Safe Indoor Heating Tips During Winter Power Outages That Prevent Carbon Monoxide and House Fires

Essential Concepts

• Heat people first, then one small room, and avoid trying to warm the whole house at once.
• Never run fuel-burning devices indoors unless they are permanently installed, properly vented, and operating as designed. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
• Place portable generators outdoors, well away from doors, windows, and vents, and assume wind can push exhaust back toward the home. (CDC)
• Keep space heaters clear of combustibles on every side, plug them directly into a wall outlet, and shut them off when sleeping or leaving the room. (Environmental Health & Safety)
• Treat refrigerated food as time-and-temperature sensitive: a closed refrigerator is usually safe for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours. (FoodSafety.gov)

Background or Introduction

A winter power outage turns “staying warm” into a safety problem. Cold exposure can harm people, burst pipes can damage buildings, and improvised heating can introduce carbon monoxide, fire risk, and indoor air quality problems.

“Safe indoor heating” during an outage means three things at once: preventing carbon monoxide exposure, preventing fires and burns, and conserving limited heat so the living space stays stable. Those goals can conflict. Sealing a room reduces heat loss, but it also reduces fresh air. Burning fuel creates heat quickly, but it can also create toxic gases and moisture that do not belong in indoor air.

This article gives quick, direct answers first, then builds out a deeper, practical guide that works across different home types and heating setups. It is written for American households, but many details still vary by equipment design, installation quality, and the condition of the home. When something depends on those variables, it is stated plainly.

What are the safest indoor heating goals during a winter power outage?

The safest goals are to keep people warm enough to avoid cold injury, keep combustion byproducts out of indoor air, and reduce the chance of a house fire. In most homes, that means using the least risky heat sources first and treating any fuel-burning heat as a controlled, ventilated process rather than a quick workaround.

A practical priority order usually looks like this:

1. Keep people warm with clothing, bedding, and physical insulation from floors and drafts.
2. Concentrate warmth in one smaller living zone rather than the entire house.
3. Use installed, vented heating appliances only if they can operate safely without grid power.
4. If you must create electricity with a generator, keep exhaust far from the home and use that electricity conservatively.
5. Avoid unvented indoor combustion whenever possible because it directly degrades indoor air quality and can create carbon monoxide risk if anything goes wrong. (ASHRAE)

The rest of the article explains how to apply that order in real homes and how to recognize when a “heat source” is actually a high-risk air contaminant source.

What makes winter power outages risky inside the home?

The main indoor risks are carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, burns, and rapid heat loss. Cold itself is not the only danger. Outages often change routines, lighting, and supervision, which increases accident risk even before heat sources enter the picture.

Key hazard categories include:

How does carbon monoxide become an outage hazard?

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel does not burn completely. During outages, people often use fuel-burning devices in ways they were never designed to be used. Portable generators are a major risk because their exhaust can contain lethal carbon monoxide and can infiltrate a home even when the generator is outdoors but too close to openings. (CDC)

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no smell and no warning sign that reliably alerts people in time. (CDC)

Why do fires and burns increase during outages?

Heat sources that reach high surface temperatures or have open flames increase ignition risk. Reduced lighting leads to placement mistakes. People may dry items near heat. And some temporary heating methods require cords, fuel containers, or open airflow pathways that are easy to mismanage in a crowded room.

Why does heat loss speed up so quickly?

Homes lose heat through air leakage and through large surface areas like windows, exterior walls, and uninsulated floors. Wind increases heat loss. If the home relies on electric blowers, pumps, or ignition controls, an installed heating system may stop even if it uses a fuel supply.

Understanding these hazard categories helps you make decisions that are not based on comfort alone.

What should you do first when the power goes out in winter?

Start with immediate safety checks, then move into heat conservation. The first few minutes matter because many hazards are preventable with simple early actions.

What are the first five checks to make?

