Storm in Toronto

Dr Hon Yuk Ching & Others

27 December 2013

Dr. Hon:

Let me say I totally sympathise with those who lost power after the storm, and are freezing frigid. Tell you what, I’d much rather put up with the heat than with the cold. Given the severity of winter there, do people not have a back-up means of heating, like a wood-burner, gas heating, a pot-belly stove, or a portable gas heater? I know the trend is for an almost total reliance on electric heating, especially heat pumps (they are reversible air-conditioners) which are becoming common and very efficient. But many people here in Kiwiland, especially those down south, still use wood-burners because of the huge amount of heat they throw out. In fact, you only need one wood-burner for the whole house compared to a heat pump for each room in the house. So is it not a time to think about acquiring a back-up means of heating in case there is another storm? I stand to be enlightened. Enjoy your white Xmas and New Year .

Stella Tse:

As Pedro says, let us stand and be enlightened by the awesome beauty of nature - see a few pics taken just now outside of Brian's house.  A bunch of us slept here last night, it was people in every room - sleeping on floor, beds and sofas. May you be in the warmth of family & friends all through Christmas and the new year!