Winter Power Outage Survival Guide

The Texas Freeze: What Happened

In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri brought unprecedented cold to Texas. The state's power grid collapsed for days, leaving millions without heat during single-digit temperatures. At least 246 people died—from hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and medical emergencies.

The disaster revealed critical vulnerabilities: homes built without cold-weather insulation, a grid unprepared for extreme cold, and residents without backup heating or supplies. Many deaths were preventable with basic preparation.

Key Lessons Learned

• The grid can fail anywhere: Texas wasn't prepared, but extended outages can happen in any state during extreme weather
• Cold homes become dangerous fast: Indoor temperatures dropped to 30-40°F within hours of losing power
• Pipes freeze and burst: Billions in water damage occurred when pipes froze and then thawed
• Desperate measures kill: Carbon monoxide poisoning spiked as people brought grills and generators inside
• Preparation saves lives: Those with backup heat, insulation, and supplies survived comfortably

How Cold is Dangerous?

Your body loses heat faster than it can produce it when exposed to cold. Understanding the danger thresholds helps you know when to take action.

Who is Most Vulnerable?

• Infants: Cannot regulate body temperature well, can't shiver effectively
• Elderly (65+): Reduced ability to sense cold, slower metabolism, medications may affect thermoregulation
• People with chronic illness: Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid conditions increase risk
• Those on certain medications: Beta blockers, sedatives, and psychiatric medications can impair cold response
• People with mobility issues: Cannot generate heat through movement

Signs of Hypothermia

Before the Storm: Prepare Your Home

Preparation before a winter storm hits is far more effective than scrambling during an emergency. These steps should be completed before winter weather season.

Insulation Improvements

• Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows
• Door sweeps: Block drafts under exterior doors
• Outlet insulators: Foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls
• Attic insulation: Heat rises—adequate attic insulation is critical
• Pipe insulation: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas

Backup Heating Options

The Mr. Heater Buddy series is one of the few propane heaters rated for indoor use with proper ventilation. It has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that shuts off the heater if oxygen levels drop too low.

Backup Power Options

Use our Generator Size Calculator to determine what size you need.

During the Outage: Staying Warm

Consolidate to One Room

When power goes out in freezing weather, your first priority is conserving heat. Follow these steps:

1. Choose the smallest interior room that can fit your family—smaller spaces are easier to heat
2. Pick a room with few exterior walls—interior rooms lose heat slower
3. Close doors to all other rooms—you're only heating one space now
4. Hang blankets over windows—windows are major heat loss points
5. Stuff towels under doors—block drafts from entering
6. Set up sleeping area on floor—cold air sinks, warm air rises, but floor is warmer than drafty areas

Layer Clothing Effectively

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking material (avoid cotton, which holds moisture)
• Middle layer: Insulating fleece or wool
• Outer layer: Wind/water resistant if going outside
• Cover your head: You lose significant heat through your head—wear a warm hat, even indoors
• Warm socks: Wool socks are ideal; keep feet dry
• Gloves/mittens: Mittens are warmer than gloves (fingers share heat)

Body Heat Conservation Tips

• Huddle together: Share body heat with family members and pets
• Stay active (but not sweaty): Light exercise generates heat, but sweating makes you colder
• Eat regular meals: Your body burns calories to generate heat—keep fueled
• Drink warm liquids: Warm water, tea, or broth raises core temperature
• Avoid alcohol: It dilates blood vessels and actually increases heat loss despite feeling warm
• Use the tent effect: Drape blankets over a table and sleep under it—traps body heat in smaller space

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes caused billions in damage during the Texas freeze. Water expands when it freezes, bursting pipes. When power returns and pipes thaw, water floods homes.

Before Pipes Freeze

• Drip faucets: Let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes—moving water resists freezing
• Open cabinet doors: Under sinks on exterior walls—let warm air circulate around pipes
• Keep thermostat steady: If you have any heat, maintain consistent temperature day and night
• Know your shut-off valve: Locate your main water shut-off before an emergency

If Extended Outage is Expected

If you expect to be without heat for an extended period (24+ hours) and temperatures will stay below freezing:

1. Shut off water at the main valve
2. Open all faucets to relieve pressure
3. Drain the system: Open the lowest faucet to drain water from pipes
4. Flush toilets to empty tanks and bowls
5. Add RV antifreeze to toilet bowls and sink traps (NOT automotive antifreeze—it's toxic)

If Pipes Freeze (But Haven't Burst)

If Pipes Burst

1. Shut off water immediately at the main valve
2. Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near electrical systems
3. Document damage with photos/video for insurance
4. Call a plumber—emergency services may be overwhelmed, so call early
5. Begin water removal once safe—standing water causes mold within 24-48 hours

Food and Water During Outages

Water Supply

During a winter outage, your water supply may be affected by frozen pipes, low water pressure from treatment plant issues, or boil-water advisories.

• Store water before the storm: Fill bathtubs, pots, and containers when winter weather is forecast
• 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene
• Fill your water heater contains 30-50 gallons of usable water (turn off power/gas first)
• Melt snow carefully: Snow must be melted and purified—10 inches of snow = ~1 inch of water

Use our Water Storage Calculator to determine how much you need.

Food Safety Without Power

• Refrigerator: Keeps food safe ~4 hours if door stays closed
• Freezer (full): Keeps food frozen ~48 hours if door stays closed
• Freezer (half-full): ~24 hours
• Use the cold: In freezing weather, your garage, porch, or a cooler outside becomes a refrigerator
• Discard if above 40°F: Meat, dairy, and prepared foods that have been above 40°F for 2+ hours should be discarded

Cooking Without Power

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills more people during winter power outages than the cold itself. CO is produced by burning fuels—gasoline, propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal.

CO Detector Requirements

• Battery-powered CO detector is essential during outages
• Place detector near sleeping area
• Digital readout models show CO levels before alarm threshold
• Test batteries before winter season
• Have backup detectors—they're inexpensive and save lives

CO Poisoning Symptoms

CO is colorless and odorless. Symptoms are often mistaken for flu:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Chest pain

If you suspect CO poisoning: Get everyone outside immediately, call 911, and don't re-enter until emergency services clear the building.

When to Leave

Sometimes staying home isn't the safest option. Know when to evacuate to a warming shelter, hotel, or family/friend's home.

Leave If:

• Indoor temperature drops below 50°F and you have no way to heat
• You have infants, elderly family members, or anyone with medical conditions
• Medical equipment requires power and you have no backup
• Pipes have burst and water is flooding your home
• You smell gas or your CO detector alarms
• You're running out of safe fuel for heating
• Weather conditions are worsening and roads may become impassable

Where to Go

1. Warming centers: Check local news/government websites for public warming shelters
2. Hotels: Book early—they fill fast. Look in areas with power.
3. Family/friends: Establish these arrangements before winter
4. Community centers, churches: Many open as emergency shelters

What to Bring

• Medications (enough for several days)
• Phone chargers and important documents
• Warm clothing and bedding
• Food and water for the trip
• Pet supplies if bringing animals
• Cash (ATMs may be down)

Use our Bug Out Bag Builder to create a grab-and-go kit.

Winter Outage Preparedness Checklist