Surviving A Power Outage In Winter

This post was originally published on January 31, 2023
The latest update to this post was made 2 years ago.

In this article, we’ll quickly cover the basics of surviving a power outage in winter.  As winter weather moves in across the country, power outages can become a reality for millions. If you’re one of the unfortunate people who find themselves in the dark during a cold winter night, it’s important to understand how to stay safe and warm until electricity is restored. Knowing how to survive a power outage when temperatures drop below freezing can be the difference between life and death. 

Gathering Supplies

Winter weather can sometimes be unpredictable and bring extreme cold temperatures, snowstorms, and severe power outages. If you’re not prepared for a power outage in the wintertime, it can be dangerous to your home and family. Gathering up supplies ahead of time is essential for surviving a power outage in cold winter weather.

First, it’s important to make sure that you have enough food and water stored away so that you are able to make it through the duration of the power outage without having to leave your home. Canned goods and other non-perishable items should be stocked up on.  Peanut Butter, tuna, canned food that you can eat straight from the can, chips, crackers, fruit and your favorite snack foods.  These are good items that do not need to be heated or stored in the cold.

Additionally, two gallons per person per day should be set aside for drinking water as well as any food preparation needs that may arise during an emergency situation. Fill up a bathtub with water for flushing the toilet and brushing teeth.

Staying Warm In The Winter

During winter, it’s important to be prepared for colder weather and staying warm.  When temperatures dip below freezing, staying warm can be difficult if you’re in a home that’s lost heat or electricity. It is possible to stay warm during a cold winter by taking the right precautions.

There are several strategies that can help you keep your body temperature up in an emergency situation, such as dressing appropriately and layering clothing. Wearing long underwear, scarves, hats, gloves and sweaters are all useful ways to prepare for the cold weather. Keeping blankets nearby is also beneficial in order to cover yourself with extra layers if needed.

Making A Heating Device 

When winter temperatures drop, it’s important to have a plan to stay warm in the event of a power outage. One way to create heat is to use candles and clay pots. Not only does this method provide warmth but it also requires minimal supplies that are easy to find.  This simple yet effective device works by placing several candles inside the clay pot. The flame from the candles will draw in cold air through the small holes at the bottom of the pot, which will then be heated up as it rises toward the top before being released out through another hole at the top of the container. This process creates an efficient heater that can be used for hours on end without having any electricity available.  Note: this won’t heat a house, but can assist with providing slow and steady heat in a smaller space.

Have Activities For Everyone

In a cold winter season, having games and books on hand for both adults and children is essential for surviving a power outage. A cold winter day can be made much more bearable with some indoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Not only will these provide entertainment, but they also help pass the time until the power is restored.

Board games like Monopoly or Chess are perfect for adults who want something to do while waiting out the storm. For younger children, card games such as Go Fish or Old Maid are great to keep them engaged while inside. Books are another option that can help make the time fly by as well; grab some novels or comic books that everyone in your family can enjoy. Additionally, puzzles of all different kinds – including jigsaw puzzles and word searches – can provide hours of fun.  Crayola and pencils with paper can entertain all ages.  See our list of some board games and puzzles here.

Weather Radio

Weather radios are an important tool for surviving a power outage in cold winter weather. They can provide vital information about incoming storms and their severity, as well as warnings about power outages that may occur due to the storm’s intensity. Weather radios are a reliable source of information during a power outage because they can be powered by batteries or generators, so you don’t have to rely solely on your phone or the internet. These devices can keep you informed of any changes in temperature or severe weather alerts, allowing you to plan ahead and take necessary safety measures.  Below is an example of a portable Weather Radio with Flashlight and simply USB charger.

Battery Packs

Battery packs can provide power for your cell phones and tablets.  This will enable to you to keep in touch, play games and possibly get on the internet if your cellular tower is still online.  They come in a variety of sizes.  Most devices on today’s world use higher mAh ratings. Most current devices can be fully charged 2x or 3 times on a single charge of the pack.  Below is an example of a decent sized 25,800mAh pack.  The unit below can charge two devices at the same time using your current cell phone/tablet charging cable with standard USB connectivity.

Prepare – Before You Need it

No one likes to think about a power outage, especially in the middle of winter. But it’s important to be prepared and know what to do if this happens. With a little bit of forethought, you can minimize the impact of an unexpected blackout and make sure your family is safe during the cold winter months.

If you live in an area where severe weather is common – such as ice storms or blizzards – it’s important to have a plan for surviving without electricity for several hours or days at a time. Stock up on flashlights, candles and batteries so that you’re able to see if the lights suddenly go out. Have plenty of food and water stored away just in case the power goes out unexpectedly; canned goods are ideal since they won’t spoil during an extended blackout and don’t need cooking or refrigeration.

Tags: #winter #blackout #ice #storm #prepare