[SERIOUS] The I need help, my house is freezing thread

[TexasEd 8,066]

1 hour ago, jimmyjazz said:

Just got turned on (hey-o) after 58 hours.  Propane heat but electric blowers, so it's 55 F cold in here.  Low on propane, because my delivery guy bailed.  Low on firewood, because my delivery guy bailed.

My life has been one giant optimization problem for the last 58 hours.  Wife wasn't happy that I said I was shutting down the furnace once we hit 60 F.  Oh well, put on another coat.  Yeesh.

Good peeps on this site.  I have plenty of pantry food along with a freezer full of frozen protein (chicken, beef, a little pork), but we're stuck in our neighborhood, so I don't know how you could get to us, but if you can, come get food.  2222 & 360 area.

Dang I have firewood I could give you but all routes between you and me (Lakeline Mall area) are not good.  If you were at 222 & 620 I could do it.

[jimmyjazz 45,887]

4 minutes ago, TexasEd said:

Dang I have firewood I could give you but all routes between you and me (Lakeline Mall area) are not good.  If you were at 222 & 620 I could do it.

Thanks man, I think we'll be good.  One thing my family learned is that we can sleep in a 55 F house no problem.  Just pile on the blankets.

I mean, even shitty Cub Scout campouts dropped below 40 F.  I really didn't get what all the bitching was about.  (My family, not people who truly had it bad.)

[Chewbacca 7,766]

On 2/16/2021 at 12:13 PM, Landomatic said:

If anyone needs propane in the Dallas area, hit me up.  I oddly happen to have a surplus of the grill sized bottles in my garage right now, if it would help anybody.

Would you say you have a plethora of propane bottles?

[Chewbacca 7,766]

Threads like this are why I love this place.  Stay safe and stay warm, motherfuckers.  

[TXSG8R 3,362]

Is there any reason I can’t hook up my septic tank to a generator?  My biggest problem right now is my septic hasn’t pumped out for 2 days and I’m worried we could backflow at some point soon. I would have to rig up a cable from an old extension cable to the breakers in the septic box (turning off the main service panel breaker and unhooking that line of course). Just wondering if there’s something I’m missing. 

[wd40 1,976]

1 hour ago, jimmyjazz said:

Thanks man, I think we'll be good.  One thing my family learned is that we can sleep in a 55 F house no problem.  Just pile on the blankets.

I mean, even shitty Cub Scout campouts dropped below 40 F.  I really didn't get what all the bitching was about.  (My family, not people who truly had it bad.)

so...wrong thread, jimbo.

[jimmyjazz 45,887]

2 minutes ago, wd40 said:

so...wrong thread, jimbo.

Responding to an offer of help is outside the bounds of this thread?

Tough room.

[wd40 1,976]

17 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

Responding to an offer of help is outside the bounds of this thread?

Tough room.

my bad.  should have said, "tell the last part first."

 

apparently, I sweat 1/2" copper for beer (if you're in 78759).

[kangsta 50]

I am in 78759, found a couple of untreated 8' 2x4's in the garage this afternoon. Have a 4WD.  We have power so I could cut it up or bring it as-is before dark or in the morning. 

Also, NW Hills liquor on Far West is open today.  

[TXSG8R 3,362]

And of course the second I ask that power comes on finally. 61 hours of no power. So far no issues that I can find. House got down to 58. Spray foam is worth every penny. 

[davidg 4,036]

2 hours ago, TXSG8R said:

Is there any reason I can’t hook up my septic tank to a generator?  My biggest problem right now is my septic hasn’t pumped out for 2 days and I’m worried we could backflow at some point soon. I would have to rig up a cable from an old extension cable to the breakers in the septic box (turning off the main service panel breaker and unhooking that line of course). Just wondering if there’s something I’m missing. 

In lieu of a full transfer switch, see if you can find a generator breaker  interlock device for your breaker panel.  It is a mechanical interlock that only allows you to switch on a breaker back fed from a generator once the main breaker is off and vise versa.  The interlock, input receptacle, back feed breaker and cable can be had for probably less than $250 if you are competent in basic electrical work.   Roll the genny out, connect a cable, through the main and let her rip.  Small 3kw genset will run most winter time loads in an emergency situation.

