What has this bad weather taught you?

newleaf

kayjay1809 wrote: »

Coal freezes :eek:

So does chicken poo, but that makes it easier to pick up

kayjay1809

Lol at chicken poo, I don't have that problem, I have frozen litter trays in my rabbits' hutch, so I'm just having to put loads of hay on top as I can't shift the frozen wee from the base, poor things!

Regarding the frozen coal, don't do what I did and bring it in to the house then later on when trying to get the coal out of the scuttle, lay the scuttle horizontal and realise too late that the coal has defrosted and a nice puddle of black coal liquid has stained the cream fireplace. When I've fully recovered from the flu/norovirus combo, I now have to scrub the fireplace with bleach to try and get it out.

Any ideas on how to stop coal freezing? Would a coal bunker help or make no difference? (We have a really old concrete bunker in the garden which we've never emptied to use, we tend to leave the coal bags by the back door)

greenbee

kayjay - I think keeping the coal DRY will help prevent the problem you've had, so clearing out the bunker and using it will help. As I said, I think the frost on my coal is due to condensation in the bag. Coal itself won't freeze, its the moisture that does. And damp coal won't burn as well as dry anyway (same as wood really). Try to keep your coal under cover and raised off the ground so any moisture can drain away. Like with logs, its important to have good air circulation too, as this prevents damp building up.

mardatha

We have two coal bunkers and it freezes in there as well. I want to try keeping a couple of sacks in the shed, see if that helps.

Charis

rosieben wrote: »

your store cupboard needs to fit you and your family, but there are several threads here on the subject and you'll find some useful lists

Thanks for this, Rosieben. Do you happen to know where Kittie's car preparedness list is? I couldn't find it the other day to answer another poster. I haven't done my own car emergency kit yet but I have put the car away in the garage and have no intention of getting it out while it's so dangerous. Luckily I don't have to drive on a regular basis. Two of my friends are hoping to get abroad for Christmas. I don't envy them and I hope they keep safe and actually get where they are going before it's all over. Our ancestors would think we are mad. It's minus seventeen in parts of Worcestershire tonight yet some of us have this desperate urge to travel long distance that cannot wait till spring :rotfl:

I_luv_cats

Why didn't I buy some Ice Gripper shoe attachments in the summer ??

After 2009/2010 Winter snow n ice I thought it's unlikely to happen again for a few yearsAND IT FLAMMING WELL HAS !!!!!! Sods Law!!!!!!!!!!!

Fruball

DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT

I knew this was going to happen My washing machine isn't working, same as last year when it was this cold (its outside in a brick outhouse/laundry area). I am so mad. I had meant to go out regularly and make sure it was ok but not been out there for a couple of days. :eek:

I have put the tumble dryer on in there in the hope that it will warm it up enough.... BUT now I am worried about water gushing everywhere IF the pipes are frozen and have split

Altho I am fairly sure its the WM rather than the pipes..... Fingers Crossed


Oooops, wrong thread - meant to put it in Preparing for Winter - sorry BGs

rosieben

Charis wrote: »

... Do you happen to know where Kittie's car preparedness list is? ...

I rounded up a few ideas here on the old Preparing for Winter thread and people added to it

greenbee

To get winter tyres early... next shipment isn't until January (the continent has to be supplied first, and we get the leftovers).

I did order some yaktrax for my mother for christmas... gave them to her yesterday

dundeedoll_2

Frugal wrote: »

DAMMIT DAMMIT DAMMIT

I knew this was going to happen My washing machine isn't working, same as last year when it was this cold (its outside in a brick outhouse/laundry area). I am so mad. I had meant to go out regularly and make sure it was ok but not been out there for a couple of days. :eek:

I have put the tumble dryer on in there in the hope that it will warm it up enough.... BUT now I am worried about water gushing everywhere IF the pipes are frozen and have split

Altho I am fairly sure its the WM rather than the pipes..... Fingers Crossed


Oooops, wrong thread - meant to put it in Preparing for Winter - sorry BGs

Oh noooooooooooooooooooo Frugal :mad:

Have a look at the 'Thanking board guides thread'...........posted on it earlier about the very same thing.

(Please don't be cross with me about the other thing I posted on there............wasn't 'having a go at you'............honest!)