by Silva Payne

Created on: January 25, 2011   Last Updated: February 06, 2012

While snow storms can be unusual weather occurrences in many places, for a large portion of the Northern Hemisphere winter snow storms should be expected. Accompanying these snow storms is the probability of a power outage. This can present a considerable problem in keeping your home warm.

Having your own source of energy that is not dependent on external power delivery is the first means of keeping a home warm during a power outage. Investing in a small generator should be a priority in any location that suffers regular power outages during the winter.

These generators are usually diesel powered and should be regularly maintained and serviced throughout the year. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a snow storm and find that your generator won't start or that you have run out of fuel to run it.

The reliance of many homes on external power sources and the pursuit of cleanliness has meant many homes no longer have working open fireplaces. If you live in a region where snow during the winter is almost guaranteed, it would be wise to retain any fireplaces in your home. This will allow you to heat at least one room, and also do some rudimentary cooking if you suffer a power outage.

Keeping your entire home warm should not be your priority during a power outage. Focusing your attention on just one or two rooms is preferable and a more practical solution. It doesn't matter which room you choose, as long as you can live comfortably there for two or three days.

If your bathroom is near to your bedroom, then make your bedroom the room you keep warm. Alternatively, if your kitchen has a solid fuel cooking range or room for a day bed, then that would be the sensible room to heat and live in for a few days.

Keeping a room warm is secondary to keeping yourself warm. If you have a power outage, begin by adding two or three more layers of thin clothing to yourself first. You must not let your own body temperature drop at the expense of trying to heat your home.

If you know that a snow storm is imminent, make sure you have enough solid fuel inside the house to sustain your open fire for at least two days. Bring blankets, torches, a bucket, and other items to keep yourself comfortable into the room you will be mainly using. You want to minimise the number of times you have to open the connecting door, because this will let any heat you have built up inside the room escape.

If you have enough time, make yourself one or two Thermos flasks of coffee, tea or even just fill them with hot water. Make sure all the windows are closed, but if you have vents, keep these open just a little to keep fresh air circulating. If you have gaps around your doors you may want to pin up a blanket to minimise the draughts. A door sausage is also a good idea.

If you are using candles, make sure you place these on a level surface and away from fabrics or other items that could catch fire. Oil lamps should be treated with the same respect as candles, and remember that the outside of the lamp will become very hot. If you can use a wind-up torch, this will reduce the possibility of fire or injury during a snow storm.

Finally, no matter what room you decide to keep warm, remember to keep a shovel inside your home, not in the garden shed, in case you need to dig yourself out in an emergency.

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