Update: I have power! I'm cold tonight.

[herding cats]

Update: Thank you to everyone for their concern and kindness. The worst night was the 15th when it was 5 degrees here. I almost wish the thermometer outside had died so I'd not have know how cold it actually was out there. I know it made it into the 30's in my house. That was all I needed to really be keeping up with.

I'm fine! I turned off and drained down my water system when the sun came out after my previous post. I guess I went 60+ hours without power? I'm not sure since sleep has been scarce here and I can't think straight. Currently my heater is running and the sound of its hum is beautiful music to my ears. I lost cell service the day after I posted here and still don't have that back, but my internet, and most importantly, my power came back. I'm going to cook hot food, maybe peel some layers (if my power stays on and I get warm) and then sleep.

Again, thank you all for your kindness! I love this community and those who post here.

I know it's a mess down here in Texas and we definitely deserve scorn, but I'm cold tonight.

I'm a block of ice in a frigid, dark all electric home. No rolling blackouts here. I'm part of a power outage of some sort with no expedient end in sight. No power since last night for us. ( I know I'm fortunate, others have been out since Thursday!) Also, no fireplace... so, I'm wearing my entire closet and buried under every blanket I own (yes, even my dear departed dog, Shadow's blanket, she'd approve.) This excludes those blankets currently hanging over doors and windows. I'm wearing a stocking hat and gloves in my home. It was 40 in my house, I saw my breath and my fingers were purple. It was that time again. I lit my chiminea on my patio, put some granite stones in it to heat up, and then carefully moved them with bbq tongs to an outdoor metal fire pit I set up in my living room on cinder blocks. That was just over 40 minutes ago. It's up to just under 50 degrees in my living room now. My fingers are no longer purple.

This is just me tonight. This is how I'm getting by. I feel I'm doing pretty good considering it's 8 degrees outside right now. My home, my plumbing and my entire infrastructure wasn't made to endure any of this. But, I'm extremely fortunate and going to be ok. A lot of others aren't so fortunate and this event will have a far more dire story to tell of their consequences of this historic cold. I was just sitting here trying to be warm in this deafening silence when this hit me in my gut. I'm so fortunate, even in my moment of misfortune.

Be warm and be well.

[Demovictory9]

1. omg. I' m worried for you.

[JI7]

2. .

I hope something can be done as fast as possible to help the people there.

[sprinkleeninow]

3. I am so distressed for Texans tonite. Keeping prayers going.

If you will, please receive one from me now.

My soul is strongly troubled for all.

🙏

[LeftInTX]

6. A few of my friends are in 57 degree houses right now.

They all live within 10 miles of me.

I've been fortunate. I never lost power. My home is 72 degrees and I've got internet.
It's also combined with dangerous driving conditions.

[yellowdogintexas]

16. same here so far so good

I put extra blankets on the bed last night.

I am setting my thermostat down a little tonight. I currenty have hot water too (water heater is gas)

[Squinch]

23. 57 is OK. I keep my thermostat at 60 at night as a matter of course. They'll be OK.

[ecstatic]

70. 60?!? Wow! That's really cold!

I keep my thermostat at 70-72 when it's cold outside and 74-76 when it's hot.

[smirkymonkey]

78. I don't have a thermostat, but I even keep my balcony door open when it's in the low 40's

here in Boston. I like the fresh air, especially at night. Of course, I am kind of a blanket/down comforter addict so when it does get really cold I just pile on another one, but I love breathing the cool air.

Then again, I grew up in upstate NY and my parents were Polar Bears. They loved living in a cold house - even too cold for me! They thought it was healthier.

[TexasBushwhacker]

57. We've had power, but the heater has only gotten the temp up to 54

during the day. It was 47 when I woke up. I'm just in bed, bundled in my comforter like a burrito.

[LeftInTX]

4. Man! I hope you get power ASAP

It seems like most of the "rolling blackouts" failed when they tried to restore power. Last I read, people were getting like one minute of power, then the circuit broke and it's back to ground zero.

Texas was not prepared for this.

I'm extremely lucky. Not a single black out. Less than a mile away, they have not had power all day. (Well they've had 5 minutes of power now and then) They can't get those areas restarted for some reason.