1. Confirm whether the outage is isolated to your home or neighborhood, if you can do so safely.
2. Turn off and unplug sensitive electronics if surges are likely when power returns.
3. If you smell gas, hear hissing near gas piping, or suspect a fuel leak, do not try to “heat through it.” Ventilate if it is safe to do so and seek emergency help.
4. Check indoor temperature and decide early whether you can shelter in place or need to relocate before conditions deteriorate.
5. Confirm working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, including battery backup. Alarm coverage matters more during outages because riskier heating methods become tempting.

When should you consider leaving rather than heating in place?

Relocation can be the safest option when indoor temperatures will drop below safe levels faster than you can stabilize them, or when household members have higher vulnerability to cold exposure. Vulnerability can be higher for infants, older adults, and people with limited mobility or certain medical needs. It can also be higher in homes with poor insulation, large open floor plans, or no safe, vented backup heat.

If travel conditions are unsafe, sheltering in place may still be the right choice. The point is to decide early, while you still have options.

How do you keep warm indoors without creating new combustion risks?

The fastest safe warmth usually comes from reducing heat loss, not from adding heat. This section focuses on steps that do not require burning fuel indoors.

How do you “zone heat” safely during an outage?

Zone heating means concentrating people and resources in one smaller area. The safest approach is to choose a room that can be separated from the rest of the home and that has fewer exterior walls and less window area. Close interior doors to reduce airflow to unused spaces.

Zone heating is not a trick. It is a basic heat balance decision. A smaller volume of air requires less heat to maintain a stable temperature.

How do you reduce drafts without creating moisture problems?

Stop uncontrolled air leakage first:

• Close fireplace dampers when not actively using a fireplace, but only when the fire is fully out and the chimney is cool.
• Close exterior doors firmly and minimize door openings.
• Use temporary draft blocking at door bottoms and around leaky frames.

If you fully seal a room while also running any combustion appliance, you create a competing problem: reduced fresh air. Combustion devices generally need oxygen and produce moisture and combustion byproducts. If fuel-burning is happening indoors, ventilation must be treated as a safety requirement, not as a comfort preference. (ASHRAE)

How do you insulate from cold floors and cold surfaces?

Conductive heat loss through floors and furniture can make a room feel colder than the air temperature suggests. Use layers between your body and cold surfaces. This is one reason bedding systems can be more effective than trying to raise room temperature quickly.

Why does “heat people, not the house” work?

Human heat loss depends on clothing insulation, air movement, and contact with cold surfaces. A modest rise in personal insulation can reduce the need to heat large air volumes. This is also why a smaller, calmer room often feels warmer than a large room with drafts, even at the same measured temperature.

What are the safest backup heat sources during a winter power outage?

The safest backup heat source is one that is designed for indoor use, installed correctly, vented to the outdoors when it burns fuel, and operated within its instructions. Anything else should be treated as temporary, high-risk, or both.

A useful way to categorize heat sources is by whether combustion happens inside the living space.

Quick decision table: Which heat sources belong indoors?

Heat method category	Belongs indoors during an outage?	Core safety condition
Installed, vented combustion appliance	Often yes	Must vent outdoors and operate normally, with adequate draft
Electric heater on existing safe power	Sometimes	Must be correctly powered, correctly spaced, and supervised
Portable generator	No	Must remain outdoors, far from openings, powering indoor loads via cords or wiring methods designed for that use (CDC)
Unvented portable combustion heater	High caution	Requires fresh-air management and continuous monitoring; risks vary by design and indoor tightness (ASHRAE)
Outdoor-only combustion device	No	Not designed for indoor air; carbon monoxide and fire risk are unacceptable (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

This table does not replace equipment instructions. It frames the safety logic that applies across most homes.

How does carbon monoxide poisoning happen during winter power outages?

Carbon monoxide poisoning during outages usually happens when a fuel-burning device is operated in or near living spaces and exhaust or combustion products enter indoor air. Generators are a frequent cause, but not the only one. (CDC)

What is carbon monoxide in plain terms?

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced by burning fuels. It interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen. It is especially dangerous because people cannot detect it reliably without an alarm. (CDC)

What symptoms should you treat as urgent?

Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, shortness of breath, and confusion. Severity can vary by exposure level, duration, and the person’s baseline health. If multiple household members develop similar symptoms at the same time, treat that as a strong warning sign, especially if a fuel-burning device is operating. (Texas Department of Insurance)

What should you do if you suspect carbon monoxide?

Move to fresh air immediately and stop the suspected source if you can do so without delaying evacuation. Do not “air it out” while staying inside to see if symptoms improve. Seek emergency help right away. Carbon monoxide can impair judgment, so the safest approach is to act early, before symptoms become severe.

Why do outages increase carbon monoxide risk even when devices are “outside”?

Wind, building pressure differences, and the location of doors, windows, and vents can pull exhaust back toward the structure. This is why guidance commonly stresses keeping generators far from the home and away from openings. (CDC)

Where should carbon monoxide alarms be placed during outage season?

Carbon monoxide alarms should be positioned so they can wake sleeping occupants and provide coverage on each level of the home, consistent with the alarm’s instructions. Placement details can vary by alarm design, so follow the unit’s guidance, but prioritize sleeping areas and level-by-level coverage. (Merrimack)

Do carbon monoxide alarms replace ventilation and safe equipment use?

No. Alarms are a last-line alert system. They do not make unsafe heating safe. They also depend on working batteries and functional sensors. Outage planning should include checking alarms before severe weather and keeping spare batteries that match the alarm’s requirements.

Do you need alarms even if the generator stays outside?

Yes. Outdoor placement reduces risk, but exhaust can still enter a building under certain conditions. Guidance commonly recommends keeping alarms functional even when the generator is outdoors. (Texas Department of Insurance)

What is the safest way to use a portable generator during a power outage?

The safest generator use keeps the generator outdoors, far from the home, and treats exhaust as a lethal hazard that can travel. (CDC)

How far from the home should a generator be placed?

A widely used safety rule is to keep portable generators outdoors and more than 20 feet from the home, including doors and windows, because carbon monoxide can accumulate and enter through openings. (CDC)

Distance is not a guarantee. Wind direction, terrain, and building leakage patterns can still pull fumes toward the structure. The safest placement is both distant and downwind from openings whenever possible.

Can a generator run in a garage with the door open?

No. Running a generator in a garage, even with the door open, is repeatedly identified as a lethal carbon monoxide risk. (CDC)

How should you connect indoor loads to a generator?

Use connection methods that are designed for generator use. Improvised wiring can backfeed power into circuits and create hazards for occupants and others. If your home has a professionally installed transfer method, use it as designed. If it does not, use generator-rated cords and keep cord runs short, protected from damage, and away from traffic paths.

Because electrical setups vary widely, do not assume that a cord-and-plug approach is safe for every load. Heating loads are often high wattage and can overload cords, outlets, or generator capacity.

What fuel-handling rules matter most?

Fuel rules depend on fuel type, container type, and local storage conditions. But several principles are consistent:

• Store fuel outside living spaces and away from ignition sources.
• Turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling to reduce ignition risk.
• Avoid spills and wipe up any fuel immediately.
• Never store fuel where vapors can collect indoors.

Can a generator be used to power a furnace or boiler?

Sometimes, but it depends on how the heating system is wired, the starting wattage of motors, and whether a safe transfer method exists. Many heating systems require electricity for controls or blowers even when they burn fuel. If you do not know the electrical requirements, treat it as uncertain. A professional assessment before outage season is the safest way to know what your specific system can do.

Can you safely use electric space heaters during a power outage?

Yes, but only if you have a safe electrical supply and you use the heater correctly. An electric space heater does not produce carbon monoxide. The risk is electrical overload and fire from heat or faulty wiring.

What makes an electric space heater safer than combustion heat?

Electric resistance heat produces no combustion gases. That eliminates the carbon monoxide pathway. But electric heat still creates high temperatures at the appliance surface and draws significant current.

What are the basic placement and clearance rules?

