Occupiers prepare for cold weather ahead

The recent cold weather has forced Franklin Street occupiers to devise new strategies for staying warm as they continue to camp out at Peace and Justice Plaza.

“Originally we were just wearing lots of layers, but now that isn’t enough,” said John Kertzie, an occupier. “The new plan is to set up fewer tents and put as many people as possible in them.”

Further plans include layering the ground with cardboard and pitching the tents on top of pallets raised above the ground to keep water from getting in.

“We want the rain to go under us instead of through us, especially with the lower temperatures,” said Vincent Gonzalez, an occupier and UNC graduate student. “I think the pallets will be a good bulwark against the cold.”

The occupiers said they have not been deterred by the weather, and their numbers have not decreased. They have been occupying the square in front of the post office since Oct. 15.

“The people who stay are really committed, and they are here no matter what,” said Johanan Gaddy, a participant. “I don’t think anyone is planning to leave.”

However as temperatures drop, the occupiers will not only face discomfort but also health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the cold.

And sleeping on the ground, where body heat is quickly lost, might exacerbate these risks.

“Any time anyone is sleeping in the elements, it is very concerning,” said Kim Woodward, operations manager of Orange County Emergency Medical Services.

“Our conditions here aren’t very extreme, but we still have the same concerns as anywhere else, such as hypothermia.”

With medically-trained participants and a first-aid station always on hand, the occupiers aren’t concerned with these potential risks.

“Nobody here is going to let anything unsafe happen,” Kertzie said. “If anyone gets really sick, we will strongly encourage them to go to the hospital.”

Gaddy said although he has a house, he has volunteered to keep watch at night. He said standing guard keeps him warm.

“When I’ve been here at night, I was awake on watch, which is easier than being asleep because I kept moving around,” he said.

Gonzalez said the occupiers are prepared to weather the cold.

“We all come and go, and we all take shifts,” he said. “The tents are full every night, even on the cold nights.”

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