Survival Guide: How to Stay Safe During a Cold-Weather Power Outage

As winter temperatures dip below freezing across the Carolinas, the loss of home heating becomes more than an inconvenience—it becomes a significant safety risk. When the grid goes down during a cold snap, the primary goals are heat retention, fire safety, and preventing property damage.

Emergency management officials urge that you have a plan in place before the mercury drops. Here is the essential protocol for navigating a power outage in freezing conditions.

Phase 1: Immediate Heat Conservation

Once the power fails, your home becomes a thermal container. Your job is to stop the “leaks.”

• Seal the Gaps: Place rolled-up towels or blankets at the base of exterior doors to block drafts. Close all curtains and blinds to add a layer of insulation to windows.

• The “One-Room” Strategy: Pick a single room—ideally one with few windows and a southern exposure—and gather everyone there. Close the doors to the rest of the house to concentrate body heat.

• Layer Up: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Topping your outfit with a hat and gloves is critical, as a significant amount of body heat is lost through the head and extremities.

Phase 2: Safeguarding Your Infrastructure

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing, leading to burst pipes and costly water damage.

• The Drip Method: Allow a very thin trickle of water to run from faucets connected to pipes that run along exterior walls. This movement helps prevent the water from reaching a solid freeze.

• Open Cabinet Doors: Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow the remaining heat in the house to reach the pipes under the sink.

• Locate the Main Shut-Off: Ensure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case a pipe does burst.

Phase 3: Critical Safety Warnings

Desperation for warmth can lead to dangerous decisions. Emergency responders warn against the following common mistakes:

• Carbon Monoxide Risks: Never use a charcoal grill, camp stove, or generator inside the house, garage, or near an open window. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and lethal.

• Safe Space Heating: If using a kerosene or propane heater rated for indoor use, ensure the room is properly ventilated as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep all flammable materials—curtains, furniture, and blankets—at least three feet away.

• Avoid the Oven: Never use a gas oven or stovetop to heat your home; this is a high-risk fire hazard and a source of toxic fumes.

Phase 4: Nutrition and Hydration

Your body needs fuel to produce heat.

• Eat Regularly: High-calorie foods and snacks help maintain your internal body temperature.

• Hydrate: Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can accelerate heat loss and lead to dehydration. Stick to water and juices.

Emergency Supply Checklist

Communication is Key

In the event of a sustained outage, keep your mobile devices on “Low Power Mode” and limit use to emergency updates. If your service is spotty, text messages often transmit more reliably than voice calls.

Staying informed and acting early are your best defenses against the winter elements. By preparing your home and family now, you can turn a potential emergency into a manageable situation until the lights come back on.