Heating

The body doesn’t need to be exposed to cold for long before it starts to lose heat, which affects both movement and the ability to think clearly. It’s a good idea to have a plan for how to keep yourself and your home warm during a prolonged power outage in winter.

Insulation

The layer-on-layer principle works just as well for the body as it does for a home. Hanging blankets, sheets, or duvets over windows and dividing larger rooms into smaller spaces can help create pockets of insulation. Rugs and blankets on the floor also make the indoor climate more comfortable. If possible, tape doors and windows to reduce drafts.

Clothing

If insulating the home isn’t enough, winter clothing provides insulation for the body. Layering clothing traps heat effectively. Always use a hat and gloves, as a significant amount of heat is lost from the head and hands.

Alternative heating

A tiled stove or fireplace can be very useful, though limited by access to wood or other fuel. A camping stove, oil lamp, or candles of any kind can also provide significant heat. Remember to keep some ventilation open when using open flames, as oxygen levels can drop and pose a serious danger in small rooms.

Drinking hot liquids quickly warms up the body. Having a camping stove available is a good idea, since it provides both room heating and a way to prepare hot meals.

Safety first

• Always ensure proper ventilation when using open flames

• Be careful with placement of heat sources – fire can turn a bad situation worse very quickly

• Place candles and tealights in pots or pans to limit fire risk

• When using a camping or emergency stove, keep it far away from cupboards and extractor fans, which may have grease deposits that ignite easily