How to Keep Your House Warm During a Power Outage
When the power goes out in winter, the temperature inside your home can drop faster than you expect. What starts as a simple inconvenience can quickly turn into a serious comfort and safety issue—especially overnight. But staying warm during a power outage isn’t about luck or expensive equipment; it’s about using smart strategies, protecting your body heat, and making your space work for you. With the right preparation and a few practical steps, you can reduce heat loss, stay safe from hidden dangers, and keep yourself and your family warm until the electricity comes back on.
1.
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.
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