[idigTexas 2,284]

I'm in Southhampton Hills, one of the small neighborhoods between, Brodie, William Cannon, West Gate, and Davis.

Power returned around midnight last night after ~24hrs without it in a 100% electric home with no fireplace.  Temp inside was 50 at reconnect.  Was awakened around 3am to the sound of rushing water and discovered a growing pool in my bedroom.  Ran outside to shut off water, and slipped and fell on the ice, injuring my arm. 

Doesn't seem bad enough for 911 with other people in greater need.  Cannot find any urgent care nearby that is open or even answering phone.  Calls to SignatureCare Austin Emergency Room get disconnected immediately.  Is anyone in the area able to get eyes on it to see if it is actually open?

Some pain to touch on elbow, but mostly just discomfort and limited motion at elbow and wrist.  No noticeable swelling.  No obvious broken bones.  I can wiggle fingers and make weak fist.  Rotation is very very limited, but all range has improved slightly throughout the day.  I made a sling from a t-shirt, and happened to have a wrist splint.  Would have a neighbor drive me to urgent care  if it's open, but don't want to risk a longer drive nor take up valuable hospital ER resources unless things worsen.  Call and message to primary care for advice have gone unreturned. 

On a long waiting list for plumber to fix pipe, as I understandably could not find any who were willing to brave the roads in order to work.  Neighbor was providing water, but lost theirs to city pressure issues several hours ago.  Kicking myself for not having the foresight to expect a leak and no water, but too late now.  I should have enough to get me through tomorrow, but unless neighbor gets water again, it will get grim. 

I live alone and drive a stick, so doing things for myself or driving anywhere is a challenge under the circumstances.  Once the roads improve, I can rely on friends in other parts of town.  Until then, I am coping, and know others are in worse shape.  Nonetheless, if the power goes out again, I will lose my shit, though I won't be able to flush it without melting snow.

 

tldr: 2021 also sucks, but not as much as OU.

 

 

 

[TexasEd 8,066]

Just delivered a load of wood still have a lot left.

Also remembered I have a coleman camping stove and fuel if anyone needs that in Cedar Park, Lakeline mall, Anderson Mill area

[Newdoc 3,439]

28 minutes ago, idigTexas said:

Some pain to touch on elbow, but mostly just discomfort and limited motion at elbow and wrist.  No noticeable swelling.  No obvious broken bones.  I can wiggle fingers and make weak fist.  Rotation is very very limited, but all range has improved slightly throughout the day.  I made a sling from a t-shirt, and happened to have a wrist splint.  Would have a neighbor drive me to urgent care  if it's open, but don't want to risk a longer drive nor take up valuable hospital ER resources unless things worsen.  Call and message to primary care for advice have gone unreturned. 

From your description, You’ve got some time to keep in sling and seek care this weekend as long as you have nerve and circulation intact into the hand. If there is a break you can spare a few days if no break in skin from bone and no major nerve or circulation damage.

[idigTexas 2,284]

10 minutes ago, Newdoc said:

From your description, You’ve got some time to keep in sling and seek care this weekend as long as you have nerve and circulation intact into the hand. If there is a break you can spare a few days if no break in skin from bone and no major nerve or circulation damage.

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.  Nerve and circulation are fine so far as long as I don't rest my inner elbow on a hard surface or over-tighten the wrist splint.

[davidg 4,036]

If it’s your arm you beat off with, I would head to the ER.

Counterpoint: The Stranger for a couple of days before heading in.

[GlenFromTheMailRoom 1,603]

Anyone know the grocery situation in 78738?  Going to attempt to venture out tomorrow as we’re pretty much on chicken and rice for every meal at this point.  We’ve got potable water if anyone needs.

Most importantly, any liquor stores around 78738/34 open?  We’re down to triple sec and two bottles of screwball.

[ButtFumble 5,164]

45 minutes ago, idigTexas said:

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise.  Nerve and circulation are fine so far as long as I don't rest my inner elbow on a hard surface or over-tighten the wrist splint.

you want to listen to him he was pre-law!

