Read on Twitter
So, yeah... These are actual winter warfare conditions in Texas right now, and this goes past the advice in the previous thread. So, let's get into it, because this shit is going to cause injury and death. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeLUPRUV/
So, yes, the advice to block for drafts is key. But you're need to pick a room to live in. If you can, select one with as few walls that are also external walls as possible. Bust out your thumb tacks and get sheets ) preferably blankets if you have enough) up on all the walls.
This will create an insulating air barrier. Sheets are literally better than nothing. If there's a window, cover it. If it's not double glazed it's bleeding heat you need into the outside.
Next: Set all your water to run slightly. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html#:~:text=When%20the%20weather%20is%20very,helps%20prevent%20pipes%20from%20freezing.
Next: Set all your water to run slightly. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html#:~:text=When%20the%20weather%20is%20very,helps%20prevent%20pipes%20from%20freezing.
Pipes are prone to freezing with still water, and even a trickle helps slow or prevent that process. Flush the toilet every few hours so it doesn't freeze solid. Of it's a bit frozen in the morning, be careful using it. If you can flush every 3hrs or so through the night, do it.
Sleeping is going to be cold, but most people will be okay. If you have a mattress in your new "living room", awesome, if not, cannibalize the sofa and build yourself a pallet. The important thing is to have an insulating layer between you and the floor.
Next is your thermal layers to sleep in. Lay your blanket on your bed or pallet. Lay additional blankets on it, then towels if you need extra insulation. The last layer is your sheet. Then you're going to fold it over yourself "hotdog" style. Wear a toque or beanie to sleep.
Minimize the layers you wear to sleep. Socks, underwear, t-shirt. If you wear more, you'll be warm initially, but overheat through the night and kick out of your blankets. Then you wake up cold and sad. Don't do that.
Everything is going to suck when you wake up. So have...
Everything is going to suck when you wake up. So have...
...clean dry clothes within arm's reach. Layer up and move around a lot, and you'll get comfortable. Well, comfortably uncomfortable.
For cooking, if you have gas, use it for cooking but don't try to heat the house with it. If you have a grill, use, but keep it outside. The...
For cooking, if you have gas, use it for cooking but don't try to heat the house with it. If you have a grill, use, but keep it outside. The...
...risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is real and you don't need to die waiting for water to boil.
Layer up, stay safe, and if you have someone to cuddle or pets, share that body heat.
Layer up, stay safe, and if you have someone to cuddle or pets, share that body heat.
I know this part will sound weird, but there's on thing I know that Texas has an abundance of that's going to help: barbecues.
If you're community minded, set your grill up and be ready because people are going to need hot food and hot water. If all the water is off, no worries.
If you're community minded, set your grill up and be ready because people are going to need hot food and hot water. If all the water is off, no worries.
Just melt ice. Not snow, ice. It melts faster and you'll have hot water for coffee, tea, or whatever faster.
And organize to make sure people are okay. Cold weather survival is absolutely a team effort. Good luck and take care.
And organize to make sure people are okay. Cold weather survival is absolutely a team effort. Good luck and take care.
ADDENDUM!
DO NOT SLEEP IN A RUNNING CAR! Your chances of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning doing this as astronomical. It's not a good idea, don't do it, don't let your friends or family do it. If you're sleeping in a motor vehicle for any reason, ensure it's not running.
DO NOT SLEEP IN A RUNNING CAR! Your chances of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning doing this as astronomical. It's not a good idea, don't do it, don't let your friends or family do it. If you're sleeping in a motor vehicle for any reason, ensure it's not running.
Notes on Candles:
Candles can be a safe source of both light and heat. *Can Be* Read this, and remember that if you have them lit through the night, someone has to be on firewatch. All night. Rotating schedule. Be safe with fire. https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/
Candles can be a safe source of both light and heat. *Can Be* Read this, and remember that if you have them lit through the night, someone has to be on firewatch. All night. Rotating schedule. Be safe with fire. https://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/
A note on sleepwear:
Whatever you sleep in? Take it off in the morning and hang it up. Likewise, open up your sleeping stuff so it can air out. You want everything to be nice and dry when you go to bed again.
Whatever you sleep in? Take it off in the morning and hang it up. Likewise, open up your sleeping stuff so it can air out. You want everything to be nice and dry when you go to bed again.
The previous sub-thread of advice: https://twitter.com/POCGamer/status/1361388996002127872?s=19
Mostly covered above, but there's some stuff on driving there that's worth seeing.
Mostly covered above, but there's some stuff on driving there that's worth seeing.