[LizBeth]

18. What part of Texas are you in?

[LeftInTX]

89. San Antonio

Lost power, but OK

Not plugging modem in until.Sat/Sun when this over
(Conerns over surge)
Have crappy cell service.ATM

[nam78_two]

5. I am truly sorry

Hope it gets fixed soon. Wonder how bad this will get...

[ZZenith]

7. "The worst weather is the most memorable" as they like to say.

I find it easy to forget hydration when I get that cold and sleep becomes quite a struggle.

[ZZenith]

8. Posted before I could finish...

Anyway, I wish you better days ahead - please let us know how you’re faring.

[dalton99a]

9. Makes you wonder how many people are going to burn down their house trying to keep warm

This fiasco is affecting MILLIONS of Texans

Fuck Greg Abbott and his gang of criminals

[Squinch]

10. You probably know this trick, but blankets and the things you are using to cover yourself have

different textures. Some are fluffy and some are tighter weave and less fluffy.

The trick is to get the air around you warmed and then hold that warmth in. So put the fluffier stuff on you and then put the tighter weave stuff on top of that. It will create a pocket of air that your body can warm and that will, in turn, warm you.

I have two synthetic comforters and a regular cotton flat coverlet. If I put the coverlet OVER the comforters, it gets much warmer than if I put the comforters over the coverlet. In fact, it's very toasty even if the temps get very low. (I don't have cross ventilation so I keep a window fan going and often forget to set the temperature stop. That means the fan is bringing in freezing air all night and it sometimes goes as low as the 50's or even high 40s inside my home. And this blanket configuration still keeps me warm.)

I know it seems like a random thing, but it really makes a difference.

[LizBeth]

13. I turned my head off at night. But then it doesn't get below zero.

I like it cold when I sleep. That is interesting what you say. That information. Makes sense.

[electric_blue68]

17. Since I'm wearing thermals right now they have...

a sort of tiny wafflely texture that has small highs and lows that sort of trap body heat better.

[Squinch]

25. Same concept. Those waffles create air pockets that your body heat warms. Depending

on what you put on top of the thermals, you will either trap that warmth or it will dissipate through the clothing.

[electric_blue68]

26. That's why I mentioned it because like

fluffy materials - it's miniature air traps.

A semi quilt works well over it. I wouldn't mind having one of those aluminum "blankets" they give to runners after
the NYC Nov Marathon (not run this past Nov).

[Squinch]

28. Yes. Or if you have a blue tarp or a heavy-ish rain poncho or anything like that,

put it over a blanket and you'll be boiling.

[electric_blue68]

31. I don't think off hand... But I'm Ok Just a bit cooler..

in spots than I prefer but I can add another t-shirt if I need to. Still more comfortable than not.
And I've lived in a building waaaay earlier in my life where the landlord would let basically - we'd have an accumulation each winter in 2-3 days batches at a time of no heat close to 1/3rd of the winter.
This one of the weird 3xs out of 11 years where our heat is lower than usual except for 1 week before 1/6. Then it was it's usual good amount. Ah well.

Maybe I could rip open one of those 30 gal black garbage bags and put that on top. 🤔

[Irish_Dem]

40. I do the same thing.

Fluffy fleece sheets.
Topped by fleece blanket, then a comforter and then another blanket on top of the comfortor.
Another blanket at the foot of the bed to keep my feet warmer.

I tend to get hot and cold, and this layer system seems to wick away moisture, and keep me comfortable all night.

With fleece sheets I feel like I am sleeping in a plush toy.

[LizBeth]

11. That sounds horrible. I'm so sorry you're in that situation. Where are you.

I got a call from my son this afternoon and his electricity went off. Last I talk to him is still off. He’s in San Marcos.

[Solly Mack]

12. Let us know how you're doing. I'm sorry. I feel for everyone without electricity tonight.

I don't want anyone to die from this winter storm.

[Irish_Dem]

41. I am praying we do not lose anyone.

[Hekate]

14. I'm so sorry-- and you don't deserve scorn for being in Texas, nor does anyone...

If it’s okay, I sent out one of my rare prayers for you and all others in peril from the cold and dark.

