The recent Snow Storm has created a lot of damage to neighborhoods and many homes are still without power. Add the freezing wind chills and folks are struggling to stay warm. Thank God for the emergency workers and Line Men that are restoring power and clearing the roads. It is dangerous work but it’s getting done. I turned on the TV and heard another snow is coming and it could be severe for the East Coast region.
It’s important to have an Emergency Plan in place. Not everyone has generators or solar panels or a fireplace. I don’t have these items right now, so what can someone like me do in case of a Winter Storm. Can I still prepare to be without power living in a Trailer? Is it even possible.
Trailers get really cold. It all depends on how well it’s insulated. Right now, I’m on sub-flooring with a few rugs. The rugs help a lot. But the cold air does creep in through the floors and walls. Recently, some of my Viewers strongly recommended Outlet Sealers to add to my electrical outlets. I’ve noticed a big difference in the drafts coming through my walls with each one added. It really does help and it’s very affordable to do this. Drafts still come through but it’s a lot better.
A couple of years ago, I purchased a Mr. Heater Buddy. This is my back-up heat source in case the power goes out. The one I have uses 1-pound propane or it can be hooked up to a 20-pound propane bottle with proper hose/filter. Venting is essential and necessary. I keep the 20-pound propane tank outside in case there is a leak. I check for leaks and I vent fresh air into the room. In my neighborhood, the local stores ran out of Propane due to the Storm. I was lucky to get Propane.
Some of the gaps in my Preparedness Plan need to be addressed. I want to add an option to heat water and food when and if power goes out. I may not have what I’d like to have in my all electric Trailer. But I’m still doing what I can using what I’ve got. Plus I’m collecting more emergency supplies to make it through a storm just in case the power goes out.
I’m looking into Solar and it can be very expensive. But as time goes on, it will be a great addition. Before solar panels were created, people used candles and kerosene lamps. I’ve been collecting candles for years from thrift stores. I will be looking for a kerosene lamp on my next trip to see what I can find. If your budget does not allow you to buy brand new items, try to find useful items at thrift stores. Many people donate the “old-fashioned” items no longer in style. But these items are still useful to have in case of an emergency!
Thank you for reading my Blog article. I hope you are safe and warm during this Winter Season!
We live on the east coast in NC. We also live in an older single wide mobile home around 900 sq. ft. We’ve been working fixing things to improve efficiency and heating since buying this in 2022. I added rugs as I could after the first winter here. There’s no carpet and the floors were so cold. The rugs sure do help warm the floors. I also have plenty of candles from thrifting. We received a small gas grill for outside as a gift. That will help if we lose power for heating water etc. I keep an old quilt up to my back door to help the cold air that was coming in through the door seal that was compromised. I put two small nails at the top of the door frame and hang it by that. I has some small holes that help hold it there. I push it next to the bottom of the door to keep that draft out. This has made a big difference for our home. I also run the bathtub full of water to be used for flushing toilets etc in case our water pipes freeze. Like you, we have foods that we can eat as it is without heating up and peanut butter & bread for sandwiches. You’re doing such a great job and we look forward to watching your videos each week.
Take care and be safe.
Our Mrs. Turtle says “Hello”
Judy Spicer
Mr. Turtle says “Hello” to your Mrs. Turtle!! Reading your comment feels very familiar. I’m living this life, too, in a drafty Singlewide Trailer and it has ups and downs for sure. Love your idea to add a blanket to the doors to manage drafts from the outside. And I know what you mean about the floors. When I got the new-to-me $5 Rug from Habitat, it has helped the flooring feel more cozy and comfy! Great idea to fill the tub with water for Storms. Having ready-to-eat food is smart in case of power outages. I’m glad you have a Grill outside to heat food, too. You have put strong efforts in place to stay warm and deal with Storms in Winter. Good Job! I hear another Storm is coming for the East Coast. Thank you for reading my Blog, Judy. God Bless You!