Prepare for a Cold Power Outage

Simple Prepare for a Cold Power Outage **See Simple Basic Checklist for 72 hour for water, food, light, sanitation, etc

Small steps with insulating can make a big difference in heating. Insulate exposed pipes or faucets with heat tape or foam sleeves. Weather stripping and caulk can help reduce cold air under doors and around windows. Replace filters in heating system and make sure vents are not blocked. Get Back up options ready – gather extra blanket, sleeping bags, and portable heater approved for indoor use only. Don’t use outdoor grills or stove – oven due to can produce harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide – a odorless and colorless gas which can be fatal.

You can make a “warm kit” from things you have already. The goal is to keep your body warm, NOT to heat the whole house. [ ] 2-4 blankets – fleece, wool, or quilts [ ] sleeping bag (s) [ ] Warm socks, 2 pairs per person [ ] Scarf, Knit hat or winter or Beanie cap [ ] Insulated Gloves or mittens [ ] Thermal underwear, “long johns”, long sleeved shirts or t-shirts, leggings or tights or yoga pants [ ] Sweatshirts and Sweatpants [ ] 2 Thermometers; 1 to measure air temperature (wall thermostat may do) and 2nd one to monitor Core Body temperature for developing Hypothermia [ ] Blankets, tarps, comforters, quilts, foam exercise mats, mattress covers, rugs, etc to use for layers to insulate floor to lay on in a “warm room” or to block drafts. [ ] Hand warmers or Pocket warms for hands or feet

Dress in layers A thin base layer (long underwear “long johns”or a long-sleeve shirt) A warm middle layer (fleece or sweatshirt) with a Hat or Beanie Cap – Your head is often uncovered indoors and lose a lot of heat out of the top of your head. A thicker outer layer if needed like a jacket, coat or blanket

Warm ONE room, not the whole house. Decide which room to make your “Warm Room”. Choose the smallest room with a door that all can fit into comfortably with clear path to access bathroom. Will you need to move furniture around or out? DO NOT BLOCK EXIT FROM ROOM Scan the “warm” room to see what you will need to keep as much heat as possible inside room such as curtains or blinds, towels or blankets for bottom of doors to reduce cold air in and warm air out. Is there a table or other sturdy object you can use to make a warm blanket tent if needed. Is there a space to keep supplies organized in one spot in the room ? (lights, snacks, water, extra batteries, charger, weather radio)

Needs to Make a Blanket Tent – For a smaller air space that your body can warm Table Tent (the easiest) Use a dining table, higher coffee table or card table Place blankets over the top and down all side so they hang to nearly touch the floor. You may have to use several layers or test which pattern provides best coverage depending on size of table and blankets, sheets, throws, mattress covers, etc. Practice to see what works. Leave a small opening for enter and exit that you can close when inside. Put rugs, blankets, cushions or pillow on the floor for insulation. Sit or sleep inside with blankets or sleeping bag.

Chair Tent – requires heavy objects in chair seat to keep chairs from tipping or may can use TV trays or stands but must be securely stabilized Arrange 3 or 4 chairs in a triangle or rectangle/square. Drape blankets over the backs and across the top. Tuck the edges under books or other heavy object (small filled boxes or baskets) so chairs do not tip or blankets slip off. Leave one side open for a doorway.

Use Sheets as inner layer or floor, add blanket or quilt for insulation. NEVER use a candle or open flame inside a tent.

Cold Threshold Evacuation Begin thinking of where you may go if you need to leave your home due to cold temperature and HOW will you get there SAFELY? A warming station, community center, friend or family or other location that has power, generators or other sources of heat.

BELOW 56 F (13C) is generally too cold and begins to affect body functions like blood pressure and can lead to hypothermia 64 F – 68 F (18 C – 20 C ) is considered safe indoor living.

Decide NOW – what will trigger your Relocation Plan

____ Temperature OR if Power is out for ___ hours