Staying Warm

The average home will stay warm for 8-12 hours during a blackout in the winter. Here are some tips to help you and your home retain as much heat as possible during the power outage.

• Provide proper ventilation for an alternative heat source that produces a lot of CO2, like running vehicles, fuel-based generators, and gas-powered stoves.
• Buddy propane heaters are safe for indoor use. Just double-check that the one you have is in fact for indoor use.
• If using a battery-powered space heater, place it on a stable surface away from flammable materials.
• Close off unused rooms to avoid wasting heat by shutting the door or hanging heavy blankets in front of them.
• Use a dehumidifier in these rooms to hold heat in the air longer while preventing mold growth.
• Avoid opening and closing the exterior doors too much by going out through your porch or garage, so it’ll trap the cold air before it comes inside.
• Wear as many (preferably several) layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, and warm clothing as you can without sweating.
• Wear a hat since the bulk of your heat loss happens through your head.
• Wear gloves or mittens to prevent heat loss in the fingers.
• Wear long wool socks to prevent heat loss in the toes.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can create a false sense of warmth.
• Stuff towels or rags in a crack under the door, or get draft blockers.
• If the wall has cracks that are causing heat loss tape over them, or use caulking to block them up.
• If sunny outside, open the curtains or blinds to absorb sunlight. At night close them and tape the sides and bottom with painter or duct tape.
• You can also cover the windows with bubble wrap to let light in while preventing heat from leaking out.
• Cover any AC Units that can’t be removed from the windows.
• Scatter dark-colored clothing or blankets on hardwood or tile floors to keep them from sucking out the heat.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure the flue is open, so the smoke doesn’t back up into the home.
• Keep it burning as long as possible, or if you have to limit your wood supply burn in regular intervals, letting it get considerably cold between burning.
• Snuggle up with family and pets to soak up each other’s body heat.
• Eat and drink warm or room-temperature food and beverages to gain body heat.
• Increase your calorie count for the day as your body needs more of it to stay warm.
• Break out some camping supplies to turn the night into a camping adventure because tents and sleeping bags can help you stay warm.
• You could also build a blanket fort.
• Head to the basement. The insulating quality of the earth surrounding it helps it hold heat longer.
• Or move to the top floor since the heat rises.
• Do not burn anything larger than a candle to stay warm, or avoid it completely.
• If you have an outdoor grill, use it to heat up some Firebricks and carefully bring them inside for warmth. Just don’t put them on a flammable surface.
• Use chemical hand warmer packets in gloves, footwear, or pockets. Be careful putting them directly onto your skin, as they can give you sunburn-like burns.
• Exercising is a great way to generate internal body heat. Turn the blackout into a dance party.
• If the blackout is going to be a long-term issue, many communities will set up a warming shelter for the locals where soup and hot cocoa will be served.
• Fill up hot water bottles to place them under pillows or blankets to warm up the bed.