Winter power outages can be more than an inconvenience—they can be a serious safety concern, especially in freezing temperatures. At The Denman Homestead, we believe in preparing for the unexpected and staying resilient no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Here’s our guide on what to do if you lose power in the winter, including essential tips for staying safe, warm, and well-prepared.
1. Stock Up on Winter Power Outage Essentials
Having a stockpile of basic supplies is crucial during the winter months. Here’s a checklist of essentials to keep on hand:
- Flashlights and Batteries: Ensure each room has a flashlight, and stock up on extra batteries.
- Non-Perishable Foods and Water: Choose foods that don’t require cooking, such as canned goods, jerky, and dried fruits. Keep enough water on hand for drinking and cooking (about one gallon per person per day).
- Warm Blankets and Sleeping Bags: Heavy blankets or sleeping bags rated for cold weather can make a big difference.
- First-Aid Kit: Include medications and emergency medical supplies.
- Portable Phone Chargers: A power bank can help keep your phone charged in emergencies.
- Portable Heater (if available): Battery-powered or propane heaters designed for indoor use can be a lifesaver, but make sure they’re used safely with proper ventilation.
The Denman Homestead tip: During winter, we like to keep our essential items together in an easily accessible place. That way, if the power goes out unexpectedly, we’re ready.
2. Layer Up to Stay Warm
When the power’s out, your main concern will be staying warm. Dress in layers to trap body heat and focus on insulating core areas.
- Layer Clothing: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulation (like fleece or wool), and top it off with a weather-resistant outer layer.
- Wear Hats, Gloves, and Thick Socks: We lose a lot of heat through our extremities, so cover up as much as possible.
- Use Blankets: Bundle up in blankets and consider creating a family “camp” in one room to conserve heat and keep each other warm.
The Denman Homestead tip: If you have young kids, turning the situation into a “camping adventure” with blankets and sleeping bags can make the experience more enjoyable and less scary.
3. Prevent Heat Loss
When the power goes out, take steps to keep your living area warm by minimizing heat loss.
- Close Off Unused Rooms: Shut doors to rooms that aren’t being used to keep the main living area warmer.
- Hang Blankets or Plastic Over Windows: Covering windows helps to insulate and block cold drafts.
- Use Towels to Block Drafts: Place rolled-up towels at the base of doors to keep cold air from seeping in.
The Denman Homestead tip: Heavy curtains or blankets hung over doorways can create makeshift “doors” and help keep rooms cozier.
4. Alternative Heat Sources
If you have off-grid heating sources, like a wood stove or a propane heater, they can be invaluable during a power outage. Here are some safe ways to use alternative heat sources:
- Wood Stove or Fireplace: These provide warmth and can even be used for cooking. Make sure your chimney is cleaned and inspected regularly, and keep a stack of firewood ready.
- Propane or Kerosene Heaters: If you have a propane or kerosene heater, ensure it’s designed for indoor use and follow all safety precautions, including ventilation. Never leave it running unattended.
- Candles and Oil Lamps: While they don’t provide a lot of heat, candles and oil lamps can add a bit of warmth and much-needed light.
Safety Note: Always have a working carbon monoxide detector if you’re using any fuel-burning appliances indoors, as they can produce harmful gases if not properly ventilated.
5. Preserve Your Food
When the power goes out, your refrigerator and freezer will start to warm up. Here’s how to keep food safe as long as possible:
- Keep Doors Closed: The less you open your fridge and freezer, the longer they’ll stay cold. A full freezer can keep food frozen for 48 hours if unopened.
- Use Coolers and Ice: If it’s freezing outside, you can transfer food to a cooler and leave it outdoors, just be sure it’s secure from animals.
- Eat Perishables First: Prioritize foods from the fridge that will spoil quickest, and save non-perishables for later.
The Denman Homestead tip: In a winter storm, snow can be packed around coolers to keep perishables cold without needing to open the freezer.
6. Prepare for Water Needs
In a winter outage, your water supply could be disrupted if pipes freeze. Here’s how to prepare:
- Store Water: Keep bottled water on hand for drinking, cooking, and washing.
- Fill Up Containers: If you have a bit of notice before an outage, fill your bathtub or large containers with water.
- Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate pipes in exposed areas, and let faucets drip slightly to prevent freezing.
The Denman Homestead tip: We keep a few gallon jugs filled with water in the pantry as a backup for flushing toilets or cleaning when needed.
7. Plan for Light Sources
Without power, your home will get dark quickly in the winter. Here are some alternative light sources to keep things safe and comfortable:
- Flashlights and Headlamps: Keep flashlights handy in each room for easy access.
- Battery Lanterns: Battery-powered lanterns offer bright, safe illumination for extended periods.
- Candles and Oil Lamps: If you’re using candles or oil lamps, place them in safe spots away from flammable items and out of reach of pets or young children.
The Denman Homestead tip: We keep a stash of candles and an oil lamp on hand, as they give off a cozy, warm glow that adds to the ambiance.
8. Keep Spirits Up and Stay Occupied
Power outages can be stressful, especially for young kids, so keeping morale up is important:
- Board Games and Books: Set aside a few games, puzzles, and books to keep everyone entertained.
- Cooking Over the Fire: If you have a wood stove or fireplace, involve the family in preparing a meal or hot drinks together.
- Stay Positive: Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets and a sense of adventure. Keep everyone engaged, warm, and comfortable as best as possible.
The Denman Homestead tip: Sharing stories or playing card games by candlelight can make the experience more enjoyable and less unsettling.
9. Prepare in Advance with an Emergency Kit
The best time to prepare for a winter power outage is before it happens. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra blankets
- Fire-starting supplies
- A multi-tool or small toolkit
- Battery backup chargers for devices
The Denman Homestead tip: We keep our emergency kit in a central location, so it’s always within reach when we need it.
Winter power outages don’t have to be a disaster if you’re prepared. By following these tips, you can keep your family safe, warm, and comfortable even during the coldest weather. At The Denman Homestead, we believe that a little preparedness goes a long way, and we hope these tips help you feel more confident and ready for whatever winter brings.
Stay safe and stay warm!
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