I ce storm power outage, what do you do?

[Coldwood]

It would, in theory, be best to stay home when the weather is severe, but that's hardly an option in the real world in countries like Finland where some areas literally have six months of winter, if not more.

The "real" world? Elen, are you saying the US of A is not the "real" world? LOL Your point is well taken, I'm sure winters in some parts of Finland are harsh beyond belief and you can't just shut down because it's snowing. However, in some places of New England and some northern states in the midwest, it does seem like winter goes on for six months.

Where I live, in advance of a serious storm, the police will tell you to stay home unless you work in an essential service: hospitals, police, fire departments, EMT rescue, snow removal. If you get caught out and about for any other reason, you will get ticketed.

 

[batosai117]

What would you do if the propane, gas and electric went out in your area for 2 weeks? (You do not have a wood burning stove and it is too icy to evacuate)

Would you build a temporary shelter outside and burn firewood there or huddle in your house?

Not having read through everything, I would start up the bar-b-que pit and have a cook out. I have enough charcoal for a looong time stored up in my garage with plenty of lighter fluid.

 

[Elen]

The "real" world? Elen, are you saying the US of A is not the "real" world? LOL Your point is well taken, I'm sure winters in some parts of Finland are harsh beyond belief and you can't just shut down because it's snowing. However, in some places of New England and some northern states in the midwest, it does seem like winter goes on for six months.

Where I live, in advance of a serious storm, the police will tell you to stay home unless you work in an essential service: hospitals, police, fire departments, EMT rescue, snow removal. If you get caught out and about for any other reason, you will get ticketed.

No, no, didn't mean to imply the USA wasn't the real world. When it comes to business, I should think there are very few places in the world as real, much less more real, than the USA. But with the climate being what it is, large parts of the USA can actually decide to stay home until the severe weather passes without causing too much of an economical disaster. Here, it's different. The weather can be extremely cold and snowy for numerous days, weeks, even months on end - closing things down just cannot be done without an economical disaster. Storms can last a long, long time. It would be safest to stay home, but that wouldn't work too well for the country. So, people keep doing things as they always do, with some precautions for the weather. With that said, sometimes schools and offices do close down due to weather here, too. I think the last time it happened was a couple of years ago when the temperature decided to stay around or under -40 degrees Celcius for an extended period of time, with rather ferocious blizzards, with wind chill and other fun things. This was in western Lapland, unless my memory fails me. I guess my point with all this is that while staying home might be safest, sometimes it's just not very doable, and in these cases, those other precautions from proper winter clothing to car tires can be really nice.

 

[Coldwood]

Here, it's different. The weather can be extremely cold and snowy for numerous days, weeks, even months on end - closing things down just cannot be done without an economical disaster. Storms can last a long, long time. It would be safest to stay home, but that wouldn't work too well for the country. So, people keep doing things as they always do, with some precautions for the weather. With that said, sometimes schools and offices do close down due to weather here, too. I think the last time it happened was a couple of years ago when the temperature decided to stay around or under -40 degrees Celcius for an extended period of time, with rather ferocious blizzards, with wind chill and other fun things. This was in western Lapland, unless my memory fails me.

I understand Back in the 70's, we would routinely get a week of weather in January that went -30F. Man, I hated that. But things have changed. Today, right now, it's 40F on the positive side above zero, expected to be 50 by Wednesday.

Lately I've been reading about the history of Finland, particularly about the Winter War in 39-40; resisting a Russian invasion during one of the harshest winters ever. I have nothing but respect for the hardiness and courage of the Finnish people.

I understand it's nicer there in the summer

 

[Elen]

Lately I've been reading about the history of Finland, particularly about the Winter War in 39-40; resisting a Russian invasion during one of the harshest winters ever. I have nothing but respect for the hardiness and courage of the Finnish people.

I understand it's nicer there in the summer

Well, that depends on the summer, mate. Last summer was great, though. Lots of sunshine and lovely little heatwaves, and not too much rain. I almost kind of miss it, even though winter is my favourite season of the year.

The Winter War was incredibly lucky in terms of weather. It was as cold for both sides, of course, but Finns were prepared for it, unlike the other guy. Actually, Finland would probably have lost the war if it hadn't been that cold a winter. The army was so badly equipped it would have been pretty damn difficult to hold the enemy that was so far superior in numbers and technology if it had not been for that winter. That's one war that really goes to show how important it is to prepare for the worst. Or as the Romans said, sic vis pacem, para bellum. The Continuation War right after the Winter War was entirely different, simply thanks to the army actually having guns and not having to kill the enemy by throwing snowballs and puukkos at them.

 

[Coldwood]

Well, that depends on the summer, mate. ...and not having to kill the enemy by throwing snowballs and puukkos at them.

I love puukkos, I have a few of them, and a collection of snowballs in the freezer for "just in case" Cheers