Protesters prepare to dig in for winter

[highplainsdem]

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-to-dig-in-for-winter-1.3232008

[RKP5637]

1. K&R!!! n/t

[mrmpa]

2. They're going to need..............

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.

[starroute]

8. They have an address

You can find it at http://occupywallst.org

The UPS Store
Re: Occupy Wall Street
118A Fulton St. #205
New York, NY 10038

[PuraVidaDreamin]

14. from what I understand about tents

Is that they are illegal in that park. If someone puts up a tent, they will be arrested.
This makes strategizing for the winter even more important.

[bettyellen]

23. No, no and no... both propane and tents are illegal and they DO have a specific address!

[NashVegas]

41. You DO Understand What Civil Disobedience Is, Right?

[mrmpa]

57. Excellent!!!!!!!! eom

[Ricochet21]

46. If there's a post office

:sarcasm:

[K8-EEE]

3. K&R -- am donating, these people are heroes. nt

[Denver Progressive]

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. :)

[kag]

38. THANK YOU!!!!!

I'm in Colorado. I'll take some stuff up there tomorrow. Wish I could join them, but the least I can do is donate. Thank you!!!


:toast: :hi: :fistbump: :headbang:

[Denver Progressive]

47. No thank YOU for helping!!! n/t.

[me b zola]

5. K&R

[tama]

6. Iglus and bear furs?

More seriously, yurts are not a bad idea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt

[plumbob]

7. Is there a local store or other organization I can send money to and have

needed items delivered? Here in far west Texas, we don't really have winter like up north, so it would be great if there were some way to do this.

[Denver Progressive]

11. I am in touch with some on the ground and I am

am currently trying to get an address for anyone who wants to send desperately needed goods to occupydenver.I will post it as soon as I find out.:)

[plumbob]

30. Thanks! Wall Street is geographically far from west Texas, but

that 1% is picking my pocket, too!

Great work by those there on the ground. Thank you!

[Xicano]

39. Go to this link

http://nycga.cc/donate/

Also you can go to this link below and scroll down a bit and they have a paypal link for you too.

http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution

[plumbob]

42. Thank you! Sent some today, will send more on payday!

This NEEDS to be supported!

[starroute]

9. I'm not sure they can get through an entire New York winter

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.

[jwirr]

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.

[oNobodyo]

33. This can not be emphasized enough.

Surviving outdoors in cold weather is both difficult and dangerous, especially long term.

There is the very real possibility that people will die attmpting this.

Expect the cities to step in and arrest people for their own safety, which is how they keep the deaths of homeless people relatively low each year.

Speaking of which, people should already be talking to the homeless shelters and such in their respective cities to coordinate passing on the excess donations, and those that are no longer needed as they become no longer needed.

There are some commonly overlooked problems with cold weather survival...

If you don't have access to laundry facilities, the warm clothes and sleeping bags won't matter because will become next to worthless in a few short days, due the accumulation of moisture, oils, dirt, matting, crushing of insulating air pockets.

Being too warm causes you to sweat. See above.

Half of your body heat is lost by your head and neck. (hats, scarves)

Since shelter is pretty much out of the question, special attention needs paid to insulating padding to sit/sleep on, also small tarps (6x8) with a heat reflective coating (think space blanket) on one side make for useful bed covers.

Your caloric requirements double in cold weather. Fatty and high protein foods are a premium. This makes it extra difficult for vegetarian diets. (cheese, yoghurt, nuts)

That being said, even well trained and well equipped people can simply lose their will to live and die in cold weather. Try and find a 'win' before someone dies.

Take care of each other.

[elocs]

10. People up North are tough when it comes to cold weather, but you need to be smart too.

Not only wear the right clothes to stay warm, eat the right foods and still drink water to keep hydrated, but more people will be needed in order to rotate them and help the protesters to stay healthy for the long run. This can be done and it will be a testament to their dedication and will show what wimps the Teahadists are.

