How to Stay Warm and Safe When the Power Goes Out (2024)

How to Stay Warm and Safe When the Power Goes Out (1)

As you and many other families across the country are bracing for winter storms, you may be considering some preparation to help keep warm. Power outages and freezing temperatures means getting creative with heat. Additionally, fires due to the misuse of different heating sources are a major concern when storms hit. So how can you keep your family warm and safe if you experience a power outage? Here are some ways you can prepare for power outages.

Alternative Heat Sources

When your regular heat is out due to the power outage, you’ll want to have some alternative options. Keep in mind these sources are where the fire risk is the highest. Make sure to follow all recommended safety protocols when using these.

  • Candles – A group of candles can provide some warmth, as long as they are not in a place where they can be knocked over.
  • Solar Heaters – While these are pretty expensive, they be used effectively to heat one room or a small section of a house.
  • Wood Stove or Fireplace – A stack of firewood can make for easy eating with a wood stove or fireplace, which is a great way to heat the whole house and prepare food.
  • Portable Generator – A portable generator can help run a space heater or two, while a large one is good for running a furnace. Both need to be kept outside away from the house and will require some extra fuel on hand.

    • Your level of risk of power outage will determine what options are best for you. You don’t need to splurge for a large generator or panel of solar heaters if you generally have mild winters with minimal risk of power outage.

    See Also
    How to Prevent Power Outages: Solutions & Tips

    Keep the Warmth In

    Just like you want your kids to keep the door to the freezer closed to keep the cold air in, when the power goes out, you’ll want to keep the warm air in for as long as possible.

  • Cover the Windows – Putting duct tape along the window seals, plastic or garbage bags over the glass, or even using bubble wrap (yes, a use for that from your last move!) will help provide a layer of insulation on the windows.
  • Close the Blinds and Curtains – After you’ve added the insulation to the windows, make sure you keep the blinds and curtains closed, this will help block drafts. When the sun shines again, open them up and let the warmth back in — even if only temporarily.
  • Block Drafts – Rolled up towels are a great option for blocking drafts from windows sils or doors. You can use blankets, shirts, etc., anywhere there may be a draft.
  • Stay In One Small Room – Gather in one small room, preferably a small one with few windows that is big enough for your family. Close the door and cover vents to keep as much warm air in it as possible.
  • Close other Doors – After you’ve chosen a room to gather in, close the doors to the other rooms, again to keep the heat where you are located.

    • When trying to keep the warmth in, you can get very creative with keeping the cold out. Huddle up together in a small place and focus all of your resources on heating that one area.

    Use What You Have

    As with using curtains and towels to keep the warmth in, you may need to break out extra layers and blankets to keep yourself warm.

  • Layer Your Clothing – Multiple pairs of socks, thermal underwear, sweatshirts and even hat and gloves will all come in handy when the power goes out and your house is cold.
  • Hand Warmers – If you experience power outages frequently, or you live in a cold area, a pair of handwarmers is a great investment. You can put them in your socks and gloves to help keep warm.
  • Lots of Blankets – Break out the blankets and pile them up to help keep warm. Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well.
  • Sleeping Bags – Blankets are good for on the couch, but at night, you’ll want to sleep in a good-quality sleeping bag to trap all that body heat right where it belongs.

    • If you have a love for blankets and sweatshirts, you’re halfway there as far as preparing for a power outage in the cold weather.

    Get Creative

    You may have heard old wives’ tales about how you can keep your house warm without power and rolled your eyes. But some of those things may be true, with a little creativity.

  • Drink Warm Liquids - Drinking hot liquids will help keep your body temperature up but getting liquids hot could be a challenge. You could use a camp stove! If you can’t make things hot, at least don’t drink them cold.
  • Exercise – Just a few minutes of moving around with purpose will help you warm up quickly. Jumping jacks, burpees, or even a simple game of Simon Says with the kids will help warm everyone up and boost morale.
  • Indoor Camping – Just like huddling in a small room will help conserve the heat you do have a tent will trap in body heat. You can even throw a blanket over the top to help trap even more heat inside.
  • Hot Water Bottles – Just like years ago, hot water bottles can help keep you warm. Bags of rice and beans can do the same. Put it near your space heater or fire (not too close!) and then snuggle up with it.

    • Creativity is key here, coupled with safety. Whatever you can think of that will keep you and your family warm is worth trying out.

    Is your area at risk for a power outage this winter? Review these tips and be ready to implement them if the time comes. Stay warm!

    See Also
    How long is refrigerated or frozen food safe after a power outage?What to do to Prepare Before a Power OutageFood Safety During Power OutageHow to Prepare for Summer Power Outages - HSI
    How to Stay Warm and Safe When the Power Goes Out (2024)

    FAQs

    How to Stay Warm and Safe When the Power Goes Out? ›

    Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, especially warm socks, and gloves if you have them. Eat and drink food to provide energy to warm the body but avoid alcohol or caffeine. If you have candles, lighting them can help act as a heat source, especially in an enclosed space.

