Got kids?
Got milk?
Got lots of $$$ invested in frozen meat?
As you point out,iIce isn’t life or death, but it can still be quite useful when the power is out.
This is TX, in summer. Ice can be a necessity. People get heat stroke in that place in summer.
I have had a struggle with this one, too, and I am in Houston and still currently without power at home. It has to do with keeping perishable foods chilled until it can be eaten or until the power comes back in. And probably keeping the beer cold, as well. Hey, ya gotta have priorities.
I personally thinned out my frig of perishables, and have a propane camp stove to boil water... cup of soup, instant noodles, etc., so I haven’t “needed” any ice.
Plus, I’d rather eat mud than go stand in line at the distribution points.
Also, it should be noted that ice can be manufactured on the spot. You don’t need to haul it in from across the country, as you would with fresh perishable food.
As people get older, the bodies temperature regulation system often fails. this is why in european countries where air conditioning is uncommon, heat waves produce thousands of deaths. In The US many there are many people who would die without air conditioning.
In Germany they would have died years ago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_European_heat_wave
No, you were not happy with lukewarm water.
I note that your home page is mute with regards to your location.
I would guess that you don’t live anywhere it really gets hot.
I am in Houston and just got power back yesterday. Many areas still have no power. Ice keeps your food from going bad as quickly. We humans need food.
Insulin, opened bottles of formula, expressed breast milk, any number of things need refrigeration. Luke warm water is great for patrolling. But it doesn't do squat for perishable foods or meds.
Some of the people you see on tv have returned to their flood ravaged homes. I have several friends who did evacuate and now have returned to begin their cleanup and have no way to keep food and medicines at safe temperatures. And it’s always nice to have a nice cold refreshing drink when you’re working hard in the heat. I say this most kindly, don’t be so quick to judge. You can’t imagine what hell their lives are right now.
I have been working out side 16 hours a day since Sunday at my house, and helping out others on my street, and doing my best to get roof patches on houses before the rain comes back this weekend. You try that with out any cold drinks and at best hot dogs to eat. I have been eating peanut butter, beef jerky and folks giving me meals for the work. I choose to do it this way ‘cause I can and don’t need much. Don’t get me wrong I am not just a begger off the street I work hard and make good money. I told my wife and kids to stay with her folks near Austin until power is stable and food is good suply. For now it is like a long camping trip just trying to help those who need it. But for some jerk who lives somewhere where 80 degrees is summer, yes we have been blessed with some cool weather for now but just think about doing actual work with out the thought of a cood (not always cold) drink!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please, please, please: stop using apostrophes in (non-possessive) plurals!
(End of rant)
In areas of low humidity, your sweat evaporates rapidly and efficiently, carrying a lot of excess heat away from the body (i.e., "yeah, but it's a dry heat."). In areas of high humidity (i.e. Houston, Louisiana, etc.) your sweat doesn't evaporate as efficiently, and not only does one become miserably slimy, but one's body heat doesn't get vented away anywhere near as easily. Ice can be critical in regulating a body's core temperature.
Likewise, in OIF, you were with military personnel, most if not all of whom were in reasonably good physical condition and had at least rudimentary training in identifying the early signs of dehydration and heat stress. Such is not the case when you have senior citizens, children, people who are not all physically fit, etc.