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in this section
Brr... photo from Outtakes.com.
Woodstoves: an alternative to the furnace.
Picture from RaytownFire.com.
Staying Warm
Baby, it's cold outside...
Coping with cold is a necessity in Tompkins County. Hypothermia is a major threat in the winter months.
How do you stay warm and avoid hypothermia when it's so cold?
- Stay dry. Water, especially cold water, carries body heat away very quickly.
- Stay out of the wind. Wind, like water, can carry body heat away quickly.
- Wear layers. Wearing several layers of light clothing provides
more warmth than one heavy coat.
- If a layer gets wet, remove it and replace it with dry clothing.
- Wear a hat. You lose much of your body heat through your head -- more than usual if you're bald or have very short hair!
- Stay inside. Staying inside will keep you out of the wind, keep you dry, and keep you in a heated environment.
Baby, it's cold inside?
So what happens if the power goes out and your furnace isn't working?
Keep the doors (and windows) closed as much as you can. A well-insulated home will stay at a reasonable temperature for at least two or three days if you are careful not to let the warm air out.
Some other ideas:
- Consider installing alternate heating sources such as Fireplaces or woodstoves. Have chimneys cleaned and inspected at least once each year.
- Listen to your battery-powered radio for information from safety officials. If the power outage is prolonged, "warming stations," may be opened where you and your family can go to warm up, get a hot meal, and relax for a few hours.
- Prepare hot meals and drinks using safe cooking methods. Hot food and liquid can help maintain your body temperature, as well as just make you feel better!
- Do not use cooking appliances to heat your home!
- Take a warm shower (if your hot water heater is still working).
Additional Resources
- WebMD pages on hypothermia -- symptoms, treatments, and more.
- University of Wisconsin - staying warm in an unheated home.