Keep space heaters away from combustible materials and maintain clear space around the heater. A common minimum clearance rule is three feet in all directions, but the correct clearance is always the heater’s instructions if they require more. (Environmental Health & Safety)

Place heaters on stable, level surfaces. Avoid placing a heater where it can be bumped, tipped, or covered.

Should you use extension cords with space heaters?

No, not as a standard practice. Guidance commonly recommends plugging a space heater directly into a wall receptacle and avoiding extension cords because cords can overheat or be damaged. (Environmental Health & Safety)

If a temporary cord is unavoidable due to room layout, the risk depends on cord gauge, length, condition, and load. That variability is exactly why direct connection is preferred.

What safety features matter in a space heater?

Look for safety features that reduce predictable failure modes:

• Tip-over shutoff
• Overheat protection
• A robust power cord and plug in good condition
• A stable housing that does not easily deform or expose heating elements

Even with these features, supervision matters. Unattended heaters remain a common fire pathway.

Should you sleep with a portable space heater running?

It is safer not to. Reduced awareness during sleep increases the chance that a heater operates too close to combustibles, tips, or overheats without timely intervention. Many safety advisories recommend turning off portable heaters when sleeping or leaving a room. (FDNY Smart)

If overnight heat is medically necessary, that is a higher-risk situation that should be planned for ahead of time with safer whole-home options, alternative shelter plans, or both.

Can you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage?

Often yes, if it is installed, vented, and operating correctly. Wood-burning heat can provide substantial warmth without electricity, but it also introduces fire risk, burn risk, and smoke or carbon monoxide risk if draft is poor.

What makes venting and draft so important?

A chimney or flue must carry combustion products outdoors. If draft is weak, smoke and gases can spill into the room. Draft depends on chimney condition, temperature differences, wind, and whether the flue is obstructed.

How do you reduce smoke spillage and backdraft risk?

You reduce spillage risk by ensuring the flue path is open and unobstructed and by providing adequate air for combustion. Tight homes can struggle with make-up air, which is the replacement air that enters the home as hot air exits through the chimney.

If exhaust fans, kitchen vents, or other air-moving devices are running on generator power, they can change indoor pressure and affect draft. During an outage, keep the air movement plan simple.

What about ash and ember safety indoors?

Ash can retain heat longer than people expect. Store ash only in a container designed for that purpose, keep it away from combustibles, and keep it out of living areas. Burns and fires often occur after the visible flame is gone.

Do wood stoves always work without electricity?

Not always. Some installed systems use blowers, pellet feeders, or control boards. If the appliance requires electricity to operate safely, treat it as a system that may fail in an outage unless you have confirmed backup power support.

Are vented gas appliances safe during a power outage?

Sometimes. Vented gas appliances can be safe if they vent outdoors properly and can operate without electric controls, or if you can provide safe backup power for those controls.

What variables determine whether a vented gas heater can run?

• Ignition type: standing pilot versus electronic ignition
• Controls: millivolt systems versus line-voltage controls
• Blower requirements: some systems need a blower for heat distribution, but not all need it for safe combustion
• Venting integrity and termination conditions: snow or ice can obstruct vents

Because these variables differ by model and installation, do not assume capability based on fuel type alone.

Can you use a gas oven or cooktop for heat?

No. Cooking appliances are not designed to heat living spaces, and using them that way increases carbon monoxide risk, fire risk, and burn risk. This is especially true when ventilation is reduced to conserve heat.

Are unvented heaters safe to use indoors during power outages?

Unvented heaters are a high-caution category because they release combustion products directly into indoor air. Some are designed for indoor use and include safety shutoff systems, but safety depends heavily on ventilation, maintenance, and the tightness of the home. (ASHRAE)

What does “unvented” mean?

Unvented means the appliance burns fuel in the room and does not send exhaust outdoors through a chimney or vent pipe. The room becomes part of the combustion system.

What is an oxygen depletion sensor?

