5 Ways to Stay Warm During a Winter Power Outage

If you’re fortunate enough to have a well-maintained wood stove, use it. Never go to bed with a fire burning, however, and keep the area immediately around the fireplace or stove clear of any flammable materials. Keep kids and pets away, too.

If you don’t have a fireplace, consider using a portable propane heater. But make sure you use it properly.

“Consumer Reports only recommends using a portable propane heater designed for indoor use in an emergency,” says John Galeotafiore, CR’s associate director of product testing. “And you should only use these tools if you’re able to follow crucial safety instructions.”

In addition to the directions in the owner’s manual, these heaters should be used only on a hard, fireproof surface and in an area free of kids, pets, and flammable materials.

Make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your house and that you’ve selected a heater that’s suitable for indoor use.

These heaters produce carbon monoxide, so you’ll need to keep a window open a small amount to allow for safe ventilation. Check the owner’s manual for specifics, which will vary depending on the output of the heater.

Never leave a portable heater running unattended or during any period when you are sleeping.