How To Prepare for a Winter Power Outage
In recent years, the USA has experienced several brutal winter storms. In 2021, Winter Storm Uri swept across most of the United States, affecting more than 170 million people, and causing blackouts for around 9.9 million.
We often forget how much we rely on electricity, to keep warm, to cook, and stay informed. Before the next winter storm hits, it's crucial to prepare as best you can to keep you and your family safe and warm during a winter power outage.
Why Are Blackouts More Common in Winter?
Blackouts and extended power outages are more common in winter than in summer — and potentially far more devastating.
The 2021 Texas Winter Blackout, for example, left over 4.5 million homes and businesses without electricity for days and was linked to hundreds of deaths.
Power outages are more common in winter for numerous reasons, including:
High Demand: Cold snaps lead to a massive, simultaneous demand for electricity and natural gas for heating, which can strain the power grid to its breaking point.
Extreme Weather: Blizzards, ice storms, and high winds can damage power lines, down poles, and cause transformers to fail. The weight of ice alone can snap lines and tree branches.
Aging Infrastructure: Many parts of the nation's power grid are decades old and not built to withstand the increasing frequency of severe weather events.
Animal Interference: Small animals seeking warmth can sometimes interfere with electrical equipment, causing short circuits.
If you live in a location that frequently experiences harsh winter weather, being prepared for a blackout is not just a convenience — it's a necessity.
When Should I Start Preparing for a Winter Blackout?
Begin preparing for a winter blackout process before temperatures drop below about 50°F (10°C).
Depending on what region you live in, you aim to complete your preparation by early to mid-autumn. Don’t wait until the year’s first frost to prepare for a power outage.
Leaving preparation for winter power outages to the last minute can have devastating consequences for your family’s safety and your home.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Winter
A thorough plan involves winter-proofing your home, assembling an emergency kit, and considering your options for backup heat and power.
1. Winterproof Your Home
Before the cold sets in, take steps to keep as much warmth inside as possible. This will make your home safer during an outage and can also lower your utility bills.
Insulation: Ensure your attic and walls are well-insulated.
Seal Drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors. Window insulation film can also be an effective, low-cost solution.
Door Sweeps: Attach draft guards to the bottom of exterior doors to prevent heat from escaping.
2. Prepare a Power Outage Survival Kit
Every household should have a well-stocked emergency kit. Keep it in an easily accessible location. Key items include:
Water: At least one gallon of bottled water per person, per day, for several days.
Non-perishable food: A multi-day supply of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration, such as canned goods, dried fruit, protein bars, and nuts. Don't forget a manual can opener.
Lighting: Flashlights (battery-powered or hand-crank) and headlamps for hands-free use. Avoid candles, as they are a significant fire hazard.
Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather alerts and emergency information.
First-Aid: A complete first-aid kit and a supply of any necessary prescription medications.
Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and layers of warm clothing for every member of the family.
Documents: Copies of essential documents (ID, insurance policies) in a waterproof bag.
Pet Supplies: Food, water, and any necessary medications for your pets.
3. Stock Up on Water and Fuel
Water: In addition to bottled water for drinking, fill your bathtub with water before a storm hits. This water can be used for flushing toilets (using a bucket) and for personal hygiene.
Fuel: If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, ensure you have a generous supply of dry firewood. If you rely on a gas generator, safely store an adequate amount of fuel. Never store gasoline indoors.
Vehicle: Keep your car's gas tank at least half-full. Gas stations rely on electricity to pump fuel, so they won't be operational during an outage. A full tank also helps prevent fuel lines from freezing.
4. Consider Your Backup Power and Heating Options
Losing your primary source of heat is the biggest danger in a winter outage. It's wise to have a backup plan. Safety is paramount: never use devices designed for outdoor use inside your home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wood Stoves or Fireplaces: An excellent non-electric heat source, provided your chimney is clean and the room is properly ventilated.
Indoor-Safe Propane Heaters: Some propane heaters are specifically designed for indoor use and have safety features like low-oxygen shut-off sensors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely.
Gas Generators: These are powerful enough to run heaters, refrigerators, and other large appliances. However, they must be operated outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows and doors to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup. They also require a safe supply of fuel.
Portable Power Stations (Battery Backups): These devices are essentially large, rechargeable batteries. They are silent, produce no fumes, and are safe for indoor use.
