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*shivers* - IMPORTANT POST
It's been somewhat cold recently and is forecast to be a 'normal' winter (ie. much colder than it's been for the past ten winters). So a post to share tips on how to stay warm. Please contribute/dispute anything that doesn't sounds right.
Edit Apologies for spamminess - am about to try to partition my harddrive. If this goes horribly wrong, I may have no internet access till I'm at work on Monday.
Cutting to protect people's friends' pages
People
The principle involved here is layering. If you layer clothes you trap air between each of the layers. Thermal underwear or the base layers made for expeditions is a good starting point, then layer normal clothes on top of them. Silk is supposed to be the best material for thermal clothing, but YMMV.
As anyone who has ever done any first aid can tell you 70% of heat is lost through the head. Wearing a hat is a good move.
Flexible, thin gloves under thick mittens is the most sensible combination that's occured to me, though I've not yet tried it.
Scarves are useful for keeping necks warm.
Hot drinks - not sure how much of an effect they actually have, but they'll certainly make you feel warmer. Same goes for hot meals.
Beds
The layering principle applies here too.
Pyjamas with socks and maybe a hat.
You can get mattress toppers (http://www.thewhitecompany.com/ProductDetails_wh.aspx?CurrentCategory=Home%7CBedroom%7CBedroom-Protectors%20And%20Toppers%7COEA for an example - probably not the best price there) that go on top of your mattresss but under your sheet and keep you warm that way. An electric blanket that goes in the same place can also be helpful (am not at all sure how you'd combine a mattress topper and an electric blanket for maximum warmth - probably topper beneath blanket but not sure).
Duvet + other layers eg. blankets, quilts.
Hot water bottle (but only for people who aren't hypothermic. If someone is actually hypothermic - remove any wet clothes, dry them off, put them in clean warm clothes and get medical attention fast. Use your own body to warm them. For people camping it's recommended that you get into a sleeping bag with them. This probably isn't necessary if you can take them to somewhere warm ie. a heated room in a house. The idea is rewarming them slowly. Using a hot water bottle/other direct source of heat will take heat away from the core organs eg. heart, lungs etc to warm the extremities so don't do it. If the person is conscious and has no other injuries requiring an operation, then a warm drink is a good idea. ISTR reading a warm bath is also a good idea, but I'm not too sure about that.)
Homes
Think about where you lose heat from your home.
Single glazed windows/around the edges of doors are the major ones I've come across. Life's easier here for those who own their own homes, 'cos there are limits on what one wants to do to a house one is renting. Sealant stuff to go round the edges of these things may be easy/cheap enough to fit.
Lined curtains are also very helpful - even if you've got double glazing you'll lose heat faster through the windows that through the walls. Remember to close your curtains as it gets dark, but open them during the day.
Stuffed knitted objects can be placed along the bottom of doors to reduce the heat escaping from there. My mother has a knitted cat who sits along one door - he has a very long tail.
Cavity wall insulation/loft insulation are good things to get if you own your own home. http://www.est.org.uk/ provides a home energy check, but the site seems to be down atm. It's about using less energy but most of the measures will also help you keep the place warmer for spending the same amount of money.
Cars
I don't have one of these but:
Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
Know how to make a call from a payphone (yes, even if you've got a fully charged mobile with you).
Have a couple of blankets
Have water and high energy snacks. A thermos flash of hot water to make a hot drink is also a good idea.
Have a warning triangle/other items to do minor repairs
Have a lock unfreezing spray
Work out which method of deicing works for you.
Have a coat/scarf/gloves/hat with you - just in case you get stuck and have to walk somewhere.
Check the oil level, water level etc regularly.
Edit Apologies for spamminess - am about to try to partition my harddrive. If this goes horribly wrong, I may have no internet access till I'm at work on Monday.
Cutting to protect people's friends' pages
People
The principle involved here is layering. If you layer clothes you trap air between each of the layers. Thermal underwear or the base layers made for expeditions is a good starting point, then layer normal clothes on top of them. Silk is supposed to be the best material for thermal clothing, but YMMV.
As anyone who has ever done any first aid can tell you 70% of heat is lost through the head. Wearing a hat is a good move.
Flexible, thin gloves under thick mittens is the most sensible combination that's occured to me, though I've not yet tried it.
Scarves are useful for keeping necks warm.
Hot drinks - not sure how much of an effect they actually have, but they'll certainly make you feel warmer. Same goes for hot meals.
Beds
The layering principle applies here too.
Pyjamas with socks and maybe a hat.
You can get mattress toppers (http://www.thewhitecompany.com/ProductDetails_wh.aspx?CurrentCategory=Home%7CBedroom%7CBedroom-Protectors%20And%20Toppers%7COEA for an example - probably not the best price there) that go on top of your mattresss but under your sheet and keep you warm that way. An electric blanket that goes in the same place can also be helpful (am not at all sure how you'd combine a mattress topper and an electric blanket for maximum warmth - probably topper beneath blanket but not sure).
Duvet + other layers eg. blankets, quilts.
Hot water bottle (but only for people who aren't hypothermic. If someone is actually hypothermic - remove any wet clothes, dry them off, put them in clean warm clothes and get medical attention fast. Use your own body to warm them. For people camping it's recommended that you get into a sleeping bag with them. This probably isn't necessary if you can take them to somewhere warm ie. a heated room in a house. The idea is rewarming them slowly. Using a hot water bottle/other direct source of heat will take heat away from the core organs eg. heart, lungs etc to warm the extremities so don't do it. If the person is conscious and has no other injuries requiring an operation, then a warm drink is a good idea. ISTR reading a warm bath is also a good idea, but I'm not too sure about that.)
Homes
Think about where you lose heat from your home.
Single glazed windows/around the edges of doors are the major ones I've come across. Life's easier here for those who own their own homes, 'cos there are limits on what one wants to do to a house one is renting. Sealant stuff to go round the edges of these things may be easy/cheap enough to fit.
Lined curtains are also very helpful - even if you've got double glazing you'll lose heat faster through the windows that through the walls. Remember to close your curtains as it gets dark, but open them during the day.
Stuffed knitted objects can be placed along the bottom of doors to reduce the heat escaping from there. My mother has a knitted cat who sits along one door - he has a very long tail.
Cavity wall insulation/loft insulation are good things to get if you own your own home. http://www.est.org.uk/ provides a home energy check, but the site seems to be down atm. It's about using less energy but most of the measures will also help you keep the place warmer for spending the same amount of money.
Cars
I don't have one of these but:
Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
Know how to make a call from a payphone (yes, even if you've got a fully charged mobile with you).
Have a couple of blankets
Have water and high energy snacks. A thermos flash of hot water to make a hot drink is also a good idea.
Have a warning triangle/other items to do minor repairs
Have a lock unfreezing spray
Work out which method of deicing works for you.
Have a coat/scarf/gloves/hat with you - just in case you get stuck and have to walk somewhere.
Check the oil level, water level etc regularly.