Surviving the Cold Without Power

What to do when weather knocks out electricity – and temps drop indoors

2:58 p.m. Jan. 22, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

When the power goes out in winter, cold is more than just an inconvenience. It can quickly become a safety problem. Outages caused by ice, wind, or heavy snow often last longer in rural areas like Moore County. Being able to stay warm without electricity can mean the difference between being uncomfortable and being in real danger.

The best ways to stay safe are to prepare ahead, think in layers, and use some tried-and-true methods.

Start with the Human Body

The most important thing during a cold-weather outage is to keep your body heat. Wear clothes in layers instead of piling on bulky items. Start with a base layer that pulls sweat away from your skin, then add warm layers like fleece or wool to trap heat. Finish with a wind-resistant outer layer to keep warmth in.

Always wear hats, gloves, and thick socks, since you lose a lot of heat through your head, hands, and feet.

Winter clothing is important even inside. If the heat is off, dress as if you are going outdoors. Wear thermal layers and a knit cap to bed to help keep your body temperature from dropping too low.

Create a Warm Zone

Instead of trying to heat your whole house, pick one room to be your warm zone. If you can, choose a small room in the middle of the house. Close the doors, block drafts with towels or blankets, and cover the windows with heavy curtains or extra bedding. The main goal is to keep the heat you make from getting out.

Everyone in the house should spend as much time as possible together in the warm zone. Sharing a small space helps everyone stay warmer. Bring pets inside – they give off heat and need to stay warm, too.

Use Alternative Heat Safely

If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or a gas heater that works without electricity, you can use it to stay warm, but only if you use it safely. Always keep the fireplace flue open and never leave a fire unattended. Make sure gas heaters and propane devices are meant for indoor use and always use them with a working carbon monoxide detector.

Do not use outdoor grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors or in your garage. They make carbon monoxide, which you cannot smell and can be deadly in minutes. Candles can give a little light and warmth, but never leave them alone and keep them away from anything that can catch fire.

Rethink Daily Routines

Moving around helps you stay warm. Light activities like stretching, walking around the house, or doing easy chores can raise your body temperature without making you sweat. Avoid hard exercise that makes your clothes damp, since wet clothes make you lose heat faster.

What you eat and drink is important too. Warm foods and drinks help your body keep its core temperature. Soups, stews, oatmeal, and hot drinks are great choices. Remember to drink enough water, even if you are not thirsty.

Insulate the Basics

If your water pipes might freeze, open the cabinet doors under your sinks so warmer air can get in. Let faucets drip slowly if it gets very cold. If you can, wrap exposed pipes with blankets, towels, or foam insulation.

At night, focus on staying warm while you sleep. Use several blankets instead of just one heavy one. Sleeping bags made for cold weather work well indoors, too. If the power is out for a long time, families might want to sleep in the same room to save heat.

Know When Cold Becomes Dangerous

Watch for signs of hypothermia, like shivering, confusion, slurred speech, or extreme tiredness. If you notice these, get warm right away and get medical help if needed. Older adults, young children, and people with health problems are at higher risk and should be checked on often.

Preparation is the Real Key

The best time to plan for staying warm without power is before an outage happens. Keep extra blankets, winter clothes, batteries, and safe ways to heat your home on hand. Being prepared can make a big difference and turn a crisis into something you can handle.

You can’t always avoid winter power outages, but you can avoid serious problems. With some planning, good sense, and safe habits, your household can get through the cold and come out with just a story to tell and a new appreciation for a warm home.