A power outage is usually an inconvenience, but it’s even more troubling when it’s cold outside in Frederick, MD. Instead of allowing the cold air to infiltrate your home, follow these helpful tips from our team at Weather Masters Corp.. By preserving warmth in key areas of your residence, you can get through a power outage comfortably and safely even without your heating system.
Remain in One Room
Choose one room in the center of your home, away from as many windows and doors as possible. This is where you will spend most of your time while the power is out. If there are windows, hang blankets over them to keep cold air out. You can also block cold drafts under doors using towels. Have everyone in your home gather in this area for the time being. Body heat can warm up a small area fairly quickly. In a pinch, you can even set up a tent indoors. This can concentrate body heat more effectively and help you stay warmer.
Dress in Layers
Retain your body heat by wearing layers. This includes sweaters, sweatshirts, heavy socks, hats, and gloves. If temperatures become very cold, snuggle up under blankets or in a sleeping bag.
Remove layers of clothing temporarily if you become too warm. Sweating can pull heat away from your body and make you colder.
Alternative Heat Sources
Alternative heat sources can warm an area of your home when the power goes out. For example, a fireplace is a great way to generate heat. Keep up with regular inspections and maintenance to ensure your fireplace works safely.
You can use a propane heater that is labeled as safe for use indoors. Just make sure you are ventilating your home properly to avoid exposure to toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Inspect your heater periodically and replace it if it malfunctions.
You can apply hot water bottles to any area of the body that feels cold, such as your feet or hands. Access the hot water using what’s remaining in your water heater tank or water that you heat on a gas stove.
Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you are using any fuel-burning appliance during a power outage. If they are wired into your home, make sure they also run off a battery when the power is out.
Block Drafty Areas
Cold air can come through the smallest of areas. Periodically inspect your home, sealing up gaps and cracks with caulk or expanding spray foam. Apply weatherstripping around windows and doors. This is something you should do before the start of winter each year.
Keep Your Body Moving
It’s tempting to curl up under a blanket for the duration of a power outage. While this is helpful to retain body heat, you should also get up and move around a bit. This helps your body generate heat and promotes blood flow.
Purchasing Items Ahead of an Outage
There are several items you’ll benefit from having on hand during a power outage. Purchase items like hand warmers, flashlights, batteries, thermal blankets, bottled water, and shelf-stable food.
Use a Generator
Consider purchasing a portable or whole-home generator. This equipment provides power that you can use to run heaters, lights, and other appliances. A portable model is usually only powerful enough to run a few small items at a time. However, this typically includes a space heater, which you can use to stay warm.
A whole-home generator is a major investment, but it provides exceptional peace of mind and safety during a power outage. You can run your HVAC system, stove, and water heater using a whole-home generator. If you or someone in your home has medical issues that require the use of equipment that requires electricity, a whole-home generator is incredibly beneficial.
Get ready for your next power outage with the assistance of our team here at Weather Masters Corp. in Frederick. We can assist by inspecting and maintaining your heating equipment. If you have a whole-home generator, you can power your heating system with ease. We also provide other services, such as indoor air quality support and service for your water heater.
Contact us today at Weather Masters Corp. in Frederick to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable team.
