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The following are clever ways you can keep you and your family warm during a power outage in winter.
1. Have an emergency kit ready
Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in a place where it is easily accessible. Some items to include are a working flashlight, extra batteries, candles, matches, portable phone charger, manual can opener and a few emergency blankets.
2. Camp out in one room
Have everyone bring along their jackets, blankets, and pillows. Children can bring along any stuffed toys they have. If the outage is expected to last during the night bring some extra mattresses to the room along with several blankets. If you have a tent you can set that up too providing you have the space. It is much easier to keep everyone warm in one room than trying to keep several rooms warm.
3. Dress in layers
Over your underclothes, put on some cotton or thermal long underwear, followed by a top and pair of pants, and then a sweater. If you don't have long underwear you can wear pajamas. This is an easy way to stay warm without heat.
4. Wear fleece
You can find pajamas, tops, pants, and socks made with fleece. Fleece will help keep you warm during the colder months and will also help in a power outage.
5. Block drafts
Drafts can sneak in under doorways and through windows during the winter so blocking them will help keep you warmer. Walk around your house and feel for drafts by placing your hand near windows and doors. If you feel a breeze, you've found a draft. You can make your own draft blockers with rolled up towels or a few pool noodles sliced down the middle. If there is a draft coming from the side of a window use weather stripping to seal the draft. You could also cover the window with a blanket. Blankets can help keep the cold air outside and conserve the heat.
6. Invest in an indoor portable propane heater
Purchase an indoor propane heater, such as a propane fueled Buddy Heater. Buddy Heaters and other similar propane heaters are safe and designed for indoor use.
7. Stock up on water
Keep enough drinking water for each member of your family to make it through a minimum of 3 days. Packages of bottled water are great for this and the water stays good for years as long as the bottle’s seals aren’t broken.
8. Keep dry snacks on hand
Choose snacks that doesn't require much preparation and will help keep your energy levels up such as bread, peanut butter, fresh fruits and vegetables, trail mix, and protein bars.
9. Eat warm food and beverages
Soups, beans, hot cereals, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate will help warm you up. Using a small sterno to heat up water is an easy and safe way to prepare hot beverages. An added benefit is that it will also add some warmth to the room.
10. Get inside a sub-zero sleeping bag
A sub-zero sleeping bag is a must-have when you’re thinking about outdoor survival for cold weather climates. It can also be used to keep you warm and cozy inside during power outages. You can also use ordinary sleeping bags.
11. Move around
Whether you take a spin on a stationary bike or just some short walks around the room, continued movement and staying active will help keep you warm and even produce additional body heat.
12. Engage in an activity together as a family
Dust off the board games, relax, and have fun playing together. The fun and laughter will elevate the mood and result in increased body temperature from the interaction.
13. Rugs or carpets
Make sure that heat isn't escaping through the floor. Take rugs from other rooms and lay them down in the room you will be staying in. If you have no rugs then extra blankets can also help.
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