Don't get stuck in the cold: Plan for winter power outage

Safety Specialist, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Iowa State University Extension

Winter power outages are always challenging but occasionally they can be dangerous if not handled correctly. The key to managing any emergency such as a power outage is to have a specific disaster plan to handle decisions that must be made in the moment of the crisis.

Personal disaster plan

Snow, freezing rain and extreme cold conditions often contribute or cause winter power outages. These same conditions must also be handled in your personal disaster plan. Winter storms can last for days, resulting in disruption of normal services, blocking or closing roads, and causing conditions of isolation.

* Can you manage without power for three days, five days, or more?

* What are your primary needs to survive?

* What tasks must be performed to avoid hazards and minimize risks to your health and property?

Shelter plans

Typically shelter, water and food are the basic elements needed in any emergency.

* How does your home handle the cold temperatures?

* Are there simple modifications you can make to improve the ability of your home to handle cold weather and reduce your heating load during an emergency?

These modifications will also help cut energy costs during non-emergencies.

* If you lose your primary heating system because of a power outage, do you have an alternate heating source?

* Does your alternate heating source pose special risks?

You not only need to choose alternate heat but also understand the special requirement of those choices. If using alternate heat sources, carbon monoxide poisoning is a dangerous health risk as well as fires from unattended units. Where you locate your alternate heating source is critical.

Develop a disaster supply kit with enough supplies to last three to five days.

The kit should include water; dried, canned, or other nonperishable food; and other emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, prescription medicines, and a digital thermometer.

A good rule of thumb for water is a gallon per day per person.

When developing your kit, use battery powered or hand crank flashlights and lanterns rather than candles or open flame devices.

Sometimes the easiest way to create your disaster plan is to role play. Pretend the emergency is happening and discuss what actions you should take.

The top 10 must have items for surviving winter power outages:

Here is a list from the CampSafe Coalition of "must have" items to ensure that you and your family are safe during those long power outages:

1) Battery Powered Lighting- Flashlights are handy for temporary uses, but battery powered camping lanterns can be used to light rooms, hallways, and stairs without the fear of an open flame candle.

2) Bottled Water- Having several cases of bottled water on hand for drinking and cooking is a smart safeguard.

3) Propane Stove- A propane stove is an excellent way to boil water and prepare hot meals. Portable propane stoves also use 1 lb. propane cylinders and are easy to use.

4) Canned Food and High Energy Snacks- Keep a stock of canned food and items that are easy to cook on a portable propane stove. Also keep a variety of energy bars and snacks.

5) Portable Propane Heater- When it comes to having an emergency heat source, it's best to have a portable heater that is indoor safe approved.

Whether you use a radiant heater or a catalytic heater, never to sleep overnight in an enclosed space while any fuel burning appliance is operating due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

6) Sleeping Bags- Some sleeping bags are designed for colder temperatures than others. Also wear a stocking cap on your head to prevent losing body heat.

7) Cell Phone- In cases of emergencies, a cell phone is good to have for contacting Emergency Services, relatives, or calling for information on weather, roads, etc.

8) Weather Radio- They broadcast alerts for emergencies, tornados, thunderstorms, blizzards, etc. Knowing what the weather is expected to do can help you plan how you will use your supplies of food and fuel.

9) Gas-Powered Generator- This is a good investment to have during long power outages. A generator can be used for recharging batteries and keeping the refrigerator cold, etc.

10) Gasoline & Propane Supply- Many small propane appliances can run 5 to 8 hours on one 1 lb. propane cylinder. Generator fuel use varies from one to four gallons of gasoline in about a 15-20 hour span. Never use a portable generator inside.

Always think safety-

Portable propane and gasoline powered products burn and consume oxygen for combustion and give off carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. This can result in the loss of consciousness and death.

Propane cylinders should not be stored indoors, and it is against most fire regulations to use a 20-pound barbecue cylinder inside. Check the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and storage information.