    Continue Reading ›
    How to keep warm when power is out? ›

    Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, especially warm socks, and gloves if you have them. Eat and drink food to provide energy to warm the body but avoid alcohol or caffeine. If you have candles, lighting them can help act as a heat source, especially in an enclosed space.

    Learn More ›
    How do you survive the cold when the power goes out? ›

    Dress warmly, in layers. If you lose your heat, close the doors of unused rooms and place towels under the doors. At night, cover windows with shades, extra blankets or sheets. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power is restored.

    Learn More ›
    How long can a house stay warm without power? ›

    The average home will stay warm for 8-12 hours after the power goes out. After the first 8-12 hours, most homes will experience a gradual cooling over the course of the next couple of days.

    Discover More ›
    How to warm a house with no power? ›

    7 Ways to Heat Your Home When the Power Goes Out
    1. Use a Generator.
    2. Get an Indoor Propane Heater.
    3. Use a Wood Stove or Fireplace.
    4. Increase Heat If You Know Power Might Go Out.
    5. Don't Open and Close Outside Doors.
    6. Insulate and Block Drafts.
    7. Let Sunshine Through Windows.
    Dec 13, 2018

    Tell Me More ›
    How to survive without electricity in winter? ›

    These cold-weather emergency tips can see your family through until your power is restored.
    1. Condense your living space. It's much easier to warm a smaller space than a bigger one. ...
    2. Keep doors to the outside closed. ...
    3. Block any drafts from entering your home. ...
    4. Cover windows and close blinds at night. ...
    5. Dress in multiple layers.
    Mar 15, 2021

    Tell Me More ›
    How do you keep cold food safe during a power outage? ›

    During a Power Outage

    Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. The refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours. If the power is off longer, you can transfer food to a cooler and fill with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure there is enough ice to keep food in the cooler at 40°F or below.

    Find Out More ›
    How long can a fridge stay cold when power is out? ›

    Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

    Keep Reading ›
    How can I cool my house during a power outage? ›

    Staying Cool During a Power Failure
    1. Close all of your curtains, drapes, and blinds to keep sunlight from heating up your rooms.
    2. Close exterior and interior doors, and when there is no door between rooms hang a blanket over the open doorway. ...
    3. Turn off all unnecessary electronics, even those that run on battery power.

    Get More Info ›
    Will pipes freeze if power goes out? ›

    During the winter months, electrical outages can also wreak havoc on your plumbing system and appliances if outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, and the outage lasts long enough to allow the water in your pipes to freeze, making power outage even more aggravating.

    Know More ›

    How cold is too cold for no heat? ›

    Losing your home's heating is considered an emergency when it's 40 degrees or colder outside.

    See Details ›
    How cold can a house get overnight? ›

    Indoor temperatures go down faster at night, so if your furnace stops overnight, you can expect a quicker decline. This can be as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit before morning.

    Discover More Details ›
    Does heat still work if power goes out? ›

    When electricity goes out in the winter, so does your main heat source, whether that is a furnace, boiler or electric heat. Even gas furnaces cannot run without electricity. To prepare, research alternative heat sources that don't need electricity.

    Discover More Details ›
    How can I heat my home in an emergency? ›

    It may include a fireplace; a charcoal grill; a wood, coal, gas or oil stove or space heater; a camping stove or heater; electric or gas oven and surface heating units; a portable gas oven; a gas-fired hot water heater; or portable electric heater.

    Discover More ›
    How do you survive a power outage in heat? ›

    Getting Through a Heat Wave Without Electricity
    1. Check and update your home insulation. ...
    2. Purchase non-electric items for backup. ...
    3. Create some outdoor shade. ...
    4. Block out the heat. ...
    5. Let the breeze in. ...
    6. Cool down with water. ...
    7. Sleep outside or in a cooler room. ...
    8. Don't cook inside.

    Tell Me More ›
    How can I heat my food indoors without power? ›

    Keep reading to learn how to keep your family fed with no power.
    1. Solar Oven: A Cheap Way to Cook Food Without Power. ...
    2. Wood-Burning Stoves: Safe Indoor Cooking Without Electricity. ...
    3. Barbecue Grills: An Outdoor Cooker You Probably Already Have. ...
    4. Open-Fire: The Most Ancient Way to Heat Food.
    Jul 7, 2022

    View Details ›
    How to keep pipes from freezing without power? ›

    You can let the faucets drip overnight to avoid freezing during the drop in temperatures after the sun goes down. To avoid pipes freezing in the house during a power outage, you can also flush your toilet every once in a while to keep water running through the pipes.

    Discover More ›
    How do I keep my house cool during a power outage? ›

    Staying Cool During a Power Failure
    1. Close all of your curtains, drapes, and blinds to keep sunlight from heating up your rooms.
    2. Close exterior and interior doors, and when there is no door between rooms hang a blanket over the open doorway. ...
    3. Turn off all unnecessary electronics, even those that run on battery power.

    Continue Reading ›
    What kind of blanket is best for power outage? ›

    Wool blankets are the best for staying warm, and keeping your head covered with a hat will help as well.

    See Details ›
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