How To If you are homeless, stay warm on cold winter nights.
It can be hard to stay warm on the street during the cold winter months.It is important to choose your clothing and shelter carefully.If you don't choose to go to a shelter at night, looking for an appropriate place to sleep can also be the difference between staying warm and freezing.
Step 1: The dress is made of layers.
Work on collecting your layers year round is the best way to do this.Don't give up on a warm winter coat that someone else has thrown away.It can be used as a pillow during the winter, and can also be laid on during other times of the year.If you don't have a waterproof layer, use a plastic bag over you.
Step 2: You can use insulation techniques.
If you are still cold, try newspaper.By stuffing it between layers of clothing you can create pockets of air that will keep you warm.Both foam pieces and blankets are much warmer than newspaper.The plastic bags work well.Dry leaves will work if you have nothing else.It's not a good idea to use fiberglass insulation between layers of paper.The tiny glass fibers can cause infections.
Step 3: Do not forget your feet.
On cold nights, wear multiple socks.It's important to find boots that cover your whole foot, ankle, and part of your leg before it gets cold.Staying warm is dependent on keeping your feet and legs warm.You might need to create layers of insulation on your feet if you are really cold.You need to go to bed with dry socks on.
Step 4: There are piles of blankets and sleeping bags.
During the summer and fall, keep an eye out for blankets and sleeping bags that might have been thrown away.These are essential when you are sleeping outside, but can also keep you warm in a car or a more protected shelter.Wrap yourself in blankets and get into the sleeping bag.
Step 5: If you're staying outside, look for a tent.
Look at campsites or other places where people have put up tents when people throw tents away.When it's cold, some people don't want to sleep indoors.Trying to find a tent for yourself is one way to make sure you have some kind of shelter outside.A makeshift shelter can be created by stringing blankets up from trees.
Step 6: A metallic survival blanket can be found.
At the end of a marathon or other long run, these are handed out and quickly discarded.You can get a few of these for winter nights.The survival blankets should be placed over the torso area of your sleeping bag.
Step 7: Pick up plastic bags.
You will need to protect your clothing and bedding from the elements.No matter the weather, plastic bags will keep your possessions in good shape.They can be used as a liner to help keep your feet warm.Try to find a big poncho so you don't get wet in the rain or snow.
Step 8: There is a mat that protects you from the cold.
The foam pieces are going to be the best.You can easily transmit the cold to your body with air mattresses or pads.
Step 9: It's a good idea to eat before bed.
You should get hot food before you go to sleep.The meal can help keep you warm while you sleep.Fattier foods will be better for keeping you warm.You can try cheese canned beans or cream of chicken soup.
Step 10: When you are warm, go to bed.
You won't be able to warm yourself up if it's cold outside and you're going to bed.Before you get under your blankets or into the sleeping bag, do what it takes to get warm.Run around, windmill your arms, do jumping jacks.
Step 11: Keep moving.
You might have to stay awake on cold nights.A body in motion will help keep you warm.You will have to make a decision if this means resting during the day and moving around at night.You have to be careful not to start sweating.When you sweat, you leave your clothing and skin moist which can cool you down.
Step 12: Don't let the sleeping materials get damp.
Sleeping bags and blankets are wet in the cold.If you have a sleeping bag, make sure you don't breathe into it.Pack your sleeping materials in plastic bags so that they don't get wet.Setting up camp close to water will cause your sleeping materials to get wet.
Step 13: You should look for a winter shelter.
Most local governments set up shelters for winter in churches and other community buildings when the weather gets very cold.On the cold nights, these are only open.You can find out which buildings are designated by looking for postings around town.
Step 14: Homeless shelters should be checked for a room.
If you want to sleep in a homeless shelter in the winter, you will need to line up early.Shelters are operated by many churches and other community organizations.
Step 15: You can find alternate shelters.
If you don't want to go to a shelter, find a good place to sleep.Overhangings can protect you from rain or alleyways that are out of the wind.Even if it is not permissible for you to be there, you may have to find an area that is warm even if you can't.It is a good idea to make sure it is warm when you sleep.Hypothermia can set in if you don't have adequate warmth.