Winter Power Outages: Essential Preparation Steps

Winter power outages can disrupt your life, but preparation can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay safe, warm, and connected when the power goes out:

Backup Power: Invest in a generator or portable power station and keep extra batteries on hand.
Emergency Kit: Stock 3 days’ worth of food, water (2 liters/person/day), LED lanterns, flashlights, and warm blankets.
Protect Your Home: Insulate pipes, seal windows, and stop drafts to conserve heat.
Stay Safe: Use carbon monoxide detectors, vent alternative heaters properly, and monitor for hypothermia signs.
Generator Care: Maintain your generator weekly and follow safety rules to avoid risks like CO poisoning.

Quick Tip: A refrigerator keeps food safe for 4 hours, and a full freezer for 48 hours – plan accordingly. Power surges can damage electronics, so unplug sensitive devices during outages.

Preparation is key – secure backup power, protect your home, and gather emergency supplies now to handle winter outages with confidence.

How To Prepare For A Power Outage In The Winter …

Building Your Emergency Power Kit

Having a well-prepared emergency power kit is crucial for winter outages. Start by choosing a storage area that stays at a stable temperature to preserve battery life and prevent supplies from freezing. Then, focus on gathering the key power and lighting supplies that will make up the core of your kit.

Basic Supplies List

Make sure you have reliable power and lighting options on hand. A 500Wh power station can charge a smartphone about 20 times, while a 20,000mAh battery bank offers a compact backup. For lighting, consider:

Primary lighting: Battery-powered LED lanterns and flashlights
Backup options: Luci Solar Inflatable Lanterns (50-hour runtime)
Navigation aids: Glow sticks for bathrooms and hallways
Communication: NOAA weather radio with a built-in flashlight
Power backups: Extra batteries for all devices

Store batteries in waterproof containers and inspect them regularly for leaks or damage.

Food and Water Storage

Plan for at least three days of self-sufficiency. Each person needs about 2 liters of water daily, so for a family of four, aim to store at least 24 liters.

"Remember small, round batteries for such things as watches, hearing aids, and other similar items." – Robert Graham

Keep food and water in areas where the temperature stays above 32°F to avoid freezing. Follow these storage guidelines:

Item Type	Quantity Per Person	Storage Tips
Drinking Water	2 liters/day	Rotate every 5 years
Non-perishable Food	3 days’ worth	Check expiration dates

To save water, stock items like hand sanitizer and baby wipes. Water purification tablets are a good backup option.

Emergency Equipment

Add essential tools and safety items to your kit for monitoring and protection.

Monitoring Devices:

Carbon monoxide detector with battery backup
Smoke detector with fresh batteries

Safety Gear:

First aid kit with winter-specific supplies
Manual can opener
Work gloves
Hand and feet warmers

Comfort Items:

Sleeping bags rated for below-freezing temperatures
Emergency blankets

Organize your emergency equipment in waterproof containers with clear labels. Place frequently used items at the top for quick access.

Generator Setup and Care

Keeping your generator in good condition is key to ensuring it provides reliable backup power during winter outages.

Generator Selection Guide

For most homes, a 14 kW generator (starting at $5,899) is sufficient to cover essential circuits. Larger homes might need a 22 kW model, which starts at $7,899, to power the entire electrical panel.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Generator Size	Typical Coverage	Best For
14 kW	12–14 circuits	Medium homes (up to 2,500 sq ft)
22 kW	Whole house	Large homes (2,500+ sq ft)
Select Circuit	8–10 circuits	Small homes/basic needs

Once you’ve chosen the right generator, follow a weekly maintenance routine to keep it running smoothly.

Weekly Maintenance Steps

Test Weekly: Run the generator to check for smooth startup, proper indicator lights, and any unusual vibrations.
Clear Snow and Ice: Keep vents and exhaust ports free from blockages caused by snow or ice.
Oil Care: Use cold-weather oil recommended by the manufacturer, stick to a regular oil change schedule, and check for contamination.

Generator Safety Rules

Regular maintenance isn’t enough – following safety rules is just as important to avoid risks like carbon monoxide exposure:

Place the generator at least 5 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
Set it on a level surface that won’t collect standing water.
Ensure the exhaust points away from your home.
Never use the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed areas.
Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home.
Store fuel in approved containers and keep it away from living spaces.

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Winter-Proofing Your Property

Keeping your home safe from winter weather damage is especially important during power outages when your regular heating system may not work. A few simple steps can help you maintain a livable temperature and avoid expensive repairs.

Stopping Drafts

Preventing drafts is key to keeping your home warm during an outage. Here’s how:

Windows: Use weather stripping around frames and apply window insulation kits to seal gaps. Add thick thermal curtains for extra warmth.
Doors: Replace worn door sweeps and install weather stripping around the frame. Draft stoppers at the base of exterior doors can also help.
Interior Spaces: Close off unused rooms to focus heat where it’s needed. Use rolled towels at the base of interior doors to block drafts.

