Here are some tips for you on staying warm in a house with no heat.
Safety first
First, a word on hownotto heat your house.
Dont venture to use it to heat your home.
Never run a propane, gasoline, or other fuel-powered generator in an enclosed space.
(There are indoor generators that are just battery power banks; those are safe to use indoors.
check that you know what you have, and follow the safety warnings that came with it.)
Get fresh air and seek medical attention.
For more on generator safety, readthis fact sheet from energy.gov.
Choose a room or two in your house to keep warm.
This should ideally be a room in the center of the house.
For that reason, avoid corner rooms, if you’re able to.
wrap up the doors leading to other rooms of the house.
(If you dont have doors that close, hang blankets in the doorway.)
Gather everybody in the main room that youve chosen.
This includes kids and pets.
Bring food bowls, snacks, and any other needs into the main room.
Dont fire up the doors to outside or to other rooms any more often than you absolutely need.
Bring anything into this room that shouldnt freezewater jugs, for example, or houseplants.
If you have a space heater, use it, but see to it to take all safety precautions.
Close windows and curtains.
Seal off windows by taping garbage bags or bubble wrap over them.
Hang blankets over the windows.
Hang blankets on the walls to stop cold from coming through.
Cover the floor with carpets, towels, or anything else that is available (even dirty laundry).
The ideal place for your bed is the center of this room.
Layer up
Now is the time towear all your warm clothes.
If you dont have enough, get creative.
Wear leggings or tights under multiple layers of pants.
Layer as many shirts as it’s possible for you to.
Layer gloves and mittens.
Wear hats and hoodies and winter coats even though youre indoors.
Multiple loose, light layers are often better than a single heavy coat.
Put clothes on your pets, too.
They can wear your socks and t-shirts.
Hang onto whatever heat you’re able to
Your floor and walls will be cold.
Dont lean against the walls orkeep your feet on the floorany longer than you have to.
Make use of any hot things you might possess.
If you have a battery or enough electricity to run a (safe!)
appliance, use it in your warm room and gather around it.
If you have a way to make hot beverages, do so.
And dont forget to eat.
Supply your body with calories, since staying warm is hard work.
Alcohol may also inhibit your bodys ability to shiver.
