When the power goes out in cold weather, indoor temperatures can drop quickly—especially in poorly insulated homes. But with smart preparation and simple techniques, you can stay warm, safe, and comfortable without electricity.
Here’s what experts (including FEMA and the CDC) recommend:
🛑 First: Prioritize Safety
- Never use ovens, grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors—they produce deadly carbon monoxide (CO).
- Use battery-powered CO detectors—essential during outages.
- Avoid candles if possible (fire risk); use LED lanterns instead.
🔥 Immediate Actions to Retain Heat
1. Close Off Unused Rooms
- Shut doors and block drafts under them with towels or rolled blankets.
- Focus heat in one central room (ideally with a fireplace or wood stove).
2. Seal Drafts
- Use weatherstripping tape, rolled towels, or draft stoppers on doors/windows.
- Cover windows at night with heavy curtains, blankets, or cardboard (traps air).
3. Dress in Layers
- Wool or fleece base layers trap heat better than cotton.
- Don’t forget: hat, socks, and gloves—you lose 10% of body heat through your head.
4. Use Body Heat Wisely