[jimmyjazz 45,887]

2 hours ago, TXSG8R said:

And of course the second I ask that power comes on finally. 61 hours of no power. So far no issues that I can find. House got down to 58. Spray foam is worth every penny. 

We were down 58 hours, and temp dropped from 65 F to 55 F over that time.  It pretty much stayed at 55 F for a day or more.  

We paid to have "extra" energy conservation design features when we built the house in 2015, and I guess it worked.  I doubt it was a monetary win, but when your entire family is bitching about 55 F, then the idea of 50 F or below suddenly has value.

[Message Board User 12,395]

 

[Guest Lobo]

If anybody in central/south/west Austin had a beat On firewood tomorrow, please let me know.  And yes going faster than I thought to keep the girls warm.  I have plenty of downed limbs to chop, but it’s way too saturated.  Happy to four wheel it but need specific locations for timing sake.  Thanks y’all!

[TXSG8R 3,362]

58 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

We were down 58 hours, and temp dropped from 65 F to 55 F over that time.  It pretty much stayed at 55 F for a day or more.  

We paid to have "extra" energy conservation design features when we built the house in 2015, and I guess it worked.  I doubt it was a monetary win, but when your entire family is bitching about 55 F, then the idea of 50 F or below suddenly has value.

Yea, we stayed above 60 until last night. The solar loading during the day Monday and Tuesday helped keep the temp up in the house The cloud cover today really sucked. We still have power 5 hours later, so maybe we will be able to get the house back up to temp before we get caught up in the rolling blackout stuff. 

[Biff Tannen 45,665]

4 hours ago, TXSG8R said:

And of course the second I ask that power comes on finally. 61 hours of no power. So far no issues that I can find. House got down to 58. Spray foam is worth every penny. 

We are on hour 16 with spray foam and immediately battened down the hatches when power went off. Blankets over the doors, towels at the bottom to block any drafts. Also have a gas fireplace going, so just hit 65. If we can stay above 60 I’ll be happy. 

[InkaUtexas 25,861]

Just got comms and power. What a great fucking community. Good job to all who helped. in the 666 if anyone needs anything. 

[InkaUtexas 25,861]

3 hours ago, idigTexas said:

 

tldr: 2021 also sucks, but not as much as OU.

 

 

 

You mean December 76, 2020? 

[RGBIII 22,838]

Not sure how this isn’t in the national news, let alone the texas news but there is a giant fucking wreck on 35 south in Jarrell. @immamac is currently stuck in it. The shit isn’t moving, he’s been stuck for damn near 5 hours and now the roads are iced over completely. Things won’t un freeze there till Friday at this point. This definitely needs attention, there’s a TON of people completely stuck with no way out. Try to get as many eyes on this as possible. There are a lot of people in dire need right now especially as people run out of gas..

[troph 24,781]

What the fuck really?

[Nicole44 22,057]

I know we have some Surlies in and near Georgetown. Thought we had a few in Jarrell afaik from what people post on here. Shit that sucks. 

[RGBIII 22,838]

4 minutes ago, troph said:

What the fuck really?

It’s absolutely insane from what he’s been telling me. Probably enough gas currently to keep them warm for 12 hours but who knows what happens after that and other cars won’t be that lucky which will make the roads even worse, it won’t get above freezing till Friday..this needs news attention ASAP

[TexasEd 8,066]

Facebook friend who lives in Troy posted this 18 hours ago.  Same thing happened in other places.

Edited February 18, 2021 by TexasEd
not the same event

[RGBIII 22,838]

1 minute ago, TexasEd said:

Facebook friend who lives in Jarrell posted this 18 hours ago.  Same event?

Definitely seems like it

[troph 24,781]

1 minute ago, RGBIII said:

It’s absolutely insane from what he’s been telling me. Probably enough gas currently to keep them warm for 12 hours but who knows what happens after that and other cars won’t be that lucky which will make the roads even worse, it won’t get above freezing till Friday..this needs news attention ASAP

Oh geez. What a disaster.  It sounds like the walking dead. I have no idea how to help.  

