10 Ways to Heat Your House When the Power Goes Out (And How to Stay Safe)
Part 1: Generating Emergency Heat Safely
1. Fire up a Wood-Burning Fireplace or Stove
If you are fortunate enough to have a functional, well-maintained wood fireplace or a wood stove, this is your premier heat source during an outage. Ensure your chimney has been swept annually to avoid creosote fires, and keep a generous supply of dry seasoned firewood stowed in a garage or under a tarp.
2. Use an Indoor-Safe Propane Heater
Standard outdoor propane heaters or camp stoves should never be brought inside due to severe carbon monoxide risks. However, specific radiant heaters—like the highly popular “Mr. Heater Buddy” series—are explicitly rated and approved for indoor emergency use. They feature built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-offs. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual explicitly regarding square footage and ventilation requirements.
3. Light a Kerone Heater
Sturdy, portable indoor kerosene heaters can generate an immense amount of ambient heat and can easily warm up a large family room. Keep in mind that they do emit a distinct odor upon startup and shutdown. Only purchase high-quality K-1 clear kerosene, and always refill the unit outside to eliminate the risk of indoor fuel spills.
