When winter storms knock out power a family needs to take steps mitigating the effects of a freezing house. Especially when living in an area subject to power outages a family may take several steps to prepare for a winter onslaught without power. For example, a backup power generator will provide enough energy to run most freezers, refrigerators and furnace units if purchased and prepared in advance. A backup wood stove will heat all or most of most homes and becomes a centerpiece for most rooms and is a great option for backup heat requirements.
Read CEN article on Kerosene heaters as an effective backup source.
Another option, which may be expensive, is to locate a hotel and relocate the family. However, when experiencing a power outage and you don’t have backup arrangements in place, there’s still much you’re able to do.
During winter the house will begin to experience temperature drops quickly so start putting on warm clothes before becoming cold. Use layered clothing which will more effectively trap your body than a single heavy coat. Use extra pairs of socks, work gloves and wear a warm hat even in the house. You’re not making a fashion statement but keep in mind it’s far easier to stay warm than it is to warm up in a cold house after you're chilled to the bone. A lot of heat will escape from your hands and head. Scripture gives as an example, “She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.” (Proverbs 31:21)
Select one room for the family to occupy together, preferably a room with a low ceiling and not too large, keeping the heat contained in the room. A family may be tempted to want to return to their bedrooms for sleep, but better when possible to set up camp in your designated room and the combined body heat will significantly assist in keeping everyone warm. King Solomon understood this principle when he wrote, “Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11)
If you have a regular fireplace, they are not very efficient for heating, as vigorously as possible to kick out more heat and warm the hearth. Encourage someone to get up during the evening to rekindle the fire to keep what heat is available going.
Read the CEN article on Candle use. Properly and safely used the candles will provide some additional heat as well as light source.
Heating Warm drinks and hot food will go a long way to lifting spirits and keeping everybody warm. CEN article Cooking when the power goes out. If you don’t have backup cooking utensils many larger candles will still heat up tea or other drinks and your barbecue will likely warm-up canned foods.
Another step to take is to close all curtains, blinds and window coverings which will help serve as insulation to retain heat in the house.
Always keep in mind the importance of staying ahead of feeling cold, which is why all of these warming steps should be taken sooner rather than later. Always stay focused easier to stay warm than to take additional warm-up steps once you are freezing. Any home without heat during winter cold presents a significant challenge to any family. Following these key principles will make your unexpected family togetherness as pleasant as possible. Learn more how to be a ReadyChristian.
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Great guidance here. Also, remember that if you have a common fireplace that is more for ambiance than functional heat, you may be able to obtain a fairly inexpensive heat-a-lator at some Wood Stove shops. This is a device that is inserted into the fireplace and pushes the hot air out into your room.
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