Got Tinfoil?

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Okay. I know this is going to invite a lot of jokes, but in an earlier thread, Billy-Boy raised the question of blacking out windows, to hide that you have provisions. I didn't like the black paint idea, because it would keep out needed solar heat on sunny days, and painted black windows might invite a little curiosity, anyway.

So...I started thinking, what material is cheap, readily available, opaque and easy to work with? You got it. TINFOIL!

A few long strips of foil and some thumbtacks, and you're in business. If you're afraid you might tear the foil, when taking it up and down, you could attach it to big pieces of cardboard, or, for added insulation, styrofoam. Place the shiny side in, and it reflects back additional heat and light.

Okay...should I give the cue for Y2K Pro now?

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), September 08, 1999

Answers

Bok

Get yourself down to Home Depot. (My second home)

In that fantasmagorical place you will find foam board insulation, with the tinfoil built right in. Or on, whatever. Cheap and rigid, easy to cut with a sharp utility knife.

Don't get lost, it's a big place.

I do, but that's OK.

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), September 08, 1999.


Cut poster board to fit the window opening. Then paint the side that will face the outside with trim matching paint. Tape in place with aluminum tape to seal light leaks.

As viewed from the outside it should blend right in.

-- no talking please (breadlines@soupkitchen.gov), September 08, 1999.


I am buying Plywood and that will cover window if it gets broken at some point. Also prtects anyone from breaking in. Paint it white and install it on the inside. I may drill holes to look out and just put tape over the holes when night comes. Just think it is stronger protection from weather and anyone that wants to maybe break in if things get bad. God I hope things don't get bad !!!!!

-- chaz carson (rizzo10@msn.com), September 08, 1999.

Use outward-facing mirrors instead - then looters will think your house is just an empty shell. In fact, they'll see other looters behind the house, and run away.

-- Y2KGardener (gardens@bigisland.net), September 08, 1999.

Hi all:

If you want to avoid attracting outside attention (especially at night), why not just make everything appear perfectly normal. Simply close your existing window treatments, then tape-up sheets of pre-cut 6-mil opaque black plastic on the inside. It's fast, it's cheap & it works. And if you want to spare the paint job, just make the sheets a bit larger and fasten with push-pins instead.

-- Yan (no@no.no), September 08, 1999.



Outstanding Idea, didn't even think of the loss of heat...Great ideas everyone, thanks!

-- Billy-Boy (Rakkasn@Yahoo.com), September 08, 1999.

For keeping heat in and also preventing chinks of light from showing, use self-sticking foam weather-stripping around your window frame to assure a snug fit of plywood panels or whatever. If there are any power cuts, I've decided to use just one room for living in at night. Don't know if you know this, Bokonon, but after two to three days of no electricity people get criminally-minded and start taking stuff they want from those who have it. How do I know, am I just guessing? Do I need to talk about first-hand knowledge from Hurricane Fran again? Trust me, I was there--all it takes is two days without electricity for such problems to start.

BTW, I need all the tinfoil I can get to keep us in protective gear. You can make great shoes out of aluminum foil loaf pans and Dr. Scholl's charcoal inserts; keeps the stuff coming out of the ground--you know, up from China--from getting at you through your feet.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), September 08, 1999.


Old Git,

Are the Pavlovian responses so entrenched that you can't use the word "tinfoil" without someone thinking your making fun of G.I.s? The suggestion was serious. I was just expecting a lot of Pollies to be making jokes. Sheeesh.

Unk Deeds

Thanks. I completely forgot about foil-faced insulation board. Good suggestion. And yes, my wife always has a search and rescue team on hand, whenever I go into Home Depot or any such store.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), September 08, 1999.


Just another note on the foil-backed foam board. If you get the half inch stuff, it will be easier to cut with a utility knife. When cutting and handling it, be careful. I recommend gloves because the foil material is extremely sharp on the edges, and the residue from the foam makes those little cuts very uncomfortable.

During daylight, that stuff will probably call attention to its presence, since it reflects the light much better than glass. It still sounds like the best bet for blackout and heat conservation.

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), September 08, 1999.


You may need to consider fresh air flow, depending on your light source.

Bok,

Do you like to needlepoint?

-- flora (***@__._), September 08, 1999.



Bokonon, the tinfoil shoes hint was for the Pollies. Pavlovian? You mean becasue I salivate every time KoS says "mudwrestle"? I think most of the people on this board have a sense of humor, even this cantankerous

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), September 08, 1999.

Sorry, Old Git, must be the language barrier(G). I thought I felt the "sting" of an attack.

-- Bokonon (bok0non@my-Deja.com), September 08, 1999.

Old Git:

You've made me nervous again about the loss of electricity being the impetus for people to start acting lawlessly.

There are those DGIs I do NOT like at the factory who WILL remember my words and "visit" me.

Other DGIs are borderline and might leave me alone.

There are very few DGIs I know who will behave when electricity fails for more than several days.

And I can count the number of real GIs I know personally ON ONE HAND!

If Y2K is a BITR, I'll yell and shout for joy!

Then I'll continue on with my preps, of course.

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), September 08, 1999.


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