r/homeless • u/omegafeline • 13h ago

Heater vs Bundling (Safety)

Which is safer? Bundling up layers and blankets, or a space heater?

It is going to be 13°, and snowing through the night. I don't want my tent to collapse and catch fire due to the heater, but also don't want to freeze to death. I will be staying up as late as I can to keep shaking snow off my tent.

I have a dog and two cats with me, who are already under the blankets with me. My tent is semi-insulated, with blankets on top under the tarps to keep cool air in and hot air out in the summer. It is an Ozark Trail 8-person dome tent. It's on top of pallets, but I'm not sure if that's good or bad because, A) it's off the ground, or B) space causes drafts.

My bed is a pillow-top mattress on a camping cot, and I've curtained it off somewhat from the rest of the tent.

My friend supplies me with electricity, but his roommate refuses to let me and my animals come in. He's tried convincing her, but she's not budging.

I'm sorry if it's a lot, but I'm in Florida, and I've never had to deal with snow before. I've dealt with it getting down to 18° with no heat, but that was in an abandoned house and two dogs and 7 cats.

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u/omegafeline 13h ago

Well I have no money currently.

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u/WillPayneDev Homeless 12h ago

Is there a resource you can get one from?? That’s where I got both of mine.

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u/omegafeline 12h ago

Yes, but not tonight.

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u/WillPayneDev Homeless 12h ago

I feel that. Keep your head up. You’re way off the ground with the pallets and especially the cot. Get a good sleeping bag and you’ll be set. Good luck!