Preparing for winter IV

Rainy-Days

It has not long stopped raining. It is only 4 degrees here at the moment! It is really cold and the central heating has been on since this morning.

craigywv

rain this morn in Belfast and really cold , seems to have brightened up and rain has stopped this afternoon i want snow!!!!!!!!!!!!

missrlr

mineallmine wrote: »

I think it's a good idea to keep some bits in the carboot but also inside the car, say the glovebox or under the seat. My boot lock has frozen solid before! And things like hi vis jackets should be inside the car so you can grab them quickly in the event of anything.

Time for a stupid question. Could bottled water freeze/break open in the car?

Oh yes, most certainly it can or will. Take a good couple of inches off the top of any bottle just in case. I keep stuff in the boot but I can get to the boot from the main bit of the car, with exception of the hi viz jackets as this is one per passenger (total car can carry) in main area of the car, Easily accessible. I have an extensive first aid kit in the car just in case again within the main body of the car. And from hours stuck on a motorway an empty bottle for the personal recycling of water in private IYKwIM.
In C0stc0 there are hand and body warmer pads, shake in air to activate, so I have 4 of each size to help keep warm if the engine stops or fuel dies.
I also stick a big bag of salt grit in the boot, with the shovel, when it snows or is forecast to , I know not good for the consumption of fuel but what price peace of mind!

rising_from_the_ashes

Saw on the news there's snow in places http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20197064 - stay warm everyone!

Have just bought a couple of more bits of thermal underwear on e*bay - 2 x tops @ £9.60 and leggings @ £6 (all BNWOT M&S ones) so saved a bit on buying in store ..... know I could probably get cheaper elsewhere but find the m&s ones great - comfortable and really warm & wash/dry really well which is important too.

The cost should be offset by not needing the heating on as much (have been pretty good today and have actually turned it off a couple of times when it's come on!) - and also hot water costs as can end up having 3 to 4 baths / day to warm up!

Fruball

bluebag wrote: »

I really hope I'm not speaking out of turn, but are you aware that hot water bottles should not be used with electric blankets... if they leak it can cause electrical problems.

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but if I didn't say something and there was an accident I would feel awful.

I was going to say the same but without apologising for speaking out of turn!

IF YOU HAVE AN ELECTRIC BLANKET, DO NOT USE A HOT WATER BOTTLE!!!

Still handy for snuggling on the sofa though

No snow here in Berkshire today and I couldn't tell you what the weather was like as I haven't looked out or opened curtains - Today the kids and I watched movies and got pizza and haven't even bothered to get dressed! haha!

Confuzzled

i'm actually quite chuffed with myself because i still haven't put the heating on yet other than the days i tested each heater (i don't count that, it's prudent to do it when you don't need it, to make sure that they work when you do!)

however, this mention of a possible blizzard on the 7th by PC (i assume Piers Corben) has me a touch concerned. given how warm it's been here lately, warmer than down south i hadn't worried to much thinking it was more for the higher ground however after hearing about snow in england and it not being forecast in advance i'm sort of wanting to know the areas PC predicted the blizzard for so i know if i should be warming up the house in advance or not

i keep asking my daughter if she wants the heat on and she says no, it's been about 15C when we get up in the morning and works it's way up to between 17-18C during the day which is our normal winter heating level thus why no heat on yet.

i also need to do laundry again so if there is snow coming i can time it to coincide with laundry that needs drying in the house

please do be careful anyone that has to drive in the snow, or worse the freezing rain! stay warm and never underestimate the power of heating locally ie layers, dressing gown, slippers etc

[Deleted User]

Confuzzled wrote: »

however, this mention of a possible blizzard on the 7th by PC

no, only light snow as per the post. If chinese whispers occur that lead to exaggerations then I will stop posting anything about future weather. It really isn`t right to make people worry. I hope you also noted the fact that I wrote there was a 20% chance that this would not happen

and edit: I put 7 PLUS ie after 7th

[Deleted User]

KITTIE - Please keep posting, the information you give us is invaluable and oh so useful. I am always very grateful for the opportunity to not let possibilities of weather be problems. What you give us is warning of possibilities not definates and I for one would much rather prepare and have the possibility not happen than not know and be caught out! Thanks for all the information you've provided us with over the past years, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Fruball

kittie wrote: »

yes 2T. PC is saying widespread snow and blizzards 7th+

I think Confuzzled was referring to this post.

Please keep posting, Kittie. I find your posts really helpful

mineallmine

Found long pair of socks (reunited them...) for OH. Not on the winter prep list list but handy for him.

Can't find my Matalan tights which is annoying! These are thick ones to help keep warm.

Keep posting on this thread everyone, as each post makes me think I should be sorting or doing that too. Keep warm :A