[colorado_ufo]

15. You are a regular MacGyver!

I am so sorry that you are enduring this! No, you aren't equipped for this weather, but I hugely admire your resourcefulness. Be very careful - do not get hypothermia! (I understand - I have an all-electric home, but I have a fireplace and solar.)

[LizBeth]

19. +1

[Duppers]

34. Was thinking the same.

[chowder66]

20. My brother is near San Antonio and the first brown out was 40 minutes

he called and told me about it and 5 minutes into our conversation it went out again and still wasn't back on after 30 minutes.
One of their pipes burst earlier in the day - he shut the water off to it. He said a neighbors burst too.

It's awful.

We are pulling for you all.

[electric_blue68]

22. Oh dear. My friend outside of Dallas whom I just heard from...

is so far ok.
But i worry for her bc her husband is not that well at all. He had problems way back in his ?20's that affected him going forward.

[chowder66]

45. I hope he will be okay. I can understand the worry.

[Squinch]

29. Oh, man. The pipe bursts are the worst. That poor guy.

[chowder66]

46. I wonder how many people were dealing with this. nt

[dalton99a]

50. It's not uncommon

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-fire-department-responds-to-hundreds-of-bursting-water-pipes-monday/

Austin Fire Department responds to hundreds of bursting water pipes Monday
by: Tahera Rahman
Posted: Feb 16, 2021 / 04:49 AM CST / Updated: Feb 16, 2021 / 04:52 AM CST

AUSTIN (KXAN)– The Austin Fire Department says it has extra crews to handle an increased volume of calls related to winter weather.

In a tweet, the department said from 12 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, the Austin Fire Department dispatch received 582 broken water pipe calls, more than 500 coming in since noon.

[chowder66]

51. Whoa! nt

[Squinch]

56. This is where the really expensive damage is going to come from.

[marlakay]

42. My daughter is in San Antonio and her power

Off most of yesterday and today. She is near Alamo Heights, they bought a old small house near the mansions. So its off even in the rich area.

Her house has no fireplace and is all electric. They just warmed up in truck and found a taco place open for breakfast. Kids schools closed till Thursday.

[chowder66]

44. Wow. They are really getting hit hard. I'm glad they've been able to figure

out how to stay warm. Hopefully this all ends soon.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

64. Keep a faucet dripping to avoid the tremedous pressure created when ice forms in the pipe.

[chowder66]

67. My brother did that but for whatever reason it still burst.

Luckily it wasn't disastrous. He shut the water off and all is well until a plumber can get out. He's pretty handy.
Unfortunately his heat-pump isn't doing so well though. Enough to heat the house to about 50 degrees. He's going to have to wait to get that serviced though.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

77. Somewhere between supply and outlet, air got to the pipe.

Flowing water can actually get below 32F or 0C and not freeze. Apparently there wasn't enough of a flow. The water froze, plugging the pipe, as it continued to freeze (and expand) the resultant pressure exceeded the strength of the pipe.

I would look at the spot where the water froze and see if there's air infiltration or a lack of insulation.

[chowder66]

80. Thanks. I'll let him know.

[summer_in_TX]

65. Plumbers are in short supply in normal times here in Central Texas.

Wait times for repairs or to fix a plugged up drains seems to be 4-5 days most of the time. Our pipes haven't frozen up so far, but a whole lot of our neighbors are having big problems.

My sister and brother-in-law in Austin were without power for 36 hours and their house was down to 34 degrees when they decided to pack up and go to our dad's house. He lives near a hospital so his neighborhood hasn't had any blackout of any length, thank God. He's 94 and still in his own home although his macular degeneration means he can't live alone.

Anyway, they are finally warm and okay. 68,000 in Austin still with no power for a second full day.

[chowder66]

66. Luckily the brown outs had stopped today but he told me the were expecting

freezing rain tonight. Glad to hear your family was able to get somewhere safe and warm.
Two days in this weather without power is so incredibly dangerous.

[summer_in_TX]

68. They were lucky.

They had the resources of a middle class lifestyle, good transportation with all-wheel drive, and family nearby. Think about single moms living in mobile homes like Laelth. I've been so worried for her.

[electric_blue68]

21. What a predicament! Is there any way with ...

your little set up to concentrate the heat more so maybe you could heat up a small cup of tea, coffee, or soup?

