It’s Tuesday night in January; the wind blows violently outside, when suddenly you hear “CLICK” and the lights go out, followed by the hum of your refrigerator stopping — your house is now silent; and has also become extremely cold at the same time. A power outage due to winter weather is much more than just an inconvenience; it now creates an urgency to get your home warm again very quickly. The good news is if you prepare ahead of time you can eliminate the panic that comes with trying to stay warm when another storm hits. Checking local weather data in these conditions can also give you a heads up. Here are some suggestions for creating peace of mind and being ready for the next storm.
#1 First Figure Out WHY You Are Preparing…More Than Just A Light Source
Preparing is not just about having a lot of flashlights stocked up; it is also about being safe, comfortable, and giving yourself the ability to have normalcy. Think about what you need electricity to accomplish in your life: heat, communication, medical devices, food, etc. Your plan to prepare for an extended power outage should include all of these things; starting with your most vulnerable resource, your Family and YOUR Heat Source.
#2 Create A Plan To Stay Warm (This Is The Core Of Your Plan)
When your furnace stops working, the inside of your home can drop to extremely low temperatures within a matter of hours or less, so where do you go from there? First, find one smaller and more insulated room in your home you can retreat to; typically, this will be one of your Bedrooms.
Now, about alternative heat. This is where you need to be smart. A portable propane heater can be a lifesaver, but you must ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never, ever use a camp stove or outdoor grill inside. It’s a tragic mistake people make. Consider a wood-burning fireplace or a properly installed pellet stove as a more permanent backup solution. The goal isn’t to heat the whole house, just that one safe room.
#3 Light, Communication, and Power: Staying Connected
Candles are romantic until you’re fumbling in the dark with matches. LED lanterns and headlamps are your best friends here. They’re safer, brighter, and longer-lasting. Keep them in an easily accessible place, not buried in a closet.
Your phone is your lifeline. Keep a portable power bank fully charged and consider a hand-crank or solar-powered radio. That little radio can be a window to the world when the cell towers are stressed. Old school? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely.
#4 The Kitchen Test: Eating Well When the Grid’s Down
Take a mental walk through your kitchen. If the power is out for 72 hours, what can you eat without opening the fridge? Stock up on non-perishables that require little to no preparation: canned soups, beans, tuna, peanut butter, granola bars, and dried fruits. Don’t forget a manual can opener, it’s the most forgotten tool in the drawer. And if you have a camp stove for outdoor use, you can expand your menu significantly. Just remember to use it outside, away from any enclosure.
#5 The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Here’s where smaller actions compound to a less scarce time. Fill spare containers and bathtubs with water for flushing toilets. Gather a stash of board games and books. Have some cash on hand; ATMs and card readers need electricity, too. Check your car’s gas tank regularly; it can be a backup battery and a warm-up spot. And for goodness’ sake, put together a basic first-aid kit and ensure any critical medications are refilled ahead of a major storm forecast.
A Final Reality Check
Planning can feel abstract until you need it. When you’ve gathered your supplies, spend an evening with the main breaker flipped off. Make a meal with your gear. Use your lanterns. You’ll quickly find the gaps in your system, maybe you wished for more wet wipes, or you needed better batteries. It’s a dry run that beats any checklist.
Winter has a way of reminding us we’re not entirely in control. But a thoughtful plan is like an insurance policy you can feel. It turns a stressful situation into a manageable, even cozy, experience. You’ve got this. Now, go check those flashlight batteries.
