How to Stay Warm When You Lose Power: Practical Tips for Cold Weather Survival

Cover Your Floors and Walls

Homes lose heat through surfaces, just like people.

Floors: To combat the chill, cover cold floors like tile or wood with rugs, carpets, or even spare blankets. Warm up bathroom floors with bath mats or old towels.

Walls: Back in the Middle Ages, castle dwellers used tapestries to insulate drafty walls. They were definitely on to something. You can trap warmth by hanging quilts, heavy blankets, or pretty tapestries on external walls.

Drink Warm (but Not Alcoholic) Drinks

Hot beverages will feel comforting during a power outage.

Make tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or broth if your stove is working

Preheat water in a thermos if you are able to prepare ahead of time.

A lot of people reach for alcoholic drinks because they feel warm going down, but alcohol will actually reduce your core body temperature, putting you at greater risk of hypothermia.

Stay in One Room

Select a single room for your family and huddle up. Keep this space as warm as possible:

Limit the space: Block off unused areas with blankets, tarps, or plastic sheeting.

Set up a tent: For a fun “camping indoors” adventure, pitch a small tent inside the room and line it with sleeping bags or extra blankets.

Share body heat: Cuddle with family members or pets- you’ll keep each other warm.

Use a Propane Heater

Portable propane heaters can be lifesavers during a winter outage, but you need to be safe when using them.

Pick models with safety features like tip-over shutoff, low oxygen sensors, and pilot light cutoffs.

Make sure your space is well-ventilated: Crack open a window slightly to circulate fresh air and prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Never leave the heater unattended. Keep any flammable materials away from the heater. Keep children or pets away, too.

What About Generators?

Gas Generators

Gas generators can pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if used indoors. Always operate these outdoors in a well-ventilated area, far from windows or doors. Renters are usually prohibited from using gas generators due to fire and safety risks.