Category: Administrative

Open Thread

Use comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

Use comments to discuss topic unrelated to recent posts.

So, a lot of places are getting cold weather they aren’t used to. As a commenter noted there are some simple things you can do.

Your pipes may not be insulated. Run your faucets (all of them, warm and cold) at a trickle. Otherwise the pipes may burst.

If you have lost power and thus heat:

Pick a single room to live in. Put a blanket under you, not just on top. Put blankets or other cloth or plastic around the windows and the doors to keep warm air in.
Do not use heating devices which produce a lot of carbon monoxide. Don’t run your car inside to get heat. You can use candles for heat (in a room, they make a difference, but don’t fall asleep with them on.) If you are burning wood in a fireplace, make sure the flu is open. If you haven’t used it in years, don’t assume the chimney is unblocked and don’t go to sleep with the fire on.
a blanket fort can make a big difference. Likewise, setting up a tent inside, if you have one.
Everyone sleeps in the same room. If comfortable doing so, sleep together to share body warmth.
Do pee, don’t hold it because “it keeps you warm.”
Fill your bathtub with water if there’s any concern that you might also lose water.
If you’re concerned about frozen food, put it in an animal proof container outside.
If you have a working stove you can heat snow for water if you must. Take only the top layer of clean snow. You can also eat snow if you can’t heat it (I did so many times as a kid). It’s not ideal and not recommended but it’s better than going without water. Obviously if you have reason to believe it’s contaminated, reconsider.

Readers are encouraged to leave other tips in comments.