Winter Power Failures
Winter Power Failure
Depending on its duration, a winter power failure can pose significant challenges. The possibility of your apartment’s temperature falling to colder temperatures is a risk to be considered, and planned for, well in advance. If the power fails in the winter, it should be possible to stay warm, for a while, in an apartment. Start by closing windows and doors tightly. Draw curtains and close blinds to help prevent heat loss (be aware that this may increase the amount of condensation that forms on your windows—be prepared to regularly wipe up the water as it pools at the base of the windows).
As well as turning off and unplugging all electronic equipment, tools and appliances, turn the apartment thermostat down to minimum. This reduces the load on the power system when it restarts. This will also reduce fire hazards associated with belongings that could have come in contact with heating or cooking appliances during the outage.
If at all possible, stay in the apartment. Monitor the indoor temperature—if the temperature is above 15°C (60°F), it is chilly but not likely dangerous. If your apartment stays at this temperature or drops, you will have to decide whether to stay. The decision depends on your ability, and the ability of children and the elderly, to keep comfortably warm.
Choose one room to live in—preferably one that receives direct sunlight. Keep everyone together for warmth and safety. Close inside doors to keep heat in your selected refuge.
Candles and oil lamps are very dangerous— particularly if fire and smoke detection and suppression systems do not work—but they can provide temporary warmth. Remember to use a proper holder placed on a fireproof surface. Never leave a candle unattended. Make sure to keep loose blankets and clothing away from open flame. Never leave children unattended in a room with an open flame. Fires are a very real concern, especially in winter when people are trying to stay warm. Keep a fire extinguisher handy when using candles or oil lamps and ensure all flames are out before going to sleep or leaving the apartment. Do not use charcoal or gas barbecues, camp heating equipment or home generators to keep warm indoors. The chances of freezing to death in your apartment are small compared to the dangers of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning or lack of oxygen. Poor ventilation tends to be associated with sleepy, groggy feeling and the air will feel stuffy. Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell but people often feel nauseous or dizzy when exposed to it.
Water conservation is the same concern in the winter or summer. Conserve water, especially if you live on the upper floors of a highrise building. Buildings that would otherwise be habitable become uninhabitable when the toilets and sinks stop working. If this is a concern in your apartment building, flush toilets only when absolutely necessary and store several large containers of extra water in your emergency kit.
Food spoiling is generally not as great a concern in the winter. If you know the power will be off for some time and outdoor temperature is forecast to stay below freezing, you can store frozen food in containers on the balcony if temperatures permit. You can also store food you usually keep in a refrigerator outside—but be aware items may freeze. Again, monitor the temperature to make sure the food is cold enough. “If in doubt, throw it out” is a good strategy to follow. Always store food in bins or containers with tight-fitting lids so birds and pests can’t get into it.
Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice on your home safety during a blackout.
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