Staying Warm This Winter during a Power Outage

Forecasters are already predicting heavy snow storms and record-breaking temperatures for this winter. If your HVAC unit fails this winter, you might need heating repair or new heating installations in Kennesaw. Keep reading to learn how you and keep your family warm during a winter emergency.

Emergency Assessment

Power outages are common during a snowstorm. It’s important to determine if the outage is city-wide or if it’s just your home. Peek out the windows and look for your neighbor’s lights. If you can’t see them, it means your entire neighborhood has been affected. Call your local power company on either a cell phone or hardwired landline and report the outage immediately. If the power is on at your neighbors, it could be a problem with your home’s breaker. Reset it then unplug any unnecessary devices in your home to reduce the strain on your system until it can be inspected by a trained electrician. If your power is on but your heater isn’t working, try resetting the system from the breaker. If it doesn’t turn on again, contact your HVAC company as soon as possible.

Alternative Heat Sources

Until the storm clears, they may not be able to service your unit. It’s important to take emergency measures to stay warm until they arrive. If you have access to a working fireplace or propane space heater, gather everyone in the same room as this heat source. Close off the other rooms so that the warmth is concentrated in the living room or master bedroom. Never leave a fireplace or space heater unattended. Take turns sleeping and monitoring the heating source until the crisis is over. Maintain three-feet of clearance around the heat source to prevent a fire hazard. Ovens and grills are not safe heating sources.

Personal Warmth

Your body is a natural heat source; use it to your advantage with these easy tricks. By layering your clothing, you can keep heat trapped close to your skin. You can also layer blankets and quilts, pulling your extra linen out of storage. Get all the kids in the same bed and pile on the comforters. Space blankets are a must-have for your emergency kits because they also utilize your body heat. Chemical hand warmers are small packets that, when activated, generate heat that you can use to warm your hands. Put them inside your gloves or socks to keep your extremities warm.

Keep your family warm this winter season with an HVAC inspection or new heating installations in Kennesaw.

Kevin Smith is a writer and an avid reader. He writes about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships etc.