An oxygen depletion sensor is a safety system that shuts off gas to the burner when oxygen levels drop below a threshold. Fuel gas codes commonly require unvented room heaters to have an oxygen-depletion-sensitive shutoff system that stops operation when oxygen in the surrounding air is depleted below a specified level. (ICC Digital Codes)

This helps, but it does not eliminate all risks. Indoor air can still be degraded by combustion byproducts, and real-world performance depends on sensor condition, appliance maintenance, and user behavior.

Why can unvented heat create indoor air quality problems even when it “works”?

Combustion produces water vapor and other byproducts. That moisture can raise indoor humidity, increase condensation on cold surfaces, and contribute to dampness problems. Unvented combustion can also increase nitrogen dioxide levels and particulates, depending on fuel and burner performance. Indoor air quality concerns are a reason many building-science and ventilation discussions caution against unvented combustion in modern, tighter homes. (ASHRAE)

If someone chooses to use an unvented heater anyway, what rules reduce risk?

Risk reduction is not the same as safety, but several principles matter:

• Follow the appliance instructions exactly, including any stated ventilation requirement.
• Do not use unvented heaters in sleeping areas unless the instructions explicitly allow it and you can meet ventilation requirements.
• Keep carbon monoxide alarms functioning and treat any alarm activation as an emergency.
• Keep the room from becoming airtight. Unvented combustion needs oxygen and produces byproducts. (ICC Digital Codes)
• Maintain strict clearance from combustibles and prevent anything from contacting the heater surface.

If any of these conditions cannot be met, do not use the device indoors.

What heating methods should never be used indoors during an outage?

Never use devices intended for outdoor cooking or outdoor heat indoors, and never bring a running engine indoors or into an attached space. These methods produce carbon monoxide and can kill quickly. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

What about running a vehicle to warm up in a garage?

Do not run a vehicle in an attached garage, even with the door open. Exhaust can build up and enter the home.

What about “just for a few minutes”?

Carbon monoxide poisoning does not require long exposure when concentrations are high. The safest rule is to treat indoor combustion misuse as unacceptable even for short periods, because people cannot reliably judge exposure.

How do you prevent house fires while using emergency heat?

Fire prevention during outages depends on spacing, supervision, stable placement, and reducing ignition sources near heat.

What clearance should you maintain around heaters?

A common minimum clearance guideline is three feet from combustibles around space heaters and similar high-temperature appliances. (FDNY Smart)

Clearance needs can be greater for some appliances. If the instructions specify more than three feet, use the larger number.

Why is supervision a primary safety control?

Unattended heat is where small errors become disasters. A heater that tips, overheats, or contacts a combustible item becomes dangerous quickly. Many safety advisories emphasize turning heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. (FDNY Smart)

How should you manage household traffic around heat sources?

Keep pathways open. Tripping into a heater can cause burns, tip-over events, or ignition. Also keep cords out of walk paths if a heater is electrically powered. Where that is not possible, choose a different layout rather than accepting a predictable trip hazard.

What should you do about smoke alarms during outages?

Smoke alarms should remain functional, including battery backup. If a smoke alarm chirps for low battery during an outage, replace the battery as soon as possible. In cold weather, people may be tempted to disable alarms because nuisance alarms feel disruptive. That choice removes a critical safety layer at the exact time risk increases.

How do you manage ventilation without losing all your heat?

Ventilation is a safety requirement when combustion happens indoors, but ventilation also increases heat loss. The safest balance is to avoid indoor combustion when possible, then conserve heat aggressively. If you must use combustion indoors, you must accept some ventilation loss to protect indoor air.

What does “adequate ventilation” mean in a cold emergency?

It means enough fresh air to prevent oxygen depletion and to reduce the accumulation of combustion byproducts. The exact air exchange needed varies by device design, room volume, and how tight the home is. That variability is why unvented combustion is inherently difficult to manage safely in modern homes. (ASHRAE)

What about humidity and condensation?

Combustion and human occupancy both add moisture. Cold outdoor temperatures reduce the amount of water vapor air can hold, which can cause condensation on windows and exterior walls. Condensation is not just a comfort issue. It can contribute to damp materials and degraded indoor air quality over time.

