In a winter outage, close off one interior room with few windows, gather everyone there, layer clothing and sleep under several blankets or in sleeping bags rated for the temperature. Cover windows, block drafts, eat and drink regularly, and check on neighbors. Only use heaters rated for indoor use, with carbon monoxide alarms working; never use ovens, grills, camp stoves or generators for heat indoors.
A house cools slowly at first, then faster. Plan to stay warm in one room rather than heating the whole house.
Set up a warm room
- Pick an interior room with few windows, ideally on a lower floor.
- Close doors and block drafts with towels.
- Cover windows with blankets or plastic sheeting at night; open sunny-side curtains by day.
- Put down rugs or foam pads to insulate from cold floors.
Layers
| Layer | What |
|---|---|
| Base | Wool or synthetic, not cotton |
| Mid | Fleece or down |
| Outer | Wind-blocking layer |
| Extras | Hat, socks, gloves |
Sleeping
Use sleeping bags rated near the expected indoor temperature, with a pad underneath. Emergency mylar blankets add a reflective layer.
Heating safely
| Source | Safe indoors? |
|---|---|
| Indoor-rated propane heater | Only if rated for indoor use, with ventilation and CO alarms |
| Fireplace or wood stove | If properly maintained and vented |
| Oven, grill, camp stove | No |
| Generator | No, outdoors only |
Keep battery-backed CO alarms on every level. See our power outage checklist.
Water and pipes
Let faucets drip if pipes may freeze, and know where your main shutoff is. Stored emergency water covers you if pipes freeze.
Browse shelter and sanitation.
Common questions
How do I keep a room warm without electricity?
Choose a small interior room, close the door, cover windows, block drafts at the bottom of doors and keep everyone in it.
Are propane heaters safe indoors?
Only models specifically rated for indoor use, with ventilation as the maker requires and working CO alarms.
Do emergency mylar blankets work?
They reflect body heat and help as a layer, especially to block wind, but are not a substitute for a sleeping bag.
What are signs of hypothermia?
Shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness. Warm the person and seek medical help.