How to Keep Warm During Winter Storms with No Electricity

When the electricity fails during a winter storm, keeping warm becomes a real concern. Not only is it important for your family's comfort, but also it can be a matter of life and death for the young, old, or infirm. Practice these methods to keep warm during winter storms with no electricity.

Keep Warm With No Electricity - Fire

If your home is equipped with a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you are in luck if your electricity goes out. Simply put in a good stock of wood and gather the family around the fire for increased light and heat. It can even turn into an adventure like camping indoors.

To maximize the effectiveness of a fireplace or stove, close up the room it is in and keep everyone inside it for the duration of the winter storm. If the room has no doors, hang blankets across doorway openings.

Use the fire or wood stove to heat water for tea, coffee, and cup soups to sip and keep yourself and your family warm. While it may not be good for your diet, eating frequently will also help your body keep itself warm.

Keep Warm With No Electricity - Clothing Choices

Layers, layers, layers! When the electricity first goes out, and promises to stay out for an extended period of time, during a winter storm, pile on the layers of warm clothing. Long underwear, t-shirts under sweatshirts, and even jackets, scarves, and hats inside the house are great ideas. Protect fingers and toes if the temperature gets dangerously low. Be sure to put extra blankets over the elderly and more sedentary people caught in the winter storm with you.

Keep Warm With No Electricity - Activity

Moving around warms you up. When you are stuck inside with no electricity during a winter storm, playing games such as charades or doing wacky races through the house can not only help you stay warm, but entertain those who usually use the computer or television to keep busy.

Especially important for elderly or infirm people who may not have very good circulation, activity can prevent cold-related injuries as well. If you are stuck inside with someone who cannot move on their own, gently move their arms and legs for them to keep their circulation up. This will help keep them warmer as well.

When all else fails, contact authorities or assistance programs for help. Winter storms can be dangerous when you have no electricity, but situations can be improved with a few basic practices.