How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Winter
Winter weather in St. Louis can be unpredictable, and power outages are more common during snow, ice, and high winds due to downed power lines or prolonged cold weather. Preparing ahead of time can help protect your home, reduce stress, and keep your household safe and comfortable until power is restored.
Create a winter emergency kit
One of the first steps in preparing for a winter outage in winter is creating an at-home emergency kit with necessary supplies to get you through low temperatures. Your kit should include:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- First aid kit or other medical equipment
- Warm clothing such as sweatshirts, pants, socks, gloves, and hats
- Flashlights and/or battery-powered lanterns with fresh batteries
- Extra batteries
- Fully charged portable power banks and chargers
- A battery-powered radio to track weather updates in your area
For extra safety, create a separate emergency kit for your car. Include a blanket, a snow shovel, flashlights, first-aid materials, and extra winter clothing, like scarves and hats.
Prepare backup heat sources
If your primary heating system relies on electricity, such as an electric furnace, it’s important to plan ahead for alternative heat during a winter power outage. Identify any backup heat sources in your home, such as a gas fireplace, a portable generator, or an indoor-rated space heater, and make sure they are in good working condition before severe weather arrives.
Always follow manufacturer instructions, ensure proper ventilation, and confirm your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly to help keep your household safe. Never use outdoor heating devices indoors.
Maintain your body heat
If you’ve already lost power, or if you’re anticipating a power outage, it’s important to focus on quick, practical ways to stay warm using items you already have at home. For immediate warmth, use hand warmers to keep your hands and feet warm. Wear comfortable, layered clothing, such as insulated sweatshirts and pants, a winter hat, thick socks, and weather-proof shoes.
Extra blankets or an insulated sleeping bag can also help trap body heat to keep you warm throughout the outage. Retaining body heat can help make things feel much more manageable while you wait for the heat to kick back on.
Consider pets and neighbors
If possible, get in touch with your neighbors before bad weather arrives so you can form a plan in case of a winter power outage. Exchange cell phone numbers and share supplies to be prepared for severe weather. Have your utility company’s contact information on hand in case of emergency.
If you have pets, gather extra food, water, and any medication(s) to ensure their supplies are within reach in case the power goes out. Stay close to your animals to reduce stress and discomfort, and keep them warm with extra blankets and bedding.
Check your refrigerator and freezer
Planning ahead for food and water can help reduce waste and keep your house comfortable during a power outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain safe food temperatures, and familiarize yourself with how long frozen and refrigerated foods typically stay safe without power.
Make a plan for warming meals without electricity, such as using an outdoor grill or other safe, non-electric cooking option if weather conditions allow. Contact your neighbors if you run out of food or water supplies, or if they need extra supplies.
Know when to call a professional
Winter power outages can result in additional problems, outside of losing heat in your home. Signs it might be time to contact a professional before or during a power outage include:
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Gas smell inside your house
- HVAC not turning back on after a power outage
- Prolonged power outage with no communication on the estimated time of restoration
Always contact a trusted local service provider for HVAC or plumbing concerns. To keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the winter season, schedule regular maintenance appointments. Consult with technicians about any issues, such as furnace repairs.
Preparing for winter power outages doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and the right support, you can protect your home and stay comfortable even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. For trusted plumbing, heating, and home services in St. Louis, Superior Service is here to help keep your home running safely year-round.
Scott – HVAC Project Manager
Reviewed by Scott, Bryant-Certified HVAC Project Manager – 17 Years of Experience
Scott brings 17 years of HVAC experience to his role as Project Manager at Superior Service. He is Bryant Certified and specializes in designing and overseeing heating and cooling solutions that keep homes efficient and comfortable year-round. Customers appreciate Scott’s ability to guide projects smoothly from start to finish.
Serving the Greater St. Louis area
Superior Service proudly serves homeowners throughout the greater St. Louis metro area, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and surrounding communities. Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges Midwest winters bring and are equipped to help keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient all winter long.
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