How to Keep Your House Warm During a Power Outage
When the power goes out in cold weather, your home can lose heat quickly—especially at night. But with smart preparation and simple techniques, you can stay warm, safe, and comfortable without electricity. Here’s how.
🌡️ Core Principles of Heat Retention
- Heat rises → Focus on warming upper body and core.
- Cold air sinks → Seal drafts near floors.
- Body heat is precious → Trap it with layers and shared space.
- Never risk carbon monoxide or fire → Safety first, always.
🔥 Immediate Actions (First 1–2 Hours)
1. Close Off Unused Rooms
- Shut doors to bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Use towels or draft stoppers at the base of doors.
- Goal: Reduce the space you need to heat.
2. Layer Up—Fast
- Put on thermal base layers, wool socks, hat, and gloves.
- Use fleece or down jackets indoors.
- Wrap in wool blankets or sleeping bags (they retain heat better than cotton).
3. Gather in One Room
- Choose a room with minimal windows and interior walls (e.g., bathroom, closet, or central bedroom).
- Bring bedding, water, and supplies.
- Body heat multiplies when people huddle together.
🛏️ Overnight Survival Tips
4. Create a “Bed Cocoon”
- Sleep in layers: thermal pajamas + socks + hat.
- Place hot water bottles (or sealed soda bottles filled with hot tap water) at your core (armpits, groin).
- Cover yourself with multiple blankets—add a plastic sheet or emergency blanket on top to trap heat (not next to skin).
5. Insulate Windows & Doors
- Hang heavy curtains, quilts, or cardboard over windows.
- Tape plastic sheeting over drafty panes.
- Stuff rolled towels along door bottoms.
6. Use Your Oven? NO.
- Never use a gas oven, stove, or charcoal grill indoors—carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless and deadly.
- Only use outdoor-safe heaters inside if they’re specifically rated for indoor use (e.g., Mr. Heater Buddy with oxygen sensor).
🔋 Safe Heat Sources (If Available)
|
Source
|
Safe?
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
|
Propane heater (indoor-rated)
|
✅ Yes
|
Must have ODS (oxygen depletion sensor)
|
|
Camping stove (butane/propane)
|
❌ No
|
Produces CO—only use outdoors
|
|
Fireplace or wood stove
|
✅ Yes
|
Ensure chimney is clean and damper open
|
|
Car exhaust
|
❌ Never
|
Deadly CO risk—even in garage
|
|
Candles
|
⚠️ Limited
|
Provide minimal heat; fire hazard. Use only in metal holders, never unattended.
|
🚨 Install battery-operated CO and smoke detectors—test them monthly.
🧣 Long-Term Prep (Before the Next Outage)
- Stockpile: Wool blankets, sleeping bags, hand/foot warmers, thermal clothing.
- Insulate: Weatherstrip doors, add window film, use door sweeps.
- Know your home: Identify the smallest, most insulated room for emergencies.
- Have a plan: Where will you go if temps drop below freezing? (e.g., friend’s house, warming center)
❤️ Special Considerations
- Infants & elderly: Lose heat faster. Monitor closely; keep core warm.
- Pets: Bring them into your warm zone; provide extra bedding.
- Medications: Some require refrigeration—have a cooler + ice pack ready.
❄️ What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t burn charcoal, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
- ❌ Don’t leave candles unattended.
- ❌ Don’t ignore shivering—it’s early hypothermia.
- ❌ Don’t sleep in a car with engine running (CO risk).
💡 Final Tip: Conserve Body Heat, Not Just House Heat
Your body is your best furnace. Eat high-calorie snacks (nuts, chocolate), drink warm non-alcoholic fluids, and stay dry. Movement generates heat—gentle exercises like marching in place help.
“Warmth isn’t just about temperature—it’s about wisdom, preparation, and care.”
Stay safe, stay warm—and remember: the goal isn’t comfort, it’s survival until power returns. 🕯️🧣
