And no one had power for lights or heat because of the "rolling blackouts"... that don't seem to be rolling. They sat in their cars last night trying to stay warm (aware of the danger of exhaust gas). The notion of going to warming centers is fraught with it's own peril these days with the pandemic, so that's not a great option. It's a crumby situation. We're hoping that their coping skills are sufficient to get thru this. Unfortunately, the weather prediction is for more ice and snow and below freezing temps for the next several days. Yikes. Ironically, parts of New England are above normal temps. Also, our buildings and houses are built to somewhat better deal with extreme cold. So sorry for all of you having to go thru this bizarre cold weather. -FTC |
Response to FailureToCommunicate (Reply #32)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:03 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
33. "going to warming centers is fraught with it's own peril these days with the pandemic"
Yes. It's so easy in the face of a new disaster to forget (for a second) the one we've been living with for so long.
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Response to LazySusanNot (Reply #33)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 01:05 PM
FailureToCommunicate (13,366 posts)
34. Yes. But mask up, bundle up, stay warm if you can. You'll get thru this.
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Response to LazySusanNot (Original post)
Tue Feb 16, 2021, 03:32 PM
LazySusanNot (192 posts)
42. After thoughts on OP as this floats down the page
See OP at top for edit about this post. Thanks to all who contributed!!!
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