Staying Warm During a Winter Storm—Even Without Power

Staying Warm During a Winter Storm—Even Without Power

Winter storms in the mountains can be beautiful—but they can also bring heavy snow, ice, and power outages. If the lights go out and you don’t have a generator, staying warm safely becomes the top priority. Here are a few simple, practical tips to help you and your family stay comfortable until power is restored.

Trap the heat you have.
Close off unused rooms and gather everyone into one central space. Shut doors, hang blankets over doorways if needed, and close curtains at night to reduce heat loss through windows.

Layer up—inside and out.
Wear loose layers of clothing to trap body heat. Thermal shirts, sweaters, socks, hats, and even gloves can make a big difference indoors. Use blankets, sleeping bags, or quilts, and don’t forget pets need warmth too.

Use food and drinks to your advantage.
Eat regularly and choose foods that help your body generate heat. Stay properly hydrated with plenty of water and avoid alcohol. If it’s safe to do so, warm foods and drinks as this can help raise your body temperature. Always use grills, camp stoves, or propane heaters outdoors only—never inside your home or garage.

Sleep smart.
At night, sleep in the warmest room and consider having everyone sleep together. Place blankets under you as well as on top to prevent heat loss through the floor.

Prioritize safety.
Avoid candles if possible, and never use ovens or fireplaces not designed for heating. Carbon monoxide is a serious risk. Have your battery powered carbon monoxide and fire alarms in the room you are sleeping in—if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unusually tired, get fresh air immediately.

At Haywood EMC, our crews work around the clock during winter storms to safely restore power as quickly as conditions allow. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to plan ahead so you’re ready if an outage occurs. Staying informed, prepared, and safe helps protect you—and our entire cooperative community. 💚