In our climate, power outages in the winter can be dangerous. Every family should have a plan to stay warm if the power goes out in the middle of winter. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things to do to try to keep your home warm until the power turns back on.
Choose the Warmest Room
You won’t be able to heat up or even conserve the heat in your whole home. Instead, try to pick the room that will be the warmest. You can set up near any sources of backup heat you may have, such as a stove or fireplace. If you don’t have one of those, then your best bet is typically a room with a large south-facing window. It will gain heat during the day.
If you are not using a backup source of heat that generates emissions, then you can try to restrict airflow in the room. Put a towel beneath the door and add things to the room that can absorb heat, such as a thermal mass.
Conserve Body Heat
Your second step should be to dress in multiple layers and use blankets to conserve heat. Dress as if you were going outside, with a coat, hat, and mittens to conserve the most body heat. Don’t forget to cuddle up under blankets too.
Gas-Powered Options
If you have any gas-powered heating options, they should continue to work through the power outage, unless the gas supply has also been affected.
Be sure that you have fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors if you’re using a gas-powered heating source.
Are you looking for backup home heating options? Contact our team at D&B ClimateCare today for information on your options.
Fire and Electricity
You may also have fire and electric options for heating. Fireplaces, wood stoves and, in extreme conditions even backyard firepits can be good options to generate heat. As always, make sure they can ventilate properly.
You may be able to use small electrical options if you have a generator to power it. Even a small generator can typically handle a portable electric heater. Be sure to keep these away from flammable objects, especially blankets, or you may start a fire.
Have an Evacuation Plan
Where will you go if your attempts to heat up fail and you need to get warm? Emergency services may be busy, so it is important to have an evacuation plan in mind before your coldness gets to the point where it’s an emergency. Remember that you can always start up your car, but it will take time to heat up. Then it’s best to drive to somewhere with more permanent heat.
Consider heading to a neighbour’s, friends or family member’s house if they have a generator or a better source of heat. Even gathering in groups can help conserve heat. If not, many government buildings will have generators and heat.
Preparing for Next Time
You can prepare for your next power outage to have a more reliable backup heating method. Consider a fireplace or generator.
Are you looking for more information on home heating? Our team at D&B ClimateCare would be happy to help. Give us a call today.