If you see heavy condensation, that is a signal to reassess ventilation and heat management. Do not assume a room is “safe” simply because it feels warm.

How do you prevent frozen pipes while heating only one room?

You can reduce freeze risk by keeping some heat in vulnerable areas, reducing drafts near plumbing, and managing water pressure risk. The right strategy depends on where pipes run, how the home is built, and how low outdoor temperatures go.

Why do pipes freeze during outages even when a room is warm?

Pipes often run through exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and other unconditioned cavities. Even if the living room is warm, a pipe in a poorly insulated cavity can freeze because it is closer to outdoor temperatures than indoor temperatures.

What are conservative freeze-risk steps?

• Keep interior doors open selectively if it allows warmer air to reach plumbing zones.
• Avoid fully shutting off heat to areas with known plumbing runs.
• If you have a safe water shutoff method and freeze risk is severe, shutting off water can reduce the damage potential if a pipe breaks.

Whether letting faucets drip helps depends on plumbing layout and whether water supply is stable. It also increases the demand on water systems. If you do not understand your plumbing layout, do not rely on dripping as a primary control.

What should you avoid doing when trying to thaw suspected frozen pipes?

Avoid open flames and high-heat devices near building cavities. Thawing strategies vary by pipe material, location, and access. If a pipe is frozen inside a wall, the safest course is often to reduce further cooling, gently raise ambient temperature, and seek skilled help when conditions allow.

What supplies should you keep for safe indoor heating during outages?

A practical outage heating kit supports warmth, detection, lighting, and basic fire response. It also supports decision-making, like confirming temperatures and managing food safety.

Consider these categories:

What detection and monitoring tools matter most?

• Carbon monoxide alarms with fresh batteries or battery backup (Merrimack)
• Smoke alarms with fresh batteries
• A thermometer that can measure indoor air temperature
• Appliance thermometers for refrigerator and freezer if you want to make conservative food decisions

What lighting and power tools reduce heating accidents?

• Flashlights or headlamps to reduce trip and placement errors
• Spare batteries that match your devices
• A battery-powered radio if cell service is limited
• If you use a generator, generator-rated cords in good condition

What fire response tools are appropriate?

A fire extinguisher can be useful, but only if it is accessible and the user understands that extinguishers are for small, early-stage fires. If a fire grows or blocks exits, leaving immediately is the safer choice.

How should heating fuels be stored and handled safely?

Fuel safety depends on fuel type and container design. The safest default is to store fuels outside living spaces, away from ignition sources, and in the containers designed for that fuel.

Why is indoor fuel storage risky?

Fuel vapors can accumulate, and indoor storage increases ignition pathways. During outages, people often use candles, open flames, and improvised lighting, which multiplies risk.

What handling practices reduce risk?

• Keep fuel containers sealed when not in use.
• Store fuels where temperature swings and direct sun exposure are controlled, as allowed by the fuel’s storage guidance.
• Keep fuels away from living areas and away from pathways.

If you do not have an appropriate storage location, do not stockpile large amounts of fuel indoors “just in case.” That creates a year-round hazard.

How do you manage food safety and safe cooking when the power is out?

Food safety is part of home safety during outages because illness adds risk and reduces resilience. The most conservative approach is to assume that time above safe temperatures makes perishable food unsafe, especially if you cannot confirm temperatures.

How long does food stay safe in a refrigerator without power?

A commonly cited guideline is that a refrigerator can keep food safe for about 4 hours if the door remains closed. (FoodSafety.gov)

This is not a guarantee. It depends on refrigerator insulation, how full it is, the room temperature, and how often the door is opened.

How long does food stay safe in a freezer?

A commonly cited guideline is about 48 hours for a full freezer and about 24 hours for a half-full freezer, if the door stays closed. (CDC)

Again, actual time varies by freezer size, fullness, and ambient temperature.

What is the safest decision rule when you are unsure?

If you cannot verify that perishable food stayed cold enough, discard it. Conservative disposal is safer than relying on smell, taste, or appearance. Those are not reliable indicators of bacterial growth.

