As we enter into the colder months of the year, it’s important to be prepared for possible winter power outages. It can be difficult to fight off the cold temperatures without energy to heat up your home. That’s why we’ve have compiled a list of five easy ways to keep you and your family comfortable in a winter power outage.
Break out the layers
When there’s no power to heat your home, your body quickly feels the outdoor temperatures. Maintain body heat by layering your clothing and bundling up in blankets. Don’t forget to cover your head, hands and feet, too, as these are the areas where your body tends to lose the most heat. Wearing hats and gloves in addition to your other layers, even while indoors, can help keep you warm as you wait for power to be restored.
Get cozy with a fireplace
Fireplaces are a great way to add extra heat and light to your home during a winter power outage. If your house has a traditional fireplace, stock up on firewood at the beginning of the season and store it in a dry place. This way, if you lose power, you’ll have enough dry firewood to heat your home. Remember to always practice caution around the fireplace, and never leave it unattended while lit.
Cook and bake
Baking and cooking also adds a touch of heat to your home without electricity. Better yet, the tempting smells will distract you from the cold. Never try to heat your home with an open oven door; it’s a recipe for disaster.
Drink warm liquids
Drinking warm liquids such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate during a winter power outage ensures that your body temperature remains at a healthy level. In preparation of a power outage, you can invest in a portable gas burner to help heat liquids and give your body the extra warmth it needs.
Prepare for nighttime
Without power, a cold house can feel downright frigid at night. Fall asleep faster by taking time to promote warmth at nighttime. Be sure to close all curtains at night. Curtains provide extra protection from cold air that may seep through glass or possible window leaks. If your windows don’t have curtains, tack blankets up to block cold air from entering your home.
Heat rises, usually making rooms on upper levels warmer than lower-level rooms. Regardless, bundling up with layered clothing and extra blankets on your bed will keep you warm overnight.
Keeping your home warm without power can be a challenge. If you find yourself in a winter power outage, remain calm and enlist the help of these tips. MoreVent is here to support you any time of the day. Call us at 1-610-257-7702 today!
