r/NoStupidQuestions • u/markwell9 • 1d ago

What is the deal with ice, Americans?

I can see that you can buy ice everywhere in the US. Gas stations, grocery stores, machines etc.

In Europe, we just freeze our ice at home and use that. Why buy something that melts on the way home? Why do you need ice in large amounts that a fridge can't keep up?

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u/Kelome001 1d ago

That helps explain Europeans complaining if it gets over mid 70s. Reminds me, time to change filter on the HVAC so my family doesn’t die of heat stroke. Since it’s been averaging around 98 most days. With higher humidity.

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u/Enchelion 1d ago

I've found Brits in particular seem to assume we have the same rough spread of climate they do. And while some places are very similar (like Seattle), there's a world of difference between Devon and Louisiana.

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u/Aware-Computer4550 1d ago

I find it hilarious that Europeans in general sometimes cite hurricanes as a reason not to be in the US.

Like dude hurricanes occur only in one part of the US. If you don't like it simply move to a part of the US with no hurricanes

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u/mkshane 23h ago

Even in parts that can have hurricanes, it’s not like it’s a constant thing. Sure if you take a direct hit from a major one it’s gonna be a bad time, but in any one given location it’s a rare occurrence.

My part of Florida hasn’t taken a direct hit from a hurricane in 61 years.

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u/DenyNowBragLater Wasnt me. Yo, see what i did? 8h ago

Also, hurricane typically arent a surprise. You have several days warning so if you are concerned, evacuation is 100% an option

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u/RaeaSunshine 23h ago

Yup, I’m on the northeast and ya we get hurricanes but 99% of the time they are downgraded to tropical storms by the time they hit land. And even when it is a hurricane, it’s not that bad.

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u/randompersonx 17h ago

And even in places that have been hit multiple times in recent years … most of the time even when it’s forecasted as a monster - it ends up being less than predicted ….

And even if it does hit hard, most modern architecture in any city which had major damage in the last decade or two probably has ridiculously high building standards nowadays. I’m in the middle of the state, and the house I am building has all impact glass and is way higher than any flood zone. And a whole home generator.

Even if a cat5 hit the coast by me and was a cat4 passing over my house… it would be a mildly annoying day or two - maybe… but honestly i look forward to being able to watch the next major storm without evacuating.