Can you cook safely during an outage?

Cooking can be done safely if the cooking method is designed for indoor use and ventilation is adequate. The major warning is not to use outdoor-only devices indoors and not to use cooking appliances as room heaters. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

What should you do when power returns?

When power returns, safety issues can continue. Electrical surges, heating system restarts, and rapid temperature changes can expose weak points.

What should you check first?

• Confirm that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are still functioning.
• Confirm that any generator is shut down and disconnected before restoring normal wiring arrangements.
• Turn off portable heaters before restoring power to avoid unexpected heat buildup.

Should you restart heating systems immediately?

In most cases, yes, but do it deliberately. If a heating system behaves abnormally, cycles incorrectly, smells unusual, or trips breakers repeatedly, treat that as a sign to stop and seek skilled help. Problems can be mechanical, electrical, or venting-related.

What about moisture and condensation after the outage?

Once heat returns, condensation may increase briefly as warmer air interacts with cold surfaces. Ventilate as needed to reduce dampness, but do not over-ventilate during extreme cold if it will reintroduce freeze risk. This is a balancing decision that depends on indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and how quickly the building warms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I heat a room safely during a power outage without risking carbon monoxide?

Use insulation and zoning first, then use only electric heat on a safe electrical supply or installed, vented heating appliances that are operating correctly. Avoid unvented combustion when possible and keep carbon monoxide alarms functional. (Merrimack)

Is it safe to run a generator on a porch or near an open window?

No. Generators should be outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents because exhaust can enter the home, and wind can change where fumes travel. (CDC)

How far away should a generator be placed from the house?

A commonly used safety guideline is more than 20 feet from the home, including doors and windows, with additional attention to wind direction and nearby openings. (CDC)

Do electric space heaters cause carbon monoxide?

No. Electric heaters do not burn fuel, so they do not produce carbon monoxide. The main risks are fire from high heat, tipping, and electrical overload. Clearance and direct wall-plug connection are common safety requirements. (Environmental Health & Safety)

Should I use an extension cord with a space heater if it is heavy-duty?

The safer rule is to avoid extension cords and plug directly into a wall receptacle because overheating and damage risks increase with cords. If you cannot plug directly into a wall outlet, reconsider the heater placement or heating strategy. (Environmental Health & Safety)

Is it safe to sleep with a portable heater running?

It is generally safer not to. Sleeping reduces awareness and response time if the heater tips, overheats, or contacts combustibles. Many safety advisories recommend turning portable heaters off when sleeping. (FDNY Smart)

Can I use an unvented heater indoors if it has an oxygen depletion sensor?

An oxygen depletion sensor can reduce some risks, and fuel gas codes commonly require such shutoff systems on unvented room heaters, but unvented combustion still degrades indoor air and depends on proper ventilation and maintenance. Treat it as a high-caution option and follow the appliance instructions exactly. (ICC Digital Codes)

Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed for outage safety?

Prioritize placement near sleeping areas so the alarm can wake occupants, and provide coverage on each level as recommended by the alarm’s instructions. Battery readiness matters during outages. (Merrimack)

How long is food safe in the refrigerator when the power is out?

A common guideline is about 4 hours if the door stays closed. Actual time varies, so be conservative when you cannot confirm temperatures. (FoodSafety.gov)

How long is food safe in a freezer during a power outage?

A common guideline is about 48 hours for a full freezer and about 24 hours for a half-full freezer if the door remains closed. Actual time depends on fullness, insulation, and ambient temperature. (CDC)

What is the single most common deadly mistake during winter outages?

Running fuel-burning equipment in or too close to living spaces is a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Treat exhaust as lethal, keep generators outdoors and distant from openings, and do not bring outdoor combustion devices indoors. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

How do I decide whether to stay home or relocate during a winter outage?

Decide based on indoor temperature trajectory, expected outage length, travel safety, and household vulnerability. If you cannot keep indoor temperatures at a safe level without high-risk heating methods, relocating to a safer heated location can reduce harm.