"The cold never bothered me anyway," says Elsa the Queen of Ice, who is a fictional character from a Disney film. But real people know the real trouble brought by extremely cold weather, and it is no joke to brace a negative temperature, especially during a power outage.
The entire state of Texas is braving the cold weather brought by the winter storm, Uri. The natural disaster caused electrical grid infrastructure damages. Some trees snapped, and power lines fell, resulting in a nationwide rotating blackout.
Winter power outages could be dangerous, especially for those households not prepared for an intense cold minus the help of heating machines at home. Below are some tips for surviving a winter power outage like a pro.
Level Up Your Layering Game
Image by JamesDeMers from Pixabay
Before anything else, make sure your body is well equipped to face the freezing temperature. Instead of just using your favorite coat, take your layering game to the next level by putting on a tank top under a thick shirt, top it off with a knitted sweater, and a sweatshirt made of wool material. Don't forget to cover those feet with multiple pairs of socks before putting on your slippers or shoes.
If you're lucky enough to have hot water, try putting it on a water bottle and keep it inside your pocket. This is a miracle trick that could save you and your family through the cold winter nights.
Use Blankets to Block Openings
Besides closing and securing all doors and windows at home, consider rolling up those blankets, towels, or rags and using them to block window and door spills. This will help maintain the warm temperature inside the house. Shutting those blackout curtains also helps to keep the cold wind from entering the house.
You can also gather all family members in one room where you block off all openings. Keep each other close and snuggle under the duvet.
Be Mindful of the Candles
Image by Boyan Chen from Pixabay
Candles will not only produce heat but could also light up a part of your house during a winter power outage. But be extra careful in placing it on tables or bedside, especially when you have kids or pets at home.
It is advisable to use the candles while you're awake and put them off during bedtime as the warmth will still stay through the night.
Stay Active, Full, and Hydrated
Eating food helps produce energy to keep our bodies warm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests keeping the fridge closed during a power outage to keep your food cold and prevent it from spoiling. Despite the power outage, food in the freezer can stay cold for 48 hours, while food in the fridge can stay good for four hours. Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks as it will only give your body temporary warmth and cause your body to lose heat faster.
It is also better to stay active to keep your body circulation flowing to keep you warm. No need to do heavy exercises; simple walking and stretching will do.
Leave the faucets on
Image by G J Whitby from Pixabay
As water freeze during winter, it also expands and could result in burst pipes. Keep the faucets dripping to ensure the water is moving and not freezing.
