Ran out of Oil, no money, 5 kids, advice pls

uptheleft

So things aren't going to well atm.

OH hit a pot hole yesterday morning, and the tyre blew out, the Alloy is destroyed, and the strut needs replaced :eek:

This has sucked up all our emergency funds, and ive even cashed in my £50 of sales on ebay to help with the costs.

He needs it fixed as he needs to go to work, and there is no direct bus routes to where he works, so he needs to take 4 different buses per day.... this is where the £50 of ebay money has come in!

We ran out of Oil last night :eek:
I have a fireplace, but no fire....
Needs must, I need to find a way of getting some heat into the house.
Its a sandstone fireplace, with a granite hearth and inlay.... if you know what i mean.
Can I produce a fire in it?

We really have NO money until payday next Tuesday!
I have bits of wood in the garage.

I don't care if the fireplace is destroyed (its seriously that cold)
My son and I are fully dressed, with 3 layers and both wearing house coats and we are still cold. I have just put him down for a nap.... but this am, it resembled charlie and the chocolate factory opening scene!
We can see our Breath!! we have gloves on and hats, but i cant see the bigger ones being too happy about being so cold!
They did comment this am that it was cold, but they were heading out to school, Im not quite sure if i can light a fire.... there are two windows in the sitting room.

Any Help would be appreciated xx
TIA

jollyme

Just small ideas. Maybe do some baking? Lots of hot drinks too. The oven will give some heat into the kitchen. Perhaps shut down some of your rooms and only use the minimum number to live in for now. Visit friends and relatives. Keep moving about - go for a walk, the house always seems warmer when you come in from the outdoors.
I do hope you get something sorted soon, I feel for you

gerdo

This may not be of any help, but my wife volunteers with St. Vincent De Paul and one of the things they regularly do is have a small amount of heating oil (usually up to 100 litres) delivered to those in need.

If they dont operate in your area, maybe there might be other charities that might do the same thing.

uptheleft

jollyme wrote: »

Just small ideas. Maybe do some baking? Lots of hot drinks too. The oven will give some heat into the kitchen. Perhaps shut down some of your rooms and only use the minimum number to live in for now. Visit friends and relatives. Keep moving about - go for a walk, the house always seems warmer when you come in from the outdoors.
I do hope you get something sorted soon, I feel for you

Thank you!
We are on a meter with our electricity (because of arrears), I think we have maybe £2! I cant do anything until 4pm when the company will not turn the electricity off until 11am tomorrow.
We are on a "STRICT" budget a very strict one, and electricity cant be paid until tomorrow. Its a blooming diaster! Things have never been this bad.
I know woe is me moment, but I am a complete failure, in household finances, and now it seems as a mother to my children!
I cant go for a walk until the LO wakes up
However i will do xx

uptheleft

gerdo wrote: »

This may not be of any help, but my wife volunteers with St. Vincent De Paul and one of the things they regularly do is have a small amount of heating oil (usually up to 100 litres) delivered to those in need.

If they dont operate in your area, maybe there might be other charities that might do the same thing.

**absolutely**
They are a very worthwhile charity, and i regularly donated to them. I saw the help first hand, to families with a lot of illness. I cant tho, my OH would be horrified, really horrified. I am so very ashamed, but i can post on here anonomously, I just need to know if i can light a fire in the fireplace, without killing us all with fumes :-(

uptheleft

** Just to add**

The oil is budgeted for, we weren't due to run out until Feb!

gerdo

Post your question about the fire in the DIY section, you'll get more informed replies there.

uptheleft

gerdo wrote: »

Post your question about the fire in the DIY section, you'll get more informed replies there.

Thank you so much x

Dasa

uptheleft wrote: »

**absolutely**
They are a very worthwhile charity, and i regularly donated to them. I saw the help first hand, to families with a lot of illness. I cant tho, my OH would be horrified, really horrified. I am so very ashamed, but i can post on here anonomously, I just need to know if i can light a fire in the fireplace, without killing us all with fumes :-(

Don't be ashamed, think of your kids, swallow your pride and get in touch with someone like the Sally Army. Think of it as doing them a favour they love helping people and makes their lives more fulfilled:)

Dasa

As for the fireplace, have you used it before? is the chimney in working order? has it been swept lately? There are loads of factors in ensuring its safe.

nixe

uptheleft wrote: »

**absolutely**
They are a very worthwhile charity, and i regularly donated to them. I saw the help first hand, to families with a lot of illness. I cant tho, my OH would be horrified, really horrified. I am so very ashamed, but i can post on here anonomously, I just need to know if i can light a fire in the fireplace, without killing us all with fumes :-(

i feel for you i really do, but things happen and everyone at times needs help.
its to long to go with out heating and this freeze we have is not helping.
you have to put your pride aside and get help
tell your hubby it happens to the best of people,
you are not a bad mum you are a good one otherwise you would be bothered that the kids have no heat.
with the fire place has the chimney been seviced?
if not then defo no would not light it.