Power outage winter kit

Ready.gov says to gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power in winter (Ready.gov). CDC says to have at least one heat source in case the power goes out, and its list includes extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats (CDC). This list covers that, plus the alarm, lights, and radio that keep a cold house safe. The staying warm without power guide covers what to do as the house cools.

Carbon monoxide comes first

CDC says to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector (CDC). If you heat with a fireplace or wood stove, CDC says to put a battery-operated CO detector near the area being heated, test it monthly, and replace the batteries twice a year (CDC). Ready.gov adds detectors with battery backup on every level of the home (Ready.gov). The generator safety guide covers generators in detail.

Staying warm

• Bedding for each person. Ready.gov’s kit list includes a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person (Ready.gov). The sleeping bag and wool blanket on this list cover one person; buy one of each per household member.
• Layers. CDC recommends several layers of loose-fitting clothing in extreme cold (CDC) and says an insulation layer helps you hold heat by trapping air close to your body (CDC). CDC’s list for a winter car kit includes extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets (CDC).
• One warm room. CDC says to close off unneeded rooms (CDC).
• Know when to leave. Ready.gov says to go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme (Ready.gov).

No heater is on this list. The electric space heaters CDC describes need power, and CDC says all fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside (CDC).

Light and information

Ready.gov says to have extra batteries for radios and flashlights (Ready.gov) and flashlights for every household member (Ready.gov). The lantern takes D batteries and the headlamp takes AAA, so the list includes both. The crank radio brings in news and NOAA weather alerts without wall power.

Signs of cold injury

Ready.gov lists these signs (Ready.gov):

• Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
• Frostbite: numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.

For hypothermia, Ready.gov says to go to a warm room and keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets, including the head and neck (Ready.gov). The staying warm without power guide covers cold injuries in more detail.