[rickyhall]

24. It'll hit ZERO in SW Arkansas tonight. It's 50 in this old house w/4 heaters.

[Major Nikon]

27. I've been without power since 4am yesterday

At about 2am the 15 minute rolling blackouts started and not long after that it didn’t come back. Fortunately I have a gas fireplace. It doesn’t produce a lot of heat, but after closing all the doors it’s about 50F.

[roamer65]

30. If you have a car use it to warm up.

I lost power a couple of years back in winter and that’s what I did to stay warm. If you do, make sure the car is outside.

[Withywindle]

33. If you do this make sure to check the exhaust pipe for possible blockage

If there's any blockage there (snow, ice, debris) carbon monoxide can get into the passenger space.

[roamer65]

35. THIS.

[Skittles]

32. after a few couple hour outages, my power was out for 11 hours, then came back for 30 mins

six hours later it is back on but who knows for how long; I do believe another storm is on the way

the last time I had no power in my apartment it was 101 degrees

[Major Nikon]

59. Mine is finally back on

Was out for a day and a half. So far no rolling blackouts like before. I guess they figured I paid my share.

Hope yours gets back to normal soon.

[Skittles]

61. I have had to set a few rural Texans straight

IT'S NOT JUST YOU!

[BusyBeingBest]

36. I recently bought a Mr. Heater space heater that runs on those little bottles of propane--

I believe it doesn't release carbon monoxide with combustion so it can be used indoors with some ventilation (cracked-open windows)-- I bought it at Lowes or Home Depot after we had our last power outage, but haven't tried it yet, still in the box. Might be a consideration for those without fireplaces like me.

[Disaffected]

73. Be very careful with any hydrocarbon burning heater that does not vent directly outdoors.

And be even more careful if you do not have a carbon monoxide detector close to the heater (in the same room).

I would also consider shutting off the water at the inlet and draining the pipes (open all the faucets and let them drain). Then flush all the toilets to drain the tanks.

[MissMillie]

37. I'm worried for you too

I heard on NPR that the National Guard was bringing people to "warming centers" but I can't help but wonder how safe THAT is given Covid.

Stay in touch with us as much as you can. And contact local authorities if it turns out you need to get somewhere warmer.

[malaise]

38. Wish I could send hot chocolate through the computer

Hope you warn up safely and soon

[Peacetrain]

39. herding cats.. put your tub on a slow drip.. that will help keep the pipes from freezing

If you have a gas oven, do not use it to heat the house.. I know when you get that cold it is tempting.. it is a very good idea to put on the closet and hot teas, cocoa.. what ever you need to keep yourself warm.. if the pipes have frozen, the water in the tank for your toilet is drinkable as long as you do not use one of those cleaning tabs that stick on the inside of the tank to continuously clean it..We are thinking about you and all everyone in the middle of that cold freeze..

[jimlup]

43. Got a call from my brother in Arkansas last night...

He had both deeper snow and a lower thermometer reading than I did up in Michigan. We did get dumped on last night. We had 8" in the suburbs of Detroit.

[roamer65]

72. The lakes haven't froze over yet.

They are what save us from the bone chilling cold of WI and MN.

Enough warmth still left in water.

[jimlup]

81. yes ...

[chowder66]

47. How are you doing today?

[RANDYWILDMAN]

48. Oregon, we are on our 5th day No Power

Same storm just a few day earlier

A once every 50 years ice storm

No heat at night and we can't go to a hotel because my wife won't leave the cats.

They are telling us Power will be on sometime this week

We feel you and know what you are going through.

[marlakay]

49. You must be up north or in mountains

Down in in Medford nothing. Same winter 40's.

[RANDYWILDMAN]

53. Milwaukie and we have almost the whole city out of power

Instead of snow we got tons of freezing rain friday which knocked down a ton of trees. two different power poles are down on our street. We just went to our local grocery store and they are gonna lose at least 100k worth of product considering how long power has been out.

[marlakay]

55. Sounds awful take care nt

[ecstatic]

71. Wow. I don't know how you guys do it.

I would evacuate. Stay safe!

