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TristanDuboisOLG t1_j1r849r wrote

I’m just here to mention a few things in case people don’t know this already or are from warmer states wintering here for the first time.

  1. Snowmelt water is great for flushing the toilet.

  2. If you have an untested porch or an empty cooler you can leave outside, you can always use the cold outdoor temps to save whatever was in your fridge/freezer.

  3. Grills will work in the winter, though do it away from your roof or any overhang lest you cause a roof avalanche from snow or icedam melt.

  4. Battery banks are your friend. I have a solar battery bank and it’s great to keep your phone charged in the even of an emergency outrage.

Also, if you’re a tradesman or have power tools around the house, Milwaukee makes a 120v inverter for their batteries that you can use to power basic electric items around the house. I’m sure other companies may make these too.

  1. Candles. That’s it. Make sure you have some and make sure you have a way to light them. I keep matchsticks as well as a grill lighter. They’re also quite warm in the hand if you’re cold. Just make sure to put them out before sleeping or leaving.

  2. Your house, (or apartment), is much larger than you need to heat in these situations. If you loose power, draw the shades over drafty windows, close doors, and try to keep warm in 1 room with said door closed. Even with only a couple of blankets you can be quite toasty after a little while.

  3. Showers/baths. If you have friends, I’d advise asking them if you can lean on them for this. Otherwise heating water on a wood stove or grill is the only way you’ll be able to stand doing a sponge bath. Everyone comes together when this sort of thing happens here. :)

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