As any homeowner knows, the comfort and coziness of your home can be compromised when the power goes out. Whether it’s caused by a storm, technical failure, or other unexpected circumstances, losing power can be a real hassle.
But don’t worry – there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your home cozy and comfortable even when the lights go out.
Preparing for a power outage
The best way to prepare for a power outage is to plan ahead. Start by stocking up on basic supplies that you may need in case of an emergency, such as flashlights, candles, matches, and batteries. It’s also a good idea to keep a battery-powered radio or TV on hand, as well as a spare cell phone battery.
Next, make sure your furnace and any other devices that rely on electricity are checked and in good working order. If you have any fireplaces or wood stoves in your home, make sure they are also in good condition and ready to use if necessary.
Finally, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of your home’s circuit breaker and main shut-off switch, so that you can quickly shut off the power in case of an emergency.
Keeping your home warm during a power outage
When the power goes out, the temperature of your home can drop quickly, making it uncomfortable to stay inside. To keep your home warm, there are a few steps you can take.
Wear the Right Clothing
The first step to staying warm during a power outage is to dress appropriately. Choose clothes that are made from natural fibers like wool or cotton, as these will help to keep you warm even when the temperature in your home drops. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which tend to make you feel colder.
Also, wear layers! Wearing multiple layers of clothing will help to trap your body heat and keep you warmer for longer.
If you like going the high tech route, there are several different products out there that use battery packs to keep your clothing warm. There is everything from heated gloves/socks to heated suits.
Of Course you would have to make sure the batteries were charged before a power outage occurs.
Utilize Your Fireplace
If you have a fireplace in your home, you can use it to keep your home warm during a power outage. Make sure to stock up on plenty of firewood and store it somewhere safe and dry. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can also purchase a small wood stove or camp stove that you can use to stay warm.
We personally have ventless gas logs in one of our fireplaces that keep most of our house warm when the power goes out. We also have a wood burning fireplace and a ventless heater on our basement wall.
It is always nice to have more than one way to keep yourself warm.
Utilize Hot Water Bottles
Hot water bottles are a great way to keep warm during a power outage. Simply fill a water bottle with hot water and place it in your bed or near you while you’re sitting. This will help to keep you warm and comfortable even when the power is out.
Prepare for Heating Food
During a power outage, you may not be able to use your stove or oven to cook food. To prepare for this, it’s a good idea to keep a few non-perishable items on hand that you can heat up quickly and easily, such as canned soup or hot chocolate.
You can also purchase a camp stove or small BBQ, which can be used to heat food during a power outage.
Other Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm When the Power Goes Out
In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are a few other tips you can use to keep your home warm when the power goes out.
Use Solar Powered Lights
If you’re looking for a way to light up your home during a power outage, consider investing in some solar powered lights. These lights are powered by the sun and can be placed inside or outside your home. They’re a great way to add a bit of light and comfort to your home during a power outage.
Use Candles, Flashlights, and Headlamps
When the power goes out, it can be hard to see in the dark. Make sure to keep a few flashlights, headlamps, and candles on hand to help you find your way around. Just remember to be careful with open flames.
In my experience, you can never have enough flashlights. Especially since we have 3 young kids and flashlights disappear all the time.
Invest in an Emergency Generator
If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, it may be worth investing in an emergency generator. These generators can be used to power your home in the event of a power outage and can help to keep your home warm and comfortable.
There are tons of different types of generators on the market, so do some research and see which one will work out best for your situation.
Keep the Blinds or Curtains Closed
Another tip for keeping your home warm during a power outage is to keep the blinds or curtains closed. This will help to trap the heat inside your home and reduce the amount of cold air that comes in.
Just think out it as an extra layer of insulation.
Conclusion
No one likes to be stuck at home in the dark, cold, and uncomfortable when the power goes out. But with a few simple steps, you can make sure your home stays warm and comfortable when the lights go out.
Start by stocking up on basic supplies, dressing appropriately, and using solar powered lights. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure it’s in good working order and ready to use.
And finally, don’t forget to keep the blinds or curtains closed to help trap the heat inside your home. Following these simple steps will ensure that you and your family stay warm in the event of a power outage.
About the Author
My name is Robert and those that know me know that I like to research and to always be prepared the best I can for whatever life brings my way. My website was born out of putting those two things together. I am married with 3 children, a dog, 2 hamsters, 3 fish, and a gecko. We have many life adventures.
Thanks for reading!
https://notscaredalwaysprepared.com