[Denver Progressive]

13. I agree that it can be done if it's done right.

We've got a hearty and determined bunch up here and they are making it happen with what little they have, and at this point you couldn't talk them into going home even if you wanted to. Once they get the right gear, they will be okay.

[elocs]

26. They don't need to be rotated to go home, but to get warm and out of the cold

for a few hours, to get a good and hot meal. Then they come right back.

The story does not need to become about protesters surviving the cold, getting frostbite, or dying of exposure.

[flamingdem]

27. How about portable, solar powered heatlamps? nt

[snooper2]

58. how big of a solar array you think one of those would need

LOL

[flamingdem]

12. occupyLA is knitting sweaters for them apparently nt

[PuraVidaDreamin]

15. + 1000

Go OLA

[vets74]

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.

[Gari]

24. Thanks for the Frogg Toggs link

I sent a 2 XL suit, that way anyone can fit it over layers of other clothing.

[vets74]

49. OMG... that 2XL is big enough to make a tent !

Seriously, my LARGE is big enough to fit over a winter shell and a sweater under that.

These things are sized ENORMOUS.

I'm sure the 2XL will be used.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

31. Thanks for the info!

[Gari]

17. Something along the lines of big coat that is tent-able?

I read that Jak Pak (http://jakpak.com/home.aspx) made a donation. At $250, a bit pricey for me. There was also a young woman who designed a coat for the homeless that becomes like a sleeping bag - http://www.npr.org/2010/12/13/131910671/to-warm-the-homeless-a-coat-that-s-a-sleeping-bag.

I am a skilled seamstress with a vast amount of fabric laying about awaiting a purpose. I have come up with a design somewhat between the 2 I mentioned above. If it is successful, I plan to offer the pattern free to anyone who will make one & send it on to New York.

I am also a knitwear designer. I think my "Elementary" knit deerstalker hat would be great in cold weather! Sweaters take a bit of time to knit, mittens are faster, hats are even faster! I will pledge part of my proceeds of all my "Elementary" knitting patterns to the Occupy effort.

I'm so glad to be able to make a contribution, however humble, to the brave folks braving the elements in all of our names.

[Leftist Agitator]

18. Hi!

You are an awesome human being.

:)

[Gari]

20. aww, shucks

Just using my skills to help others, that's the way to make the world a paradise.

[a simple pattern]

43. I'll make one!

What a great idea.

[Gari]

44. Pattern soon!

I tripped over a sticking up brick in our front walk on Wednesday and am a bit hampered by injury, but have rough sketched out the basic idea. I found Tyvek Lab Coat (seconds http://tyvek-overstock.com/disposable-lab-coats/606-4xl-lab-coats-welastic) that can serve as lining or interlining, will need to experiment. Maybe a snap out Tyvex lining? Still mulling. I have a bolt of lovely grey fabric that has some wool content.

The student who came up with the coat for the homeless has a drawstring for closing the bottom to make a sleeping bag. The Jak Pak has a zipper. I think snaps will work best because they can be quickly opened by force in case of a need to run. My theory, anyway, will test this as soon as I am able to cut out and sew again.

At about $2, just the Tyvek lab coat in a large size may work for a raincoat.

[a simple pattern]

51. Good thinking on the snaps

The lab coats look like a bulk buy, they seem to go about 6 oz. each.

Maybe the feet of the sleeping bag could snap up out of the way when it's being worn as a coat.

http://www.rddusa.com/French-Army-Blanket-100-Wool-Wool-Army-Blanket-Wholesale-Blankets.aspx

I'd probably sew a patch over the army stuff - they could personalize it or write on a protest message.

Sewing for The Beautiful People! I love it.

Hope you feel better! I bookmarked this page & will check back.

[Gari]

53. Great minds think alike :)

My design has the lower half folded up, about knee level, and snapped to the inside. This will give an added layer for when the wearer sits on concrete, say a wall or bench, and will insulate extra.

Thank you for the idea of the blanket! Once I run through some fabric in my stash, I would like to point folks to resources if they would like to sew a coat.

