How to keep warm during power cuts
How to survive power cuts and Mother Nature's icy soul.
Given the recent unpredictable weather and the vulnerability of the power grid, the News would like to give its readers a few tips on how to keep warm without power.
South Africans are very reliant on heaters and electric blankets to keep warm, but what happens when we cannot use these methods?
It is important to have a Plan B in the event of a power outage:
1. Layer your clothing – wear a couple of pairs of socks, several shirts, and a beanie or hat that covers your ears to prevent the heat from escaping.
2. Use gloves.
3. Close rooms that you won’t be using – the more sealed up your house is, the less cold will be able to get in.
4. Stay in one small room – this will help to keep the body heat trapped in one area, and prevent heat from escaping.
5. Close all the blinds and curtains at night – this will keep the heat in and prevent any unnecessary drafts.
7. Use towels or blankets to block drafts – place them under doors or on window sills to block cold drafts.
8. Burn candles to help generate heat – be cautious when using this method.
9. Invest in solar heaters – although this can be expensive, this is probably one of the most effective methods.
10. Invest in a wood stove or fireplace – a wood stove can easily heat an entire home and provide a way to heat food.
11. Get a portable generator – a portable generator can run a heater or two.
12. Drink warm liquids – hot coffee, hot chocolate, soup, and tea will keep your body warm from the inside out. Use your candle or wood stove to heat the liquid.
13. Pile on the blankets – get comfy on the couch and cover yourself with several blankets to keep warm.
14. Use hot water bottles.
15. Get some exercise – five minutes of jumping jacks or running on the spot will warm you up really fast.
16. Pull out your sleeping bags – blankets are great during the day, but at night you’ll want sleeping bags to trap every bit of body heat.
See also:
•[PICS] Kagiso burns over electricity
•[WATCH] Tornado blows through Magalies
