Cold Weather Tips From Your Friendly New Englanders
Sam Salvatore
There are a lot of people giving tips and tricks out for staying warm and I'd like to add mine.
I was basically homeless 3 years ago, living out of an RV that was made for Florida weather and survived down to 0 degrees F.
The number one thing is to stay dry, sweat means death. If your clothes get wet, change immediately. The ideal clothing set up is layers. Start with tight fitting clothes over your undergarments, leggings, tights, long johns, whatever you have, long sleeves and pants are preferred but definitely layer t-shirts or bike shorts too. On top of that, a thin sweater with sleeves, looser pants like jeans or yoga pants. Then sweatshirt!! And sweatpants!! put on a couple pairs, it's not about looking fashionable, it's about staying alive. At least 3 layers will keep you warm, don't forget a hat or some sort of head cover, a bandana is better than nothing and it can protect your ears as well. Layer socks too. start small and tight and get bigger, you get the idea! Put shoes on too if you are walking around.
Once you have layered up, pick a room in your house as home base, it should have the least amount of windows possible. Bring everything you need into that room; every single blanket, pillow, towel you have. Dirty clothes? bring those too. Your pets, their food and water, plenty of snacks for yourself and entertainment. You do not want to leave this room as much as you can manage. If you have a walk in closet with no windows, get in there. A smaller space is easier to keep warm.
Cover the windows! You will probably want to use your blankets so pin or tape plastic wrap or even your shower curtain to the window. Newspaper or paper bags crumpled up work great, slip them between the plastic and the window before taping shut. Pin the curtain directly to the window too!! No draft in or out!! Dirty clothes, dump them on the floor, create an even layer, piling up at the cracks at the door.
If you have a working stove or microwave, start boiling water. Boiled water obviously creates heat but also creates humidity which helps a space feel warmer and stay warmer longer. I had no power in my rv so this wasn't an option for me.
What I did do without power, is light candles. Candles produce a surprising amount of heat and are pretty common household item. Light some candles, and put them in heat proof cups or jars to prevent a fire hazard. If you have a terra cotta pot for plants, you can use that to create a small furnace. Tip the pot upside down and prop on bricks to allow for airflow, you can also use anything heat proof if you don't have bricks, small bowls or baking pans or anything. Place it on a baking sheet for safety!!! And don't touch it with your bare hands once it warms up!! Light any candle, even a tea light and place under the pot. This will help so so much, but please be careful! Do not let the candles burn while you are sleeping!
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL!!! It may seem like it will help you warm up but it physically does the opposite and you will be more susceptible to hypothermia.
Pile all your blankets in layers on your bed! Cuddle with roommates and pets. Sleep with your face under the blankets. Wear gloves to bed and keep your hands covered at all times! Stay under your blankets!
Warm yourself up every hour by doing a small exercise. Bicycle kicks are easy and you don't have to stand up. Stretch your upper body, swing your arms just to produce some more heat!
Try not to leave your room, if you need to, to use the bathroom or anything, go out quickly and try to not let any of the warmth out, same upon return.
Good luck! I hope these tips help!