Staying Warm When It's Cold

The ice storm in our neck of the woods reminded some folks of what it’s like to draw water from streams and stay awake to stoke the fire. The temperatures will remain colder than normal for much of the country. Here are some tips to stay warm and safe in cold weather—and reduce the heating bill!

• One large log lasts two to three times longer than the same volume of smaller logs. See which woods provide more heat value.
• If you humidify your house during the winter months, you can turn your heat down to 65 to 68 degrees; when you’re out of the house, turn it down to the 50s.
• Wear extra clothes and use blankets to trap body heat. For a cozy throw, buy a 2-yard length of polar fleece; it’s cheaper than a blanket and needs no hemming.
• To increase the efficiency of heat, close off rooms. Try to stay in rooms on the “warm” side of the house, away from prevailing winds. Avoid rooms with large windows.
• Work with Mother Nature! Close drapes at night. Let the sun in during the day.

Winter Driving

•  Stuck on the ice without sand or kitty litter? In a pinch, you can take the mats out of your car, place them behind or in front of the tires, and slowly inch the car onto the mats.

•  To restore proper windshield wiper blade action, smooth the rubber blades with fine sandpaper to remove any grit and pits.

•  Avoid driving when you have the flu, which can reduce your reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.

•  For cold weather driving, put together a canvas bag or covered storage box with emergency items. See our Emergency Car Kit.

If it’s balmy all winter where you live, be thankful that you don’t need all this stuff. Of course, being prepared virtually guarantees an uneventful rest of winter!