Preparing for Winter V

armyknife

Oh, a fire blanket is a very good idea, no reason for most people not to have one.

muffin_man_7

I agree with the fire blanket ever since eldest son set the hall on fire he was only 6 at the time I ve never been so scared esp with a 4 week old baby and an 8 yr old and nearly 3 yr old at the time a passer by helped and fire brigade too but that same week I got a fire alarm and fire blanket havent needed to use the blanket but gives me a safety net
I now have a dog who does the same with his blanket and I've put my tea light candle inside a jam jar protect from draught as well as missiles from dog I'm thinking I might try and make them heavier so as less likely to move hope that makes sense

springdreams

I have both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.

My token gift for my siblings this year for Christmas is a fire blanket each. I used to get bath stuff and smellies for them, but have decided to get something different this year that I know will be useful, but which I also know that none of them have.

We do a secret santa for the adults, so they will also get a main pressie, but the fire blankets are my small token gift.

Cheapskate

I remember plenty of cold winters in the 70s, ice inside the windows, mad dashes to the loo along a freezing landing, chilblains from my hot water bottle, etc., what fun - not! We had one coal fire in the living room, a calor gas heater at the back of that room (it was huge) and a Dimplex heater that was used in various upstairs rooms.
Fast forward 40 years, and we have had a few cold spells in this house, the winter of 2009/10 our youngest was a few months old, the boiler packed in, my friends threw up their hands in horror, but we managed. Old habits die hard!

quidsy

Always put sand at the bottom of a jam jar if lighting a tea lighter in it, that way if it does get knocked over the chances are the sand will extinguish the flame well before it can set fire to anything. Also can use colored sand for decoration value.

BettiePage

I want to put a door curtain up in the (porchless, cold) hallway. As the house is rented I'd rather not be drilling everywhere. Does anyone know where I could get a heavyweight tension type curtain pole? Or any other suggestions welcome.

candlelight_2013

Hi Bettie,

I use a telescopic shower rail in my hall, have done for many years. Bought off Am*zon for a few pounds and holds a heavy curtain. Of course you do need a wall either side to hold it up

HTH

Candlelightx

fuddle

My kitchen curtain up I love it. I will need to look into a tie back because it hangs in the way of the tap but other than that not bad for less than a tenner.

We did get a long rail so I will get more material next pay to make a matching door curtain.

We have also laid vinyl tiles over the old flooring so hopefully it will help it to be a little warmer in there, preventing the radiator from clicking on as often.

I am going to be bubble wrapping the glass in the 2 doors too so will look into sourcing that come pay day.

Rummer

I am starting to win the OH round to my way of thinking in relation to the winter prepping Finally he has agreed to have bottled water in the house just incase the water goes off again this year.

Now I need to sit and really give thought to what we all need for this year so that we are ready should the weather turn unpleasant.

notjustlaura

Started working my way down the checklist this afternoon. Coats, scarves and hats are in the wash and I took the opportunity to declutter the coat cupboard too - I'm never going to be 17 and a size 8 again, am I? Hehehe.

Started polishing shoes and found that my comfy old black shoes need resoled/replaced - I'm not sure they're repairable to be honest which is a shame as the uppers are still good. I've given them a polish anyway and shall visit the cobbler through the week.

I'm feeling really proud of myself for being so organised this year. I just hope that it'll all prove unnecessary!