As the weather refuses to recognize Algore's global warming, DUmmies discuss how best to help OWS. What follows is a survival how not to guide for winter camping.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x5020680highplainsdem (1000+ posts) Sat Oct-08-11 11:06 PM
Original message
Protesters prepare to dig in for winter
Source: Newsday
The cold is coming -- and they know it.
As the Occupy Wall Street protesters head into their fourth week, the camp is preparing to dig in for the long haul. Saturday, thoughts were turning to basic human needs and ways to plan and strategize for the challenges ahead.
At Saturday's 9 a.m. coordination meeting, representatives on the numerous task forces dealt with the need for more donations of sleeping bags, ground pads and shoes. Right now there's an oversupply of socks, T-shirts and thermal blankets.
"The cold is definitely a concern for all of us," Olivia Nole-Malpezzi, 18, of Rochester said later. "We definitely need to prepare for the winter, mentally and physically. Donations are everything to us."
-snip-
Read more: http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/protesters-prepare...
Check out some of the suggestions.
mrmpa (675 posts) Sat Oct-08-11 11:36 PM
Response to Original message
2. They're going to need..............
Edited on Sat Oct-08-11 11:37 PM by mrmpa
tents and propane heaters and propane tanks. Without an idea where to send packages, I truly believe that if you send it via the US Postal Service to Occupy Wall Stree, New York, NY... it will be delivered.
But don't send propane cartridges via the Post Office.
That should take out a few in short order. Hooyah, carbon monoxide. Is that a green house gas?
Denver Progressive (69 posts) Sun Oct-09-11 12:46 AM
Response to Original message
4. For any Coloradans out there
I have been asked to pass this message along:
#occupydenver protesters would greatly appreciate any donations of clean blankets/sleeping bags and warm gloves. These are sorely needed as colder weather approaches. AA batteries, lamps and big rubbermaid tubs are also needed. If you can help, please drop them off at #occupydenver on Broadway between Colfax and 14th streets.
Ok kids set your vibrator to mildly erotic and don't forget to share.
tama (1000+ posts) Sun Oct-09-11 01:01 AM
Response to Original message
6. Iglus and bear furs?
Edited on Sun Oct-09-11 01:04 AM by tama
More seriously, yurts are not a bad idea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt
Ok and some mud huts with thatched roofs?
starroute (1000+ posts) Sun Oct-09-11 01:21 AM
Response to Original message
9. I'm not sure they can get through an entire New York winter
Edited on Sun Oct-09-11 01:22 AM by starroute
Nights in the twenties are manageable with a quality sleeping bag. But full-on blizzard conditions -- say 10 degrees with a howling wind and lashing snow -- are not anything for amateurs to mess with.
At the very least, they're going to have to find a site where they're allowed to put up tents -- and stake them down so a blizzard won't carry them off to New Jersey. Or else reach an agreement with the authorities where they can take shelter inside on the worst nights and come back the next morning.
But I really believe that they won't make it much past Christmas -- depending on when the really cold weather sets in -- and that they need to adjust their plans to match that reality.
Mommy send me some warm mittens? Wait, we've changed our mind we are going to Occupy Ft Lauderdale.
jwirr (1000+ posts) Sun Oct-09-11 11:48 AM
Response to Reply #9
29. I was wondering about the storms also. Would it not be a good idea to
rent (via donations) a building/office right near WS and make it a permanent presence that could serve as a rallying point for many during the day and an overnight shelter for those who continue to man the vigil into the night. It could also serve as a warming house for demonstrators and a makeshift kitchen and place to dispense/store needed supplies. I know rent is very expensive but this could be a way that some of the organizations involved in this could help.
NY real estate is cheap to rent? Right?
vets74 (379 posts) Sun Oct-09-11 09:07 AM
Response to Original message
16. One good product to contribute ---- Driducks Ultra-Lite micropore rainsuit - hunter's outerwear
Wall Street is damp, cold in fall and very cold in winter. Windy area because of New York Bay and the Hudson River.
Rain gear is going to be critical. Problem with rain gear is that heavy suits will cause you to sweat and they're not suitable for sleeping. This ultra-light set is loose, comfy,
Driducks offers a $20 solution. I have used my set for hiking in Upstate New York and Jersey in winter. Perfect. This includes getting caught out in a turnaround blizzard where the Driducks went on over my normal gear -- I was dry and comfortable.
When I bought mine, the alternative brands cost twice to ten times as much as the Driducks for an equivalent pants/jacket sets. I have no idea why.
Mine have been washed in a washing machine several times. Gentle setting. Hang up to dry out. Mine are 5 years old. The jacket sizes out quite large -- their LARGE is a 46-48 chest instead of 42. The aim is to fit over a thick sweater. The very loose fit encourages evaporation.
(Checked out eBay. $16 + $7 shipping. Now labelled as "Frogg Toggs DriDucks." The regular Frogg Toggs rainsuit is heavier stuff.)
The Frogg Toggs site has this as the DriDucks® Ultra-Lite2™ Rain Suit, starting At: $19.95.
Driducks ultralite manufacturers page
The pair together weigh less than a pound. Got mine at a big supermarket in Binghamton area.
If you're going to Occupy Wall Street, be prepared. Also, please, get a pneumonia shot to go with your flu shot. Takes a couple weeks for them to reach full protective strength after the injection.
Dude, the needles they want in the arm ain't containing Flu and Pneumonia vaccine. Trust me.
judesedit (415 posts) Sun Oct-09-11 10:20 AM
Response to Original message
19. These people have the balls our government lacks. Just remember...Spring is just around the corner
I will send a postal money order so OWS can purchase what is needed most at the time for now. If Mother Nature becomes a bit too much or people start to get sick.....just remember....Spring is just around the corner. Praise God and God bless all who are there for the rest of us. Everybody vote absentee ballot and take it directly to the campaign office near you for as many people as possible. Tell all your friends. Diebold and Sequoia machines no good. Scanners no good. Everyone has ONE vote, supposedly. Make yours count!
Looks like someone wants to go to Brodway and watch Annie. "The sun will come out tomorrow"
NJCher (1000+ posts) Sun Oct-09-11 10:50 AM
Response to Original message
22. what about a waterbed heater pad
If there is a sympathetic soul around who will let them plug in via an extension cord, this could offer some relief from the cold. The waterbed heater pad goes up to around 73, I think.
What could possibly go wrong.
