When a winter storm knocks the power off and your home’s temperature starts to fall, every chilly moment counts. For hardworking Americans who believe in being prepared and self-reliant, this is where calm action makes all the difference. Here are 11 proven ways to keep yourself and your family warm and safe when the heat goes out.
1. Build a small “warming zone”
Limit the space you need to keep warm by shutting doors to unused rooms and gathering everyone into one interior space—ideally away from exterior walls. You can make that space even cozier by hanging heavy blankets or sheets to partition off smaller areas, trapping heat where you need it most. Setting up a tent inside the room works great too — it traps body heat, and the rainfly reflects warmth back in. Bonus: if you have a southern-facing room that gets sun in the winter, use it during daylight hours.
2. Seal drafts and reinforce insulation
Winter storms often bring gusty winds that sneak cold air through cracks around windows and doors. Use draft stoppers, heavy blankets at the bottom of doors, or self-adhesive window insulation kits. Close curtains or use thick blankets as barrier layers. A sealed home is a warm home.
3. Dress in layers & protect your extremities
Your body loses heat fastest through your head, hands, feet and neck – so make use of your warm hat, thick socks and gloves—even indoors. Wear multiple layers—start with a base layer (thermal or wool), add a warm mid-layer (fleece or wool-blend) and top it off with a wind- or water-resistant outer layer if needed. And keep shoes or slippers on to prevent losing heat through the soles.
4. Use body heat to your advantage
There’s strength in numbers: gather everyone into one room, group up under blankets and share warmth. Even the household pet can help raise the temperature. At night, consider everyone sleeping in the same room to concentrate heat and minimize exposure.
5. Hand and foot warmers (or rechargeable units)
Small and simple, disposable heat packs activated in pockets, boots or under blankets can add hours of comfort. Rechargeable hand-warmers are another excellent backup if you have a portable battery bank. These packs aren’t just luxury—they become survival tools when temp drops are severe.
6. Alternative indoor-safe heat sources
If you have a wood stove, fireplace, or approved heater (kerosene or propane indoor-safe model), now’s the time to use them. Safety counts. Always ensure proper ventilation and pair with a battery-powered carbon-monoxide detector.
7. DIY heating devices
When grid power is out and backup is limited, simple devices like a terracotta-pot heater (candles placed under an inverted terra-cotta pot) can radiate localized warmth. If you go this route: keep all flammables well away, monitor the flames continuously and never sleep with an open fire.
8. Eat warm food and drink warm liquids
Your internal furnace needs fuel. Even without electricity you can heat soup, tea or cocoa on a camp stove or with canned heat. Warm food and drinks signal your body to retain heat, reduce shivering and boost morale.
9. Keep moving with light activity
Staying active boosts circulation and creates internal heat—simple things like walking the hallway, doing jumping-jacks, or cleaning off snow from around your home can help. But avoid sweating heavily, because wet clothes cool you down fast. Stay dry and keep moving.
10. Stay dry—moisture kills warmth
Damp clothing pulls heat from your body faster than almost anything else. If your clothes get wet, change immediately. Keep a backup dry outfit, socks, and blankets sealed in a plastic bin or dry bag as part of your emergency kit.
11. Use gear you already have & upgrade your preparedness now
Your preparedness kit isn’t just about food and water — think warmth & shelter gear too. Items like emergency sleeping bags rated for cold, insulated tarps or Mylar blankets make the difference between “getting by” and “staying comfortable.” If you don’t have them now — make a plan to get them before the next outage.
A winter power outage doesn’t have to mean freezing in your own home. With preparation, the right gear and these 11 actionable steps, you’ll be able to stay warm, safe and calm. Be ready — don’t wait. Print off the checklist, inspect your warmth gear, and make sure your family zone is set for whatever the weather throws at you this season.
When all else fails, temporarily relocate – If your indoor temps fall to unsafe levels, and you can legally and safely travel, then relocate to a friend or family member’s home, a community warming center or a local emergency shelter.