It’s vital to prepare and keep warm during a winter power outage. Heavy snow, sleet, wind, and ice can cause significant damage and wreck the electric power lines.
When the power goes out, the various electrical devices and equipment go off, including the boiler, heater, and furnace, essential in providing heat and warmth in the home.
However, there are several ways to help ensure that the situation does not become severe and fatal. Below we will inform you of some of the causes of power outages and how to stay warm if power goes out in winter.
Causes of power outages
During winter, the leading causes of power outages are:
- Cold weather-related problems.
- Frozen water lines.
- Frozen equipment.
- Ice accumulation on the solar panels and wind turbines.
Winter weather is also characterized by heavy snow, ice storms, and high winds, leading to blackout and power outages. High winds can bring down tree branches and trees, which can directly fall onto the power lines causing power outages.
Top 5 states where power outages occur in winter
Every year, power outages affect a vast majority of people across the various states in the United States. There are distinct causes that lead to power outages in these states, including tree damage, winter storms, faulty or frozen equipment, and even car accidents. Some states have more power outages than others.
Some of the top five states affected by power outages include Texas, California, Ohio, New York, and Michigan. Various measures are constantly put in place to ensure that these states are not adversely affected by the power outages during winter.
how to stay warm if power goes out in winter
1. Seal window and door leaks
Windows and doors are one of the leading causes of heat loss in a room.
During sundown or when the daylight fades, it’s vital to ensure that blinds and drapes cover your doors and windows to keep the room warmer.
Another way of preventing any heat loss from gaps around the doors and windows is by having a temporary fix of rolling up blankets or towels and wedging them against the bases of windows and doors.
It’s vital to ensure that you seal any window or door seals permanently since they can lead to higher energy costs.
2. Let the sunshine in during the day
It’s vital to ensure that you keep yourself warm during a power outage in winter by taking advantage of the warmth coming from the sun.
Light and warm heat from the sun will help keep you warm and power the solar panel with light energy used to generate power in the panel.
A window can illuminate and light up a large area in a room.
The sun will also help reduce the amount of energy consumption during the day and save on energy bills and expenses.
3. Wear more layers of clothing
One way of how to stay warm in winter without power is to dress or wear multiple layers of clothing to keep warm.
This is one of the best strategies in preventing the cold from taking a toll on you. It would be great if you began with a warm base layer, including long johns and a pair of wool socks.
Next, wear a pair of insulated pants and several layers of looser or lighter warm shirts. The outer layers should be water repellent and have a tight weave.
4. Consume warm drinks
Homeowners should ensure that they stay hydrated during the winter period. Warm drinkable water should rank first in ensuring that you are keeping warm during a power outage in winter.
Stock up your shelf with stable fresh foods and warm water to help you keep warm during the cold weather season. If you suspect the tap water would not be edible for drinking, you should stock up bottled drinking water.
5. Fire up your grill and fireplace
Another way to keep warm during a power blackout is to fire your grill and fireplace.
Firing up your grill and fireplace is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep you warm during the cold winter season. You can also use the grill to warm water and also cooking during a power outage in winter. An indoor fireplace will also help to keep the house warmer efficiently and cost-effectively.
To keep your fireplace running efficiently and keep the warm airflow, it’s vital to ensure that you maintain proper airflow by removing any ashes in the fireplace and using the ceiling fan to circulate the warmth around the room.
6. Do some exercises
How to stay warm in winter without power? Do some exercises, please. You can save on energy expenses and stay warm during a blackout by warming up your body naturally through workouts and exercises.
During exercises, your muscles produce a lot of heat that warms the blood flowing through the muscles. The body further releases more heat by pushing warm blood towards your skin. The rise in temperature during the winter weather helps bring a calming and soothing effect to the body, which is better than sitting around a heater or having a long soak in a warm bath.
7. Gather valuable necessities
When a winter power outage occurs, it’s vital to ensure that your valuable necessities that provide light and heat are readily available and accessible in the house.
It’s easy to take electric power for granted until there is a power outage and you cannot communicate with anyone. You will need to stay handy with lanterns, chargeable flashlights, and torches to help you see during the night.
Ensure that you have the batteries that you need to power and charge your electronic devices and necessities. You can also put your power banks and portable charges in an accessible position or place to keep them ready for use in the unfortunate event when a power outage or blackout occurs.
What you should not do during a power outage
1. Do not use a generator inside the house
It would be beneficial if you never used a gas generator indoors during a power outage since the incorrect generator use can lead to the buildup of carbon monoxide poising from the toxic engine exhaust.
Never use the generator in the basement, garage, or in an enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening up the windows, doors or using fans will not stop the buildup of carbon monoxide in the house.
Using the portable generator inside the house can result in making you feel dizzy and sick. When you feel dizzy, sick, or weak, ensure that you get fresh air immediately.
2. Do not use your car in the garage
Using your car in the garage during the cold weather increases the vehicle's carbon monoxide hazards, which is fatal to the people living in the home. Thus, it's vital to ensure that you do not leave your car running in the garage.
Carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen supply levels in your body and can cause harm mainly to children, the elderly, and vulnerable people with certain health conditions.
You should also leave your car outside the garage during winter weather to prevent the metal parts of your car from damage, corrosion, and rust.
Frequent asked questions
1. how to stay warm in winter without power?
When the power goes out during winter, it’s vital to ensure that you keep yourself warm. You can keep warm by dressing up in warm clothing that will help to kick away the cold. You can get heat by starting a fire in the woodstove or fireplace. Ensure that you have adequate food supplies and warm water to keep warm during the period.
2. How do you insulate a cold room?
It’s vital to insulate and keep our rooms warm during the winter. One of the ways of keeping our rooms warm is by sealing your door or window leaks. Sealing your doors and windows properly will prevent any heat loss from the gaps found around the doors and windows. You should also avoid leaving the doors open, closing the curtains, and using carpets, rugs, or mats on the floor to keep the room warm
3. Can I use generators indoors?
It’s highly encouraged not to use portable generators indoors since they can release carbon monoxide, which causes harm to the body. The substance is fatal and reduces the amount of oxygen in the body. The buildup of carbon monoxide is harmful and can make you feel dizzy, sick, and weak. Thus, homeowners are encouraged not to use a generator indoors during a power outage since it can cause significant harm.
4. How to charge my smartphone if the power goes out in winter
When the power goes out during winter, you can charge up your phone using your laptop by connecting your phone with a USB cable to one of the USB ports in your laptop. The majority of new laptops have a battery system that can charge the smartphone multiple times.
Conclusion
Knowing how to prepare if a power outage happens is vital in helping you stay warm and safe during the winter period. You should ensure that you have adequate emergency supplies and winter storm necessities which will be vital in helping you get through the winter power outage when it occurs.
