During the hot summer months, being unprepared for an extended power outage can be deadly. It’s essential to have a plan for what you will do if the power goes out. There are many things you can do to help yourself and your family prepare. Some of these actions may cost money, but it’s worth investing in your safety. By making some minor adjustments to your Sacramento, CA, home, you will be better prepared for the cold weather months ahead. These changes could save you thousands of dollars on energy bills or prevent a disaster from happening within seconds. In this blog, we’ve compiled some of the things to do if the heat goes out.
1. Emergency Light
If your heat goes out, the first thing you should do is make sure you have a working flashlight or emergency light. There are tons of these around the house, and you can find them anywhere from the garage to the car glove box. These are also good to have around the house because you never know when you will have a power outage or need to head out in the sunlight. There are different kinds of emergency lights. Some use solar, some use batteries, while others use electricity. Find the one you like best, and make sure it’s tested often to make sure it works when you need it most.
2. Blankets
A good, heavy blanket can go a long way if you’ve just found out that your heat is going to be shut off for a while. Ensure you have wool blankets, those filled with cotton, or those that can repel water to keep your family warm and dry. This is the first thing you should do to help prevent hypothermia and frostbite from happening.
3. Preparedness Kit
It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand for any disaster. There are many different kinds of these kits. They can be filled with food, water, tools, medicine, and more. Buy one that is durable and has everything you need if you cannot leave the house after the power outage. You want one to help keep your family alive by providing some necessities, like food and water, for at least three days.
4. Fireplace
If the power is lost, you want to keep warm in any way possible. A fireplace can come in handy if you’ve got one attached to your home. Be sure that the fireplace has enough wood to keep it burning for a few days, just in case you cannot leave your home. Also, make sure you have matches on hand so that you’ll be able to start a fire quickly after you’ve got it ready.
5. Candles
If you don’t have a fireplace, you can still use candles to keep warm. Use the ones that are made with paraffin because they can burn longer than regular candles. They also won’t drip wax on the floor and table surfaces around them, so it’s a great way to stay warm without having to worry about these problems.
6. Portable Heater
A portable heater is another way to stay warm if your home does not have central heating. A portable heater is a great way to keep your body warm when you’re unable to leave the house. This is a good idea if you’ve got children in the house because it’s easy for them to grab one and get themselves warm. This is a must-have for pets, too, who can’t take advantage of central heating.
7. Battery-Operated Heater
If you have a central heating system in your home, prepare it for winter with a battery-operated heater. This way, you’ll both be able to use the main heat in the house and have a backup if there is a power outage or unexpected problem. You’ll be able to keep yourself warm and not worry about your children being cold.
8. Furnace
Another way to keep your home warm is to have a gas furnace in it. This can be expensive, so if you don’t want to go through that expense, another option is a smaller unit that only heats the rooms you need it for. You can place this in certain rooms or put it in an area where you’ll be staying for a few days just in case the power goes out, and you need to stay there for a few days. For furnace installation in Sacramento and the surrounding areas, contact Huft Home Services. We can take care of all of your heating needs.
9. Generator
If you have a generator, you can use it to keep your home warm if the power goes out. Anything powered by gas will work with a generator, so this is an excellent way to make sure your family remains warm during an unexpected outage. You don’t want to go without heat in the winter months because of a power outage.
10. Portable Propane Heater
A portable propane heater can also keep you warm if your heat goes out. It runs on natural gas and is easy to move around. This is an excellent option for residents who want to stay warm during the winter months and don’t plan on leaving their homes for an extended period of time. It’s also suitable for those who own a motorhome and like to park them in cold areas away from their homes during harsh weather.
11. Natural Gas Heater
With natural gas heating, you will be able to heat your home while using less money than propane heaters. Portable units are another type of heater that you can heat with natural gas. This is safer than propane because it has lower temperatures and doesn’t explode as propane does.
12. Wood-Burning Stove
Wood stoves are another way to stay warm if your power goes out. This is a good option if you have a fireplace because you can use the fireplace for this purpose. You’ll save money on your energy bills, and you’ll be able to stay warm during any unexpected outage. Find one that will fit in your fireplace and stay warm during those cold winter months ahead.
13. Gas-Fired Heater
Gas heaters are a great way to heat your home. They give you a wide range of adjustments so that you can get the temperatures just right. Propane and natural gas heaters are the best kinds of gas-fired heaters, and they’re also safer than wood-burning models. If you’re away from your home for an extended time, you’ll want to use one of these to stay warm with little or no interruption in your comfort levels.
There are many reasons to use heaters in your Sacramento, CA, home, and you can choose from a variety of options when it comes time to prepare for the cold weather. Our technicians can help you all winter long, and we’ll make sure that your heater is the best option for the type of home you’re living in. Contact Huft Home Services today for heating maintenance, repair and installation and AC installation, maintenance and repair services. We also offer plumbing services.
