No Power? Tips for Keeping Warm During Winter Power Outages

January 24th, 2014  |  Insurance

As we saw in December, many Ontario residents learned what it was like to live with no power. While it was a temporary outage for many, some homes didn’t have power for days. Experiencing a power outage during the winter is not only inconvenient, it can also be dangerous if you are not prepared, especially if it lasts for more than a few hours.

The first priority for people is to keep warm, but you also need to do it safely. Here are some tips to stay warm safely:

• Dress is layers: This is the quickest and safest way to stay warm during a winter power outage. Throw on a couple sweaters, multiple pairs of socks, and don’t forget your winter hat.
• Use blankets: Once you are dressed in layers, don’t forget to use the blankets in your home to keep warm, especially at night.
• Be careful with candles: If you are going to use candles, make sure that you place them in spots where they will not get knocked over or ignite anything around them.
• Watch out for carbon monoxide: It is vital that you make sure your family is safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. Always use backup generators, BBQ’s, and other devices outside in well ventilated areas.

If the power outage is expect to last an extended period of time, it is a good idea to go to a warming shelter, visit friends or family that have power, or consider staying at a hotel for the night.

What do you do to keep warm when the power goes out in the winter? Do you stick it out? Or, do you head for a hotel for the night?