Though I haven't had personal experience with them, there exists battery packs that deliver extra power (including A/C) which the block heater could be plugged into. A little knowledge of how to swap out a dead glow plug could prove useful as well. Diesel anti gel in the tank, etc etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Jump-N-Carry-JNC950-2000-Peak-Starter/dp/B000KPSA0W/ref=sr_1_6?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1329058444&sr=1-6