As I write this article, the current temperature outside is 25 degrees, with a bone-chilling "feels like" factor of 9 degrees – a stark reminder of that unforgettable Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Ironically, history seems to be repeating itself, but this time, I'm better prepared.
The left picture captures me contemplating how much longer I could endure the freezing temperatures inside my 1930s island house – a home built to breathe, not necessarily well-insulated for the cold. On the right, relief sets in after the power is restored, and I finally have the luxury of a warm shower.
Living in Galveston comes with its own set of challenges during freezing weather. A friend from Michigan, well-versed in harsh winters, suggested wool socks and layers. Note to self: still need to buy those wool socks. Thankfully, my trusty old cold-weather running gear came to the rescue, when it came to layering.
Here's what the February freeze of 2021 taught me about island living during the cold:
- Gas up your car. My dog and I spent lots of time on those heated seats in my car while it was parked in the driveway.
- Make soup, especially if you have a gas stove. This time, I have soup ready to warm as needed.
- Check on your friends and family. My Dad was 92 during the freeze, and he was fine in his house. Honestly, his house stayed warmer than mine did. My 1930s house got down to the 20s inside the house. I could see my breath.
- If you have a historic home and old windows, throw blankets on the windows for added insulation. I also used towels to block the gaps under the doors.
- Confine yourself to one room. In February 2021, I should have moved into my sitting room and used that day bed. I could have isolated my dog and me in that room. It's smaller and would have been easier to keep warm.
- Buy those hand warmer packs. I was grateful that I had a couple to use.
- Buy thermal clothes for your pets. I wish I'd had something really warm for my Chihuahua in 2021. I was layering sweaters but he was scared and shaking. Now, I have a thermal coat that zips. While he doesn't love it, it works in an emergency.
- Keep your water running. Of course, everyone knows that. As you know, sometimes it's the luck of the draw. And drain that sprinkler. My pipes are already pretty insulated.
- I checked all my flashlights and I put battery-lit lanterns in the kitchen and bedroom.
- Dress in layers and know where to find your warm clothes. I have thermal underwear that I bought for travel and looked everywhere for it. Now, it has a certain spot in the corner of my bottom drawer.
Everyone has a takeaway from the freeze of 2021. These are mine. Live and learn, right?
Stay warm, stay safe! #IslandLiving #WinterPreparedness
