permaculture

["Kelly Finigan" <kfinigan@spots.ca>]

Andrew:

Claude's list is good. IF you need quicker things (if freezing really is 
imminent), remember YOU have to keep warm, the house does not:

1) you are unlikely to freeze to death during the day since I assume you 
move around doing something; nighttime is critical - make yourself a small 
space/den to keep warm (i.e., close off a small room if possible for you to 
use...its much easier to keep a small area warm than a large area. 
Preferably, it can be a room with no exterior walls). Close / seal off any 
parts of the house you don't actively need during winter.

2) seal any gaps/cracks/leaks to keep the wind out. Breezes actually make 
you feel colder than heat loss through uninsulated walls. Use caulking if 
you have it or rope or rags. Seal under doors and around windows.

3) hang EXTRA (beyond what you need to keep warm at night) blankets over 
windows (big heat losers)

4) if you have straw bales available, stack them OUTSIDE against the 
building (not inside because of fire concerns)

5) if you have any animals, bring them inside so you can borrow their body 
heat at night

6) unfortunately fireplaces  need make-up air so they actually always create 
a net loss of heat (as opposed to closed stoves) - if you need extra heat 
consider heating rocks in a fire, wrapping them and putting them in bed with 
you.

7) eat, eat eat!

8) clothing - use layers


hope you keep warm and safe, 

Kelly


--
Kelly Finigan, M.Sc. P.Eng. Permaculture Designer
~ Sustainability consultant & ecological designer ~ 

744 - 4 Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1P2
phone 1-403-283-7270