How to Heat a Home for Survival

Intense winter storms can knock out power lines, leaving homes without electricity. No electricity means no heat, which can be dangerous or even deadly in cold winter temperatures. It is important to be prepared to survive for several days with no electricity. There are several methods of heating a home without electricity, but planning ahead is key. If you don't already have a backup heating method in place, it may be difficult to procure one in an emergency.

Generator
Kerosene heaters
Fireplace
Wood
Wood stove

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a generator outside to restore power to your electric heating system or a space heater. Be sure to set the generator up in an open area away from windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- 2
  Use a kerosene heater. Preferably, use a vented kerosene heater with an external fuel tank. Otherwise, set up the heater in a well-ventilated area.
- 3
  Light a fire in your fireplace or wood stove if you have one. Since these options aren't portable, everyone in the home will have to stay in the room the fireplace or stove is in, but it will heat one room sufficiently. Some fireplaces have catalytic converters that can heat a home efficiently in an emergency. Be sure that the damper is open and don't burn anything but wood.

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