Staying Safe and Warm in a Winter Power Outage

A cozy warm home in the freezing winter temperatures is not only inviting but can literally save your life. What would you do if your electricity and natural gas were to be suddenly disrupted in the dead of winter?
​Avoid heat loss
The first and most important step to staying warm during a power outage can be summed up in one word: conservation. We don’t think much about it when the heating is working, but a blast of cold can quickly drop the temp 5 to 10 degrees with no easy way to get that heat back. Trap the heat in your home by doing the following:
  • Roll up a towel and place it on the base of exterior doors. If you have to leave, go through a porch or garage.
  • Unless south-facing windows bring in a little heat if it’s sunny, keep the curtains closed to reduce heat loss through the windows.
  • If the power cut is prolonged, move all the family activities into one room and keep the interior doors shut to retain some of the room’s heat. Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and flashlights. Put on additional clothing layers, gloves, and a hat.
  • If you have a tent and enough space, consider placing it temporarily inside to capture and share body heat.

Put the generator running
Some homes have standby generators that run on the home’s natural gas or propane supply and turn on automatically when the electricity goes out. The portable backup generators are instead gasoline-powered tools, and if you plan to use one, you should follow the following precautions:
  • Never run the generator inside.
  • Place the generator in a well-ventilated area with the exhaust directed away from your home.
  • Connect only electric heaters and the most necessary appliances.
Fire up the fireplace
This is one of the simplest ways to warm a room when there’s no electricity. Gas fireplaces that are equipped with a battery backup for the ignition will continue to work even if there’s no electricity. For wood-burning fireplaces, conserve wood by using the fireplace intermittently. Remember to keep flammable items away from the fireplace.

Use a portable heater with an open window
If you use a portable heater, make sure it’s indoor-safe as some can cause a deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

Stay Safe During Winter Weather

​Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
  • Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.
Stay out of the home if necessary
Hunkering down at home isn’t always the best option. When it’s safe to drive, consider heading to a hotel to avoid a power outage. Before leaving, take the following measures to protect your home while you’re gone:
  • Unplug electronic devices.
  • Shut off the main water valve to your house and drain the water from the faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
  • If your alarm system is still working, set it before leaving.
  • Make sure all doors and windows are closed.

Power outages can be frustrating and stressful, but if you follow these helpful tips, you will hopefully stay warm and safe until everything is back to normal.​
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