Winter ice storm means indoor camping in northeast
Many residents of the northeastern US are camping out in their own homes due to winter ice storms that knocked out power to thousands of homes in the region. Tim Jones of the Republican-American writes about using his camping equipment to survive in style inside his Connecticut home. With only a small generator to power his heating system, Tim and his wife have been using mummy sleeping bags to sleep warmly at night as outdoor temperatures dip into the teens and indoor temperatures struggle to break 50 degrees.
Tim’s article almost reads like a survival manual for post apocalypse living in the face of a crippling power outage that has been going on for days. Camping lanterns provide a decent light source for dressing and reading and a single burner camping stove (used outdoors of course) is a means for heating warm meals. Warm technical clothing and outdoor jackets are keeping the couple warm and a camping headlamp provides another source of light during the long winter nights.
Sure, living without power in the midst of a winter ice storm doesn’t sound like a picnic but having the right outdoor gear and equipment seems to be making things a bit more bearable for this Connecticut couple. Most of us haven’t considered using camping equipment for emergencies since we usually leave it packed away for summer recreation. But consider these scenarios: Water quality problems with your local municipal system? Why not break out your portable backpacking water filter. Spending the night at a friend’s house without a guest room? Pack your camping air mattress and you’ll sleep like a pea in a pod! Who knew camping gear could be so versatile?
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