An arctic blast descending south from Canada is impacting much of the United States. It began its path into northern Plains states earlier this week and has since started to move east, plunging the Midwest into subzero temperatures Thursday and Friday. The volatile cold was accompanied by snow and severe winds, reaching as high as 40 miles per hour and creating blizzard-like conditions.
As of Friday morning, more than 1 million customers were without power nationwide, although the Power Outage map didn’t provide a reason behind the outages.
When a severe winter storm hits, it’s uncertain how long power will be out. Some areas might implement scheduled blackouts to preserve a power grid’s capabilities. People may be required to find other sources of heat as outside temperatures begin to creep inside. With the cold expected to hang around for several days, people are searching for ways to prepare in case the worst happens.
How to Heat Your Home Without Power
Fuel-based heat sources
Many survival websites suggest using a fuel-based heat source such as a propane or kerosene heater or a generator. Although those heat sources can protect one from cold exposure if power fails, they can cause other problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning if not used correctly.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said carbon monoxide, fires and other hazards could arise if using a heat source—such as a generator—improperly.
“My experience is that many tragedies tend to happen when people get desperate about not having power for an extended period of time—needing to heat their home to keep family healthy and safe in severe cold,” Porter told Newsweek in an email. “This is the most dangerous times for generator safety risks.”
Porter urged people battling power outages to examine all of their options before they risked using a fuel-based heat source improperly. Other options could be going to local warming stations in the community or turning up the thermostat as a proactive measure if power is anticipated to go out.
Generators should always be used outside, according to a Michigan-based website called MIREADY which provides educational content for disaster preparedness. The MIREADY site said proper ventilation is a must if using an indoor propane or kerosene heater. If the power is out, proper ventilation can be accomplished by opening a door or window near the heater, although this isn’t always possible in extreme weather.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
If using a fuel-based heat source, people are urged to have several carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is undetectable by sight or smell. Most fuel-based heat sources don’t emit fatal amounts of carbon monoxide unless something is wrong and they are burning fuel impurely.
In addition to carbon monoxide detectors, keep a close eye on gas heaters. If the flame is burning any color other than blue, it’s a sign that the heater is producing an “impure burn” which can cause carbon monoxide, according to Home Inspection Insider.
Candles and Coverings
There are alternative ways to stay warm and provide some heat if there isn’t access to a fuel-based heater.
Grouping candles together can provide some heat.
To prevent any heat from escaping, people can cover windows and doors with heavy blankets. Covering wood or linoleum floors with rugs, towels and blankets can prevent heat from escaping.
If there is access to camping equipment, setting a tent up and using a sleeping bag inside the house can create a warm environment as well.
Hand warmers or drinking warm liquids can be a temporary solution as well.
Newsweek reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for comment.
