This guide delves into a scenario involving an extended grid outage during extreme hot or cold weather. Let’s be honest: our lives heavily rely on electricity, utilities, lighting, and the comforts of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). While our contemporary constructions are built around these conveniences, the reality is that they are prone to vulnerabilities and failures. When these pillars are absent, our homes can transform from sanctuaries into hazardous spaces, contrary to our desired safe havens.

In an era where power grid failures are becoming more frequent, preparing for prolonged power outages has never been more crucial. Our reliance on electricity to heat our homes during cold winters and cool them in scorching summers has become a vulnerability. This guide aims to equip you with essential strategies to make your home liveable during extended power disruptions during extreme heat or cold periods. Whether you’re facing soaring temperatures or freezing conditions, these practical steps will help you maintain a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.

Part 1 - Winter

Every winter, the possibility of a prolonged power outage during extreme cold becomes a genuine concern. Without proper preparation, this scenario can be catastrophic. Whether you’re facing an ongoing power outage or planning for the winter season, this guide will provide you with what you need to ensure your safety and comfort.

Radiate Warmth

One of the critical strategies for surviving a winter power outage is to maximize radiant heat sources. Hot water bottles, thermoses filled with hot water, and a personal electric heater or blanket plugged into a backup power source (which we’ll discuss momentarily) can significantly raise ambient temperatures. Warming water for beverages and using a heating pad can help maintain your average body temperature.

Sealed Small Room with a Tent

Isolating yourself in a small, sealed room is crucial to preserving heat. Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal windows and doors, and place rolled towels at door cracks. Opt for a smaller room as it’s easier to warm and maintain. Consider setting up a tent or makeshift fort within this room over something like a tablet, as tents provide insulation and help keep temperatures up. Creating a multiple-layer bed and dressing in layers will further aid in retaining body heat.

Dress Smarter

Dressing appropriately for extreme colds is essential. Layering clothing with water-wicking base layers, fleece jackets, gloves, mitts, scarves, and insulated boots will help you maintain a balanced temperature. Avoid sweating, as moisture can lead to discomfort and decreased warmth.

Keep the Water Flowing

Maintaining access to water is crucial. Partially fill sinks, bathtubs, and containers with water as soon as the power goes out. Leave faucets on a slight trickle to prevent freezing. If possible, insulate exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing. Storing warm water in thermoses and hot water bottles helps with core temperature, and a backup water supply is essential.

Exercise & Diet

Engaging in light exercise upon waking and in the early afternoon can elevate your core temperature. Eating calorie-dense foods such as fats and starches will help your body generate heat through thermogenesis. Hot beverages and soups also contribute to maintaining body warmth.

Know Your Resources

Before the cold sets in, identify local warming centres your community offers. Community centres, homeless shelters, places of worship, public libraries, and public buildings may be designated warming centres during extreme cold spells. Understand the resources available to you in case of power loss.

Planning for winter survival

Food & Water

Stock up on non-perishable food to last at least three weeks. Ensure you have a way to rehydrate and cook these foods. Consider a portable camping stove and store water in a warm room (preferably the one you’re sheltering in) to prevent freezing.

Create A Safe Space If you have a fireplace, ensure it’s ready for use before cold weather. Duraflame logs and charcoal briquettes can provide continuous burning for warmth. During the warmer months, insulate pipes and repair any drafts you can find.

Safety

Before anything else, ensure your safety. Many will use fires from candles or old heating units that may no longer be safe. Have a battery-operated carbon monoxide sensor alarm and a decent-sized fire extinguisher. Consider your neighbours and the impact they may have on you (since you live in such proximity) if you live in an apartment.

Warmth

Seal windows and create a vapour lock using plastic sheeting and duct tape. Use sleeping bags, blankets, and electric blankets for warmth. Set up a small tent or makeshift fort in your designated room to insulate and contain heat. A Mr. Heater Buddy is a very popular option for an indoor heater. If you do use one of these, make sure you have proper ventilation and a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm.

Avoid DIY heaters involving open flames such as a terra-cotta heater (we don’t recommend them) as any potential advantage does not outweigh the risk.

Lighting

Have LED headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights. Consider alternatives to open flames for safety.

Cooking

A clean fuel camping stove is essential for cooking. Prioritize warming and easy to cook foods like canned soups and chilli. Utilize fireplaces, thermal cookers, or solar cookers for heating and cooking. Make sure you have a safe source of fuel.

Water

Store water in containers and bring them to your heated area to prevent freezing. Some containers can be stacked to form an insulative barrier. Even in cold weather, hydration is crucial. Drink warm liquids and maintain a water supply. Avoid alcohol, as it can dehydrate you.

Communication

A small emergency radio is vital for staying informed. Ideally, purchase one with a hand crank to allow you to plug in your cell phone to charge it.

Power

Consider investing in small solar panels for electronics and a solar generator setup for power. Have extension cords with splitters for power distribution. Figure out how much power you need.

Damage Prevention

Cover outdoor faucets and allow indoor faucets to drip to prevent freezing. Consider shutting off water to the house and draining pipes in extreme cold.

When the Power Goes Out

Designate a room for shelter and start sealing it off. Close off rooms that will remain unused. Maintain sanitation and check on neighbours for safety.