No heat and broken Alternator belt... related?

Hey all:

Today quite cold -- high of 15F. Started truck today (2.7 with 180k) after sitting for 10 days to warm it up. 15 minutes and no heat! Temp selector moves and air seemingly "changes" but no heat. engine warm. Temp gauge warm. Then saw battery light was on and found Alt. belt broken. That solves the battery light, but heat...?

So, question is could these be related? Does heat (other than blower motor) depend on Alternator at opposed to just battery power... ? Blower motor works fine w/o Alternator...

Thanks in advance --

While I'm here, how far can one drive on battery only? No lights, no radio, no heat...etc. 15 miles on highway possible?

EDIT: I think the Alternator belt also spins the water pump...which would cause no heat I think. Anyone please jump in and confirm. thanks --

 

Reserve capacity is typically 90min worth of driving minus other draw. I would have at least 60 min to be on the safe side depending on battery conditions

I wouldn’t drive the 2/3rz without the water pump cooling the motor BTW

 

Thanks -- I'll bring a spare battery and will try the panty hose trick for water pump. Once in my '92 PU I was driving through Utah when my belt broke. Overheated. Guy stopped to help and put a panty hose on for a waterpump and alternator belt and I limped back to Knab to auto parts store. Changed belt there...

Moral of the story: Clearly I don't change my belts frequently enough....