Smaller models from brands like EcoFlow are great for keeping phones charged, running lights, and powering small appliances.
For a more robust whole-home backup solution, advanced systems like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro serve as a powerful example. These larger units are designed to run major appliances and can be integrated with your home's circuitry via a smart panel. The capacity is expandable up to 25kWh, enough to power essential circuits for days. With a significant solar input capacity, it can be connected to multiple solar panels, offering a path to energy independence during a prolonged outage.
How to Stay Warm Without Power During a Winter Blackout
Hopefully, you’ve had enough warning to prepare for a power outage. A portable power station can help keep your family warm during a power outage, allowing you to boil a kettle for a hot drink, run a heater, or even cook a warm meal with a hot plate or microwave. After the storm passes, use portable solar panels during the day to recharge your portable power station.
A portable battery can make your life easier during a power outage, but there are still ways you can prepare for a few nights without a heat source.
1. Live in One Room
To store what little warmth you might have once the power goes out, keep everyone together in a room with a heat source, such as a wood or gas burner. If you don’t have a burner or fire, stay in a small space, your body heat will keep you warmer for longer.
2. Block Drafts
Avoid opening doors where possible and block any drafts using towels and blankets, especially on windows and doors. Cover windows with curtains or blinds to keep warmth in during the night.
3. Layer Up
Make sure to cover up as much of yourself as possible and wear plenty of layers. Thermal underwear and wool socks are good first layers, then pants, loose shirts, and coats. Hats, mittens, and warm boots will also prevent heat from escaping your extremities.
Things to Do After a Winter Power Outage
When the power returns, things may not go back to normal straight away. You may continue to have more minor outages, or your home and neighborhood may have taken the brunt of a storm or high winds.
1. Take Care Outside
Winter storms can often take down power poles and lines, so take extra care when going outside after an outage. Don’t handle trees or branches touching electricity lines, either, as these downed power lines could well be live.
2. Check for Damage
As well as storm damage, check for burst or broken pipes. Test your water heater once the electricity is back on. If the water in the tank won’t heat up or it keeps tripping the electrics, you may need to call a plumber. If your fridge has been off for more than 4 hours, you might need to throw away food that has spoiled. Freezers, however, can keep cold for around 24 hours, especially if they’re full.
3. Restock Your Supplies
Ensure that you have sufficient food and water for extended outages.
Even if you have a generator or home backup battery, it's a good idea to keep plenty of non-perishable food items like canned goods and even emergency rations in case the blackout lasts longer than your capacity to keep your fridge and freezer running.
Each time you dip into your emergency supplies, restock them at the first available opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:Why Is the Frequency of Winter Blackouts Increasing?
There are numerous reasons why winter blackouts are increasing. The most crucial include aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and scarcity of natural gas supplies to fuel gas-fired power plants. Unfortunately, all of the factors contributing to more frequent blackouts are likely to only get worse. Preparing for winter power outages and investing in a home backup system is rapidly becoming a necessity for those living in cold climates.
Q2:How can I prevent my pipes from freezing during an outage?
Frozen pipes can burst and cause major water damage. To prevent this, take these steps:
Open Cabinets: Open the cabinet doors under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warmer air from the room to circulate around the plumbing.
Drip Faucets: Let cold water drip slowly from faucets connected to pipes that are most at risk (e.g., those on exterior walls). The constant movement of water can prevent it from freezing.
Drain the System: For a prolonged outage, the surest method is to shut off the main water valve to your house and then open every faucet to drain the water from your pipes completely.
Q3: Is it safe to use my gas stove or oven for heat?
No, absolutely not. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. These appliances are not designed for continuous operation and can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly.
Q4: How long will the food in my refrigerator and freezer last?
A refrigerator will keep food safe for about 4 hours if it remains unopened. A freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours if it is full and 24 hours if it is half-full, as long as the door stays closed. To be safe, any perishable food (like meat, dairy, and leftovers) that has been above 40°F (4°C) for two hours or more should be discarded.
Final Thoughts
By taking steps to winterize your home, building a comprehensive emergency kit, and considering a safe backup source of heat and power, you can ensure your family remains safe, warm, and secure. Don't wait for the storm—start preparing today.