You can also cover windows with bubble wrap or heavy blankets to reduce heat loss. Once you’ve sealed drafts, look into alternative ways to keep your home warm.

Alternative Heat Sources

If you’re turning to backup heating methods, safety should always come first. Here are some options:

Heat Source	Benefits	Safety Tips
Pellet Stove	Clean and efficient	Ensure proper ventilation and use a CO detector
Catalytic Heater	No open flame	Requires proper ventilation
Kerosene Heater	Portable and powerful	Ventilate well by opening a window

Protecting Your Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to serious damage, but you can take steps to prevent this. Keep areas with plumbing at a minimum of 55°F (13°C) and follow these tips:

1. Quick Fixes

Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas with foam insulation or thick towels secured with duct tape.

2. During the Outage

Let a small stream of water flow from faucets connected to exposed pipes.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around plumbing.

3. For Long Outages

Turn off the main water valve and drain the system by opening all faucets to avoid pipe bursts.

Power Outage Safety Guide

Winter power outages can be challenging. Here’s how to keep your family safe and your home protected.

Keeping Your Home Warm

Staying warm is crucial during a blackout. Here are ways to conserve heat:

Use layers of blankets and sleeping bags to trap heat.
Cover windows with bubble wrap, plastic film, or blankets to reduce heat loss.
Close off rooms you’re not using.
Gather everyone in the warmest room to maximize shared body heat.

"You want to retain as much heat as possible while the power is out. Keep warm air in and cool air out by not opening doors to unused rooms." – Farmers RECC

"Even the best windows leak. Add a layer of insulation directly onto the glass." – Kathy Harrison

Protecting Electronics

Power surges can damage your devices when electricity returns. Protect them with these steps:

Unplug sensitive electronics as soon as the power goes out.
Leave one light on so you’ll know when power is restored.
Use surge protectors for expensive equipment.

For longer outages, unplug nonessential devices or turn off breakers, leaving one circuit active, until you’re confident the power is stable.

Staying Healthy in the Cold

Your family’s health is just as important as keeping the house warm. Watch for signs of hypothermia, such as:

Shivering
Confusion
Drowsiness
Slurred speech

To stay warm and healthy:

Wear layers: a base layer, an insulating layer, and a weather-resistant outer layer.
Drink warm beverages to stay hydrated.
Eat calorie-rich foods to maintain energy.
Move around indoors to generate body heat.

Long-Term Outage Planning

Preparing for extended winter outages requires more than just stocking up on basic emergency supplies. These steps can help you stay safe, warm, and connected when the power is out for days.

Car Emergency Kit

Make sure your vehicle is ready to handle winter outages. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing and to ensure you can use your car as a backup heat source if needed.

Here are key supplies to keep in your car:

Category	Items	Purpose
Repair Tools	Jumper cables, basic tool kit, spare tire	Handle minor car issues
Safety Items	Reflective triangles, LED flashers, vest	Increase visibility in snowy conditions
Survival Gear	Thermal blankets, hand warmers, boots	Stay warm in freezing temperatures
Emergency Food	High-calorie snacks, bottled water	Provide energy and hydration

"Several items are likely already in your everyday emergency kit but you really should take the time to winterize your car and be prepared."

Before winter hits, schedule a tune-up. Check your car battery, monitor tire pressure weekly, switch to winter-grade wiper fluid, and ensure your tire tread is adequate for snowy roads. Once your car is ready, focus on staying informed during an outage.

Emergency Updates

Staying informed is crucial during long power outages. Save your phone’s battery by closing unnecessary apps, turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and consider having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency broadcasts.

Helpful resources include:

Dial 2-1-1 for information on local shelters and aid
Use your car to charge devices if needed
Visit public buildings with backup power for updates and charging stations

"It’s good for staying in touch with people and checking the news." – NHPR Staff

For extended outages, installing a home standby generator with automated controls can keep essential systems running smoothly.

Preparing for Winter Outages

Getting ready for winter outages means combining the right equipment, routine maintenance, and smart planning. Follow these steps to minimize disruptions when cold weather hits.

Keeping your generator in top shape is crucial for staying powered during extended outages. Draper Electric offers Champion home standby generators (14-22 kW) starting at $3,999. This price covers professional installation, system assessment, proper sizing, and setup with manual or automatic transfer switches. These generators are a reliable part of a well-rounded winter plan that should also include emergency kits, property safeguards, and clear safety measures.

"The best time to maintain a generator is before a storm or disaster strikes." – The Hanover Insurance Group

Here are key areas to focus on:

Emergency Kit Preparation: Stock up on essentials like food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
Generator Maintenance: Ensure your backup power source is ready to go when you need it most.
Property Protection: Insulate pipes, seal windows, and take steps to guard against freezing temperatures.
Safety Measures: Have a plan for staying warm and safe if the power goes out.
Communication Plan: Keep a list of emergency contacts and a way to stay informed about weather updates.

Taking these steps now can help keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable if severe winter weather causes outages.