Gather warmth
Use dry clothing layers, blankets, and suitable bedding you already own.
SHELTER & TEMPERATURE · PRACTICAL PREPAREDNESS
Staying warmer when the power is out.
Prepare layers, bedding, and a warmer destination while avoiding indoor fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Start with dry layers and a place to go.
Choose a usable room
Reduce unnecessary heat loss without blocking required ventilation, exits, or alarms.
Check the household
Pay attention to people who may not recognize or communicate that they are getting too cold.
Relocate when necessary
Arrange a warmer destination and transport before conditions become dangerous. Use current official travel guidance.
Do not add a combustion hazard.
Outdoor fuel equipment stays outdoors.
Never use a generator, charcoal grill, or outdoor camping stove inside a home or garage. Do not use a gas oven to heat a room. Keep working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your plan.
Fuel-burning generators belong outside, at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away from openings. Follow manufacturer and local instructions.
A compact addition for the go-bag.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon button opens a four-pack of orange SOL Emergency Blankets, each 56 × 84 inches. The manufacturer link describes one blanket. Check the exact item, seller, label, and current terms before buying. We do not display Amazon prices.
SOL Emergency Blanket (opens in a new tab)
A compact emergency layer for a go-bag when space is limited. Use it as part of a broader warmth plan.
Check before buying: A thin reflective blanket is not the same as insulated bedding, a sleeping bag, or a heated shelter.
View 4-pack on Amazon ↗ (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer details & image source (opens in a new tab)A research-based option for the stated task, not a hands-on test result or an exhaustive ranking. Confirm the model and current contents with the seller.
Should we buy a heater first?
Choose an indoor heater only after checking its approved use, clearance, ventilation where applicable, and power or fuel requirements. This guide does not recommend an indoor fuel heater. Electric heat can use substantial power; a small power bank is not a household heating solution.
Recognize when warmth is not enough.
Confusion, slurred speech, marked drowsiness, or other signs of hypothermia need urgent medical attention. Call 911 for a medical emergency. Infants need safe sleep arrangements; do not add loose blankets or soft bedding to an infant’s sleep space.
Plan the departure before you need it.
Sources & editorial notes
Sources checked September 10, 2026. Survivor Ready uses AI-assisted drafting and illustrative imagery. This guide has not received independent expert review. Follow local emergency instructions. General information does not replace advice tailored to your household.