[Maeve]

52. Cold is always worse when you are not used to it

Stay safe

[Maru Kitteh]

54. I am deeply sorry to hear this. Lived 4 years in El Paso,

we had one ice storm while I was there and I can't begin to imagine what it would have been like to go through what you are right now.

Do NOT wait too long to call for assistance if you need it. Fingers and toes freeze easily, and then they die. Not only do they have to go at that point, but sometimes they take the rest of you with them so DO NOT WAIT.

All of us are thinking of you.

[Cha]

58. Oh my sweet dear Cat! You wiite

so well I feel I am right there with you.

One does get creative with ways to keep warm & I'm glad you have at least some available tools! BRRR!!

Reminds me a little of when I lived in upper state New York or an Ice Chest as I sometime called it.. But Texas!!

I took to taking a hot water bottle to bed sometimes. I don't suppose there are any of those around?

Best of Warm Luck to Texas!

[peacebuzzard]

60. thinking of you in that igloo.

I went through that once, I hunkered down with two Great Danes. my poor sweet girl dog was so sick those nights and days.
she made it through that blizzard, the house was buried in four feet of snow with no power for 3 days. We made it. after the storm she had strength to go for her last walk before she passed from heart disease. stay safe... I was so cold, and my dogs were too.

[Hortensis]

62. Glad to hear you're taking care of yourself, Herding, but

really sorry you have to go to such lengths to do it. Hope you're able to sleep well and through.

Btw, when I was a child without heat in the winter I routinely slept with my head under all the covers, which were tucked over and under it to "seal" me in. When I last tried it as an adult out of curiosity I felt uncomfortably smothered and ended the experiment; but I know I wasn't actually and that it's a very effective way to conserve heat and stay snuggly. No cold nose, either.

[Atticus]

63. As an Illinois native, I have had to deal with sub-zero temps many times. You may already

be aware if this but, if you are concerned about water pipes freezing, I suggest turning on your faucets so that just a thin trickle of water flows out. Keeping the water in the pipes moving---even just a little---will prevent it from freezing, expanding and splitting copper tubing lines.

Good luck.

[Vivienne235729]

69. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this. I will say a prayer for you

Hang in there! Hope it gets better soon.

[roamer65]

74. One thing I do like about this time of year is my cats like to snuggle.

[Stinky The Clown]

75. When you get power back, consider shutting off your water.

Don't try when its frozen; you could break the valve. Let things thaw then turn the water back on and LISTEN CLOSELY. If you hear it running, there is an open faucet or a leak. If a leak, isolate it if possible or leave the water off and call a plumber (who will be responding to hundreds of similar calls.

Water damage can grow to catastrophic proportions in short order.

[Squinch]

79. .THIS is the most important advice in this thread!

[vercetti2021]

76. I feel you

Same boat. Freezing. Heater is barely functioning. I'm afraid right now

[herding cats]

82. Updated!

My love to all of you! ❤️

[chowder66]

83. K&R

[Cha]

84. So Happy for you, Cat!

[herding cats]

86. Cha!

How I hate the cold, the snow and ice. I never cared for them, but now I despise them with the fire of 5 burning suns! (I just made myself wistful for our Texas summer! )

I'm fed, my power is still on and I'm so very tired. My love to you for your concern for me. I'm fine! The delightful hum of my heater is music to my ears right now. ❤️

[Cha]

90. lol@.. "..wistful for Texas Summer.."!

I know what you mean about being cold.. and especially when there's no "heat" to help out.

We're so appreciative and grateful of simple things like warmth & electricity when it happens!

Here's to staying Warm throughout the Winter now for you & Texas!💙

[Hermit-The-Prog]

85. Thanks for the update!

Hopefully, you'll get your water system back up soon, after thoroughly warming your bones. I remember how good a hot shower was after our last extended outage due to an ice storm.

[Blue_true]

87. Please kind yourself one of those old fashion quilts.

The retail made stuff is garbage.

The old handmade quilts will keep you warm when the temperature is well below zero, as long as you have energy bars or cookies to fuel your body, so that it throws off heat into the envelope formed by the quilt.

[bdamomma]

88. herding cats

good to hear from you. You're a survivor of some horrible circumstances. Be safe and we are here.

[electric_blue68]

91. So good to hear your hood news. May your power stay!