Introduction
When faced with an emergency situation, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will keep your family safe and warm. Here are 10 safe emergency heating options to consider:
- Use candles sparingly and never leave them unattended.
- Use a gas stove or barbecue grill only outdoors and only if it is well-ventilated.
- Use a space heater with caution, making sure it is placed on a level, non-flammable surface away from any combustible materials. Never leave a space heater unattended.
- Dress in layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing. Wear hats, scarves and gloves when outdoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol as it can cause dehydration and hypothermia.
- Make sure your home is well-insulated and that any gaps around doors or windows are sealed to prevent drafts.
- Close off unused rooms in your home to keep the heat concentrated in one area.
- Hang heavy curtains over windows at night to help keep heat in. during the day, open curtains to let sunlight in to help warm the room naturally.
- If you have a fireplace, use it sparingly and make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never use a stovetop or oven to heat your home as this can be extremely dangerous.
- If you lose power, try to go to an emergency shelter or another heated location rather than staying in your home.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are a great way to add some extra warmth to a room, but they can also be dangerous if used improperly. To avoid fires or other accidents, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep an eye on the unit while it’s in use.
Here are 10 safe emergency heating options to keep your home warm during a power outage:
- Candles
- Fireplace
- Wood stove
- Gas stove
- Propane heater
- Kerosene heater
- Battery-operated space heater
- Solar-powered space heater
- Hand warmer packets
- Insulated blankets
Fireplaces
If you have a fireplace, you’re in luck. Not only is it a beautiful addition to any home, but it can also be a great source of heat in an emergency. Just be sure that you have plenty of wood on hand and that your chimney is clean and clear before you light a fire. If you don’t have a fireplace, or if yours is unusable for some reason, there are still other options.
Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are an excellent emergency heating option because they can be used indoors or outdoors, they’re inexpensive to operate, and you can usually find wood for them even if power and gas lines are down. However, you need to make sure your wood stove is properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and you should only use dry, seasoned wood to avoid creating too much smoke.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-Filled Radiators – These space heaters are filled with oil, and as the name suggests, they use that oil to heat up the radiator coils. The coils then radiate heat out into the room. These heaters are very safe because the heating element is completely enclosed, and they don’t produce any fumes or smells.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets are a safe, effective way to keep warm during a power outage. If you have an electric blanket, make sure it is turned off and unplugged before going to bed. If you must use it, wrap it loosely around your body so it does not come into direct contact with your skin.
Other safe emergency heating options include:
-Gas fireplace
-Kerosene heater (with proper ventilation)
–Candles (with proper safety precautions)
-Propane heater
-Space heater (with proper safety precautions)
-Wood stove
Microwaves
One of the handiest appliances in any home is the microwave. Not only can you heat up food in a snap, but you can also use it to warmth up your home in an emergency. Simply place a bowl of water inside and turn it on for a few minutes. Be sure to open a window to let the steam out so that you don’t create too much condensation inside your home.
Crockpots
Crockpots are a great option for emergency heating because they are relatively safe and easy to use. If you have a crockpot, fill it with water and set it on the highest setting. Place a wet towel over the top of the pot to help increase the humidity in the room. You can also place other items in the pot such as canned goods or bottles of water to help heat them up.
Hairdryers
Plug in your hair dryer, turn it on to the highest heat setting, and aim it at the room’s coldest spot. Crank up some tunes to make it feel like a spa day. This method will take longer than others, but it’s totally safe, and you can use your hair dryer for its intended purpose when you’re finished heating things up.
Candles
While candles may not be the most efficient way to heat a room, they are certainly one of the safest. If you do not have any other options, candles can provide a small amount of heat and light in an emergency situation. Just be sure to use them properly: never leave a candle burning unattended, and make sure it is placed in a safe location away from flammable materials.