[hookemATL 11,701]

Lorena is a ways off from Jarrell, yes?

[Sal 1,088]

 

 

Edited February 18, 2021 by Sal

[Nicole44 22,057]

1 minute ago, Sal said:

https://twitter.com/TxDOTAustin/status/1362239626879111173?s=20

That’s good at least crews are in route there. Not too far from Georgetown. 

[troph 24,781]

3 minutes ago, Sal said:

 

 

There’s the help. He should be ok, but it’ll be hours it sounds like. Ugh.

[InkaUtexas 25,861]

17 minutes ago, Nicole44 said:

I know we have some Surlies in and near Georgetown. Thought we had a few in Jarrell afaik from what people post on here. Shit that sucks. 

We have a bar owner. Bet she knows people who know people. 

 

[Nicole44 22,057]

37 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

Not sure how this isn’t in the national news, let alone the texas news but there is a giant fucking wreck on 35 south in Jarrell. @immamac is currently stuck in it. The shit isn’t moving, he’s been stuck for damn near 5 hours and now the roads are iced over completely. Things won’t un freeze there till Friday at this point. This definitely needs attention, there’s a TON of people completely stuck with no way out. Try to get as many eyes on this as possible. There are a lot of people in dire need right now especially as people run out of gas..

I know the Txdot road crews are on their way but on their website it says to call this number (additionally—obviously if things are really bad 911):

 

For road conditions requiring immediate attention call 1 (800) 558-9368.

[troph 24,781]

11 minutes ago, InkaUtexas said:

We have a bar owner. Bet she knows people who know people. 

 

If crews are clearing the roads and he has 12 hours of idle time he’s probably better off staying with his car as horrific as that sounds. 

[troph 24,781]

Wtf is he doing on 35 this late in the day? 

[InkaUtexas 25,861]

Don't know, don't care. I would not be out, but we all have our reasons. Least we can do is try and help. Right now I am worthless to help (a bit drunk and jeep is in the shop) but during any disaster I am cool with helping someone out if in my neck of the woods. 

We can't judge @troph just help where we can. Since she owns a bar, bet she knows someone with a 350. 

[troph 24,781]

Not judging at all. He seems like a level headed guy I’m sure he had reasons.  Actually I was a bit panicked for him until I hear he had 12 hours of idle time and crews are on their way.  Still sounds miserable. It’s the other Penelope isn’t it? The bar owner in Jarrell?

Edited February 18, 2021 by troph

[RGBIII 22,838]

10 minutes ago, troph said:

Wtf is he doing on 35 this late in the day? 

He just got back from vacay in Mexico and was staying in DFW trying to get home. Would have been home by 5pm, we were going to do the podcast tonight lol

[Nicole44 22,057]

1 minute ago, RGBIII said:

He just got back from vacay in Mexico and was staying in DFW trying to get home. Would have been home by 5pm, we were going to do the podcast tonight lol

He can give a traffic and weather report for it. Just kidding. Glad crews are on their way and he and all the other cars have enough gas to idle until help arrives. Hope all will be ok. 🤘🏼Wish I could help more. 

[Blotto 23,487]

35 minutes ago, InkaUtexas said:

We have a bar owner. Bet she knows people who know people. 

 

If immamac needs somebody to piss themselves on a barstool, Penny would definitely be the hookup. 

[troph 24,781]

11 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

He just got back from vacay in Mexico and was staying in DFW trying to get home. Would have been home by 5pm, we were going to do the podcast tonight lol

Wow talk about delays! 

[RGBIII 22,838]

2 minutes ago, troph said:

Wow talk about delays! 

Ya totally brutal

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19,100]

It is the other Penelope that has the bar.  Also, it was on the local news in Belton.  Also, they had shut down I-35 north of their in Salado to keep more people away.  

 

[immamac 42,835]

Just started moving 20 seconds ago. Will keep posted.

Sent from my Surface Duo using Tapatalk

[InkaUtexas 25,861]

Just now, immamac said:

Just started moving 20 seconds ago. Will keep posted.

Sent from my Surface Duo using Tapatalk
 

Please do man, and do you have a number 2 for the site the wolves get you?