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Stay Warm During a Winter Storm Power Outage

Stay Warm During a Winter Storm Power Outage

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What do you do for emergency heat if a power outage occurs during a winter storm?

Be Prepared

  • Get a generator and ensure you have fuel for it.
  • Get an indoor auxiliary (non-electrical) heater – follow operating and safety instructions.
  • Make sure your home heating fuel tank is full for the winter.
  • Have extra clothing and blankets on hand.
  • Stock up on firewood 

Staying Warm

  • Avoid opening and closing exterior doors.
  • Close all doors inside the house and live in one room.
  • Block drafts at the base of doors with rolled up towels.
  • Close blinds/curtains to insulate windows.
  • Fire up wood stoves and indoor propane heaters.
  • If it’s a sunny day, open blinds/curtains only on the sunny side of the house. Place dark clothing and blankets directly in the sunlight to soak up its heat.
  • Run a bathtub of hot water to add heat to the house.
  • Layer your clothing.
  • Drink hot beverages.
  • Eat to raise your metabolism, which will generate additional internal heat.
  • Don’t bathe unless necessary – getting wet will make you cold.
  • Use your vehicle’s heater for warmth only for brief periods of time, and ensure vehicle exhaust is adequately ventilated.

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