I am doing somewhat better, my bruises are sunset colors, quite lovely, if still fairly painful :)

[judesedit]

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!

[Gari]

21. I'm also raising Cane about e-voting

I've sent emails and actual letters to my state reps and Secretary of state. I quote FOX NEWS as my source and mention that the election could be flipped by ANYONE! Now, our Texas Leg will meet again in 2013 (good grief), so I'm mostly focusing on the Secretary of State's office.

Also, nice thick socks can double as mittens in a pinch. I understand the Occupiers had sent a call out for socks. As a native Texan, cold is something I only dimly grasp, but I have read that wool stays warm when wets. Someone with practical experience, could you shed some like on that concept?

If knitting for the Occupiers, please, please, please use Super Wash wool or something that will not shrink.

[a simple pattern]

52. It does stay warm when wet.

We should also make a few in a synthetic alternative for those who are allergic or don't use animal products.

[NutmegYankee]

60. In the Northeast, Spring is not just around the corner

Have you experienced one of our winters?

[NJCher]

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.


Cher

[Gari]

25. Not sure about using such a heater if it rains?

Maybe something along the lines of this Zippo handwarmer?

http://www.zippo.com/Products/handWarmer.aspx?bhcp=1

I'm not a hunter, but have known many. They are out in the elements, usually without electricity. So, they must have heating solutions?

[wundermaus]

54. Found the Zippo hand warmer at Amazon for $12.50 with free shipping...

A compassionate heart deserves a warm hand - http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Outdoor-Line-Handwarmer-Silver/dp/B0034C6GDG

Great user information from review comments, too!

[FirstLight]

28. GOOD!

...I will be going thru my donations for the local attic here and seeing if i can send some warm stuff...

[Bucky]

32. Thanks to global warming, it won't be so bad.

[oNobodyo]

34. Wrong, remember last winter?

Global warming also causes extreme cold weather variations as well.

Expect a very cold and wet winter in the northern states as moisture that would normally be falling on the drought stricken southern states is driven northward.

[tavalon]

45. Joke, right?

[Bucky]

56. *sigh*

:banghead:

[mike3121]

35. We need a bus.

We need some type of large vehicle (several really) stocked with heaters, food etc to support such demonstrations. Actually this is a dress rehersal for the BIG ONE the Rethug Nat Convention. Professionally built and fully fitted support vehicles ready to roll the minute these demonstrations start.

[elocs]

36. This is an opportunity for those in the area who cannot go to the protests to help.

A place to go for a few hours to warm up, get a hot meal, catch a nap. It's amazing how such a short break can rejuvenate people who are out in the cold and elements. Trickles of protesters rotating out throughout the day would not be missed especially if others take their place while they are gone.

Ask anyone who has been homeless in cold conditions even if they have proper clothing--it sucks the life out of you. You need a break.

The OWS story needs to be about the demands of the protesters and not about their braving and surviving the cold and the elements, about protesters getting frostbite or going to the hospital for exposure. Don't let the message get lost in winter conditions and storms.

[Fire Walk With Me]

55. I hope anyone who owns a gym or spa near Zuccotti will open it to them...

[JustAnotherGen]

37. For the NYC area

It's shaping up to be like fall 2007 - when everyone was wearing shorts on Thanksgiving. This is a real concern but hopefully it will make it a little easier a little longer in the Tri - State area.

[wobblie]

40. lots of people are the answer

The most important tactic, have plenty of people, be organized so that no one person stays in the cold more than a short time. In the current weather you can run long shifts, but once it gets cold--warming shelters need to be established and much shorter shifts, with rallies and assemblies during shift changes--this is going to be hard work, it needs to be organized like work.

[Taverner]

48. I wonder if Beaver State or Pendelton would donate blankets?

[Kurovski]

50. K&R. (nt)

[slackmaster]

59. Occupy Honolulu or Occupy Los Angeles would have made a lot more sense.

:shrug: