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Candles may offer a fun, attractive addition to any room, but grouping them together can produce substantial heat.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Stock up on candles. Most individuals purchase candles for decorative purposes, or to produce a desired fragrance. Even if the threat of a power outage does not cause immediate concern, purchase a number of candles, and store them safely away. Many fragrant candles burn slowly in order to extend their aroma, and in doing so, produce consistent heat. One burning candle may not keep you warm enough, but a number of them burning can indeed do so. Make certain the surface underneath can withstand long-term warmth, so purchase appropriate candle holders as well, as to make them portable as well. - 2
A fireplace can produce considerable, long-term heat, so always maintain its workability.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Utilize your fireplace. Many homes include a fireplace, whether log-based, gas or electric. If your home offers a log-based or gas fireplace, the warmth of the home can continue during a power outage. In preparing for the use of a log-based fireplace, make certain your fireplace works properly. Contact a chimney cleaning service in order to test your fireplace's workability, well in advance of a cold-weather season. Power outages in the spring or summer may not cause a sever heating issue, but if approaching late fall or winter, make certain the fireplace functions properly. Even if your fireplace normally serves only an aesthetic purpose, keep enough wood on hand, just in case. If skittish about safe fire management, seek assistance from your chimney cleaner, or local fire department. If using a gas fireplace, keep carbon monoxide alarms in your home at all times, alerting you to any possible buildup. - 3
A securely insulated home can aid in minimizing your home's heat loss.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
Properly insulate your home. When building a home, make certain to utilize as much insulation as possible, as its purpose it to keep the temperature stable by diminishing the loss of heat. Sufficient insulation can keep a home cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Also, regularly check the windows of your home. Air can escape through old, or energy inefficient windows, so replace them, if necessary. The air loss may seem minimal in pleasant weather seasons, but in the case of cold weather periods, that loss can influence heat retention. If unable to afford the replacement of all leaky windows with newer energy efficient options, replace those in the primary gathering areas. During a power outage, residents of the home may need to assemble comfortably for long periods of time, so ensure the heat retention of a room large enough to accommodate everyone. - 4
A wood stove need not be intrusive, and can produce lots of welcome heat during a power outage.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
Purchase a wood stove. Homes of the past regularly included wood stoves, but most homes currently heat from electricity or gas. Though your home may not accommodate a large stove, for those in cold-weather prevalent areas, installing a wood stove can ensure the comfort of you, your family, and/or acquaintances. During power outages, a neighborhood home with reliable heat can provide comfort, as well as sustainability for a number of individuals. A modest wood stove can offer a source of warmth which can also assist in reducing heating costs year-round. Wood stoves may also prove safer than a portable generator, which, though commonly used in power outages, can allow carbon monoxide seepage.
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