Log fires, cuddly jerseys, sherry, the sound of raindrops falling – ring a bell? Well, it’s here again.
For many people the onset of winter is a relief after the endless summer heat most regions in South Africa experience every year. But winter can also be severe in parts of the country and you need to get ready for it.
Advertisement
The onset of winter can be a trying time for people who live in substandard housing, and have limited fuel resources. What with load shedding and blackouts, even people in fancy houses need to plan ahead in order to stay warm this winter. It won't do to wait until the lights go out before you make a plan.
What are the things you need to do to stay warm?
Bedding down. Sort out your winter bedding. A brushed cotton sheet can work wonders on cold nights. Cover your duvet in the same fabric for a really cuddly winter. An underblanket can really contribute to a winter without frozen feet. Invest in a good electric blanket - but remember these should be switched off once you get into bed. But if the power is off, you can't rely on this one.
Batten down the hatches. Much heat escapes from your home through doors and windows that do not close properly. Get a handyman to sort this out. Go to a fleamarket and buy one of those sand-filled sausage-like things to put against the inside of the door. Thick curtains also help to keep the heat in.
Get a flu shot. Too late now, but remember next year to get a flu shot before the winter sets in. It will cost you about R40 and you can get them at most chemists. This will most probably prevent your annual bout of flu, which can cost you hundreds in medication as well as a few days in bed.
Raise the roof. Does your roof leak? It might be something really small that could be fixed easily. Remember what it was like to listen to the sound of water dripping into a bucket during the middle of the night? If it is something big, your structural insurance on the bond might just cover it. Check whether putting insulation in your ceiling might make your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
From top to toe. Check your winter wardrobe. You don’t need all that much to stay warm. Layers usually do the trick. Invest in a couple of pairs of fleece-lined socks, thermal underwear, flannel pajamas, a soft woollen jersey and one really warm jacket. A scarf and a pair of gloves to round it off will even see you through any Free State morning. Warm clothing uses no electricity - the biggest bonus.
Stock up on the vitamins. In winter people tend to spend more time indoors with others and this heightens their susceptibility to viruses. Boost your immune system before the winter sets in. A daily muilti-vitamin could be just what you need. Haul out these vegetable soup recipes.
Get the right cover. If you live in a windy area, a flimsy umbrella could collapse like a wooden shack under a tidal wave. Either invest in a sturdy golf umbrella (it depends how windy, since you could find yourself doing a Mary Poppins) or even better, a proper rain jacket with a hood you can pull over your head.
The heat’s on. What do your home heating arrangements look like? First, the electric options:if your house is cold, it might be worth investigating the possibility of installing wall heaters. They don’t take much electricity and manage to warm your house, without parboiling the inhabitants. Bar heaters can be effective, but can also be dangerous if left unattended. They also use a lot of electricity. Oil heaters have the added advantage that they can be moved from room to room. Now for the non-electric ones: paraffin or gas heaters will work even when the power is off. Just keep the kids far away from the paraffin and keep an eye especially on gas heaters. Switch off if you smell something funny. Then of course, there are log fires - always a winner, even when Eskom has a hiccup.
Off the peg. Get one of those fold-out clothes driers that look like dinosaurs. They can be folded up and hidden away completely during summer. There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and realising that your washing on the line is getting drenched – again. Oh, except one thing, and that is putting on damp underwear on a cold morning.
Let me light your fire. There is nothing as cosy as a fireplace. Wood and coal are also not in short supply in South Africa. Have it delivered at the beginning of the winter by the bakkie load. This works out a lot cheaper than buying individual packs from corner shops. Just remember to let in fresh air somewhere into the room – you don’t want to become oxygen-deprived. Gas-fired fireplaces are very economical, if somewhat less romantic than the real thing. Also check if you live in an area where open fires are permitted.
Log fires, cuddly jerseys, sherry, the sound of raindrops falling – ring a bell? Well, it’s here again.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?