Winter storms in our region present more than just picturesque snowfall; they pose tangible challenges, with potential power outages being a significant concern. While these storms might typically result in temporary road closures and inconvenience, their impact can escalate if they lead to electricity loss. In severe instances, this loss of power translates to a perilous deprivation of heat during bitterly cold conditions.

In New Jersey, where winters can be unforgiving, ensuring preparedness against heating system failures becomes imperative. It’s not merely a matter of comfort but a crucial aspect of safety. When facing the possibility of a heating system failure amid a winter storm, knowing and implementing appropriate measures to stay warm is essential for every individual.

The strategies to combat potential heat loss in such situations encompass various facets of readiness. From having alternative heating sources like portable electric heaters or a fireplace to stocking up on extra blankets, sleeping bags, and layers of clothing, each step contributes significantly to ensuring warmth and safety. Additionally, it’s essential to seal off drafts by using weather stripping or towels along doors and windows to retain as much heat as possible.

Moreover, understanding how to recognize and handle the early signs of hypothermia becomes vital. Knowing how to insulate oneself and others, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pets, against the biting cold is a responsibility shared by the community.

Communities can come together during such crises, organizing shelters or warming centers where people can find refuge and warmth, pooling resources to support those in need. Education and communication play crucial roles, as disseminating information on emergency protocols and available resources can make a significant difference in how effectively people navigate such challenging situations.

Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best remains the prudent approach when facing the unpredictable nature of winter storms and potential power outages. By proactively equipping ourselves with the necessary knowledge and resources, we not only ensure our own safety but also contribute to the resilience of our communities during these testing times.

How to Stay Warm When the Heat Goes Out

1. Determine what has caused the heating system loss. Is your power out? If not, take steps to see why your heat is not working. Sometimes a heating failure is as simple as a thermostat that is turned “off” or set to “cool”; a flipped power switch; or a blown circuit breaker. If your power is out, look out the window; do your neighbors have power?
2. If the power is out, take a few minutes to unplug major appliances, to avoid damage if there are any surges in power while the electricity is being restored.
3. Keep doors and windows shut, opening them only if necessary; it can take a long time to restore power and any cold air that is let into the home will not be warmed. It is also a good idea to avoid opening the refrigerator and/or freezer for the same reason.
4. Dress warmly. Use layers and put on hats, gloves, and warm socks because the head, hands, and feet all lose body heat.
5. Use safe, alternative heating sources. Do you have a fireplace, wood stove, or another indoor heating device? If so, then use it to keep your home warm. If you have a generator, you can use it to power a heater, but make sure that the generator is placed far enough away from the home to avoid venting into the house. Also, make sure that any space heaters are placed away from fabric, like drapes and upholstery, as they can create a fire hazard.
6. Open up cabinets to get warm air into cold spaces where there are exposed pipes, to help prevent freezing.
7. Open up cabinets to get warm air into cold spaces where there are exposed pipes, to help prevent freezing.
8. Finally, if your loss of heat is due to a problem with your furnace, call First Choice Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical. We offer emergency heating repair, as well as provide scheduled service, maintenance, and installation of new systems.
9. 1. 1. Here are a few more

      tips to keep your house warm

      when the heat goes out!