18 Ways to Stay Warm During the Polar Vortex

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To simply say it’s cold outside is an understatement. Temperatures in some parts of the U.S. are near all-time lows, even down here where I live in the Sunshine State.

The Boston Globe wrote, based on Associated Press reports:

Much of the country continued to grapple Tuesday with a historic freeze that shuttered schools and businesses at the start of the first full workweek of 2014. Flights, trains and bus transportation were disrupted, thousands were left without power and even parts of the country used to fending off hypothermia and frostbite had to take extra precautions as temperatures and wind chills approached record levels.

If you happen to be in one of the areas where the polar vortex is wreaking havoc and temperatures are disturbingly low, it is a must that you protect yourself (and your pets) from the cold.

Here is a list of ways to keep warm:

  • Wash dishes in hot water to warm up your hands. And leave the hot water in the sink so the humidity can fill the kitchen.
  • Sleep in a sleeping bag underneath your comforter and sheet to provide an extra layer of warmth.
  • Whip out the Snuggie. It may be less than fashionable, but it gets the job done.
  • Leave the door of the dishwasher open after running a cycle so the heat can permeate the room.
  • Heat up a few small bricks in the oven, wrap them in towels, and place them under the covers near the foot of your bed to keep your feet warm.
  • Crank up a space heater, but do so responsibly and safely, keeping it at least 3 feet away from other objects and on a level surface. Never let it be unattended and never use one in a child’s bedroom, Consumer Reports says, among other warnings.
  • When you shower, leave the door open so the heat and humidity will spread.
  • Layer up in dark clothing because it is better at absorbing heat. And don’t forget your mittens and hat when you go outside.
  • Bake your favorite dessert and leave the oven door open when it’s done and the oven is turned off.
  • Consume warm and hearty meals and beverages.
  • Check your furnace air filter to make sure it’s not clogged with dust and dirt.
  • Block drafts under doors with rolled-up towels or draft stoppers.
  • Refrain from walking on bare floors and wear socks and good slippers while moving around the house.
  • Replace those stylish sheets and pajamas with flannels.
  • Plug up the electric heating blanket.
  • Get a move on by cleaning the house or getting a bit of exercise to increase your blood circulation.
  • Put your clothes in the dryer before getting dressed so they’ll be nice and warm.
  • Let your faucets drip to prevent pipes from freezing in severe cold.

Do you have any other tips you use to stay warm? Feel free to share in the comments below or on our Facebook page.

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