How to Survive a Winter Power Outage

[@CityPrepping]

The Texas power grid failure was a wake up call for many. Great video!

[@cerberus6654]

Great suggestions except for using masses of tealights - which is seems everyone is recommending. You end up breathing a pretty toxic mix as it's paraffin that is being burned. A few years back a storm knocked out the power for a week (I live in Canada) and although it wasn't much below freezing outside by day two the house was uncomfortable. I lit about ten tealights in my bedroom - which was my 'warm room' - and took a nap, with the door open a foot or so. I woke up nauseated and gagging and with my head splitting. I ran outside to breathe in fresh air and when I returned to the bedroom I saw the ceiling had turned grey and I felt 'poisoned' until the next day. Don't use anything to heat your warm room/where you sleep, don't use tealights and use smokeless oil in oil burning lamps for light.

[@cerberus6654]

@@PracticalPreparedness I think that other than a diesel generator outside or solar panels that it's best not to try candles and oil lamps for heat indoors as I see so many videos suggesting. For light, OK, but a hundred or more years ago candles were not made from petroleum by-products as almost all of them are today. And tealights and candles won't warm much if it's -28C outside with roaring winds. And getting into your car - well, as a Canadian I know that's not recommended at all. So many people used to be asphyxiated doing that as the snow blocked the exhaust pipe. Nowadays with cleaner fuels and catalytic converters you are rendered unconscious but rarely killed, just subjected to severe brain damage, as there's so much less carbon monoxide in the exhaust than in the past. A wood burning stove is the best option and at least you can cook on it. Or, a fireplace. But cracking open two windows to vent out fumes from candles and oil lamps, well, that defeats the whole exercise. Up here at least.

[@charlesadamski_197]

Hot water bottles. 4 per person plus 4 for swapping them out. wrap 4 in a sweater or 2 and put them at your feet. 10 minutes of heating to tiny bubbles on the bottom of your pot will give hours of radiant heat. Add a cup of cold water first to not damage the water bottle.

[@Starteller]

Other tips from a Canadian If you are in a wilderness area in a storm and/or at night. Dig a hole in the snow, making a dome-like igloo, the entrance facing South if you are in the North Hemisphere. Try to sleep without touching any icy surfaces as much as possible.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

GATHER LEAVES , bark and tree limbs for a bed

[@morgan10152]

Sound advice. Thanks for sharing. Quick note: look at the girl at the 30 second mark. If you pull that blanket over your head it will make a remarkable difference.

[@denisegirmer4550]

Very important to be thinking of this RIGHT NOW for next Winter 2023!

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Failing to plan is planning to fail, totally agree.

[@mendyviola]

Houston here. I survived the blizzard of ‘78 up in Pittsburgh, PA so was somewhat prepared for being without power for a week in freezing temps. We stored our perishables outside in plastic bins and/or the garage depending on how cold/frozen we wanted them to be. We also blanketed up all our windows to preserve heat and ran our gas fireplace. That alone managed to keep our house above 50 deg. Our gas water heater was still working so we had a quick easy way to warm up even more and keep our pipes warm. What we wish we had was powdered milk, a hand crank emergency radio, and regular lamp oil for the hurricane camp lantern when our batteries ran out.

[@durgan5668]

I had two of those electronic hand warmers and a small solar bank to charge them with. Kept Mom warm with one of them at a time, while the other was being recharged. On a low setting they last a few hours, so it worked out. We were lucky enough to have power 30% of the time, so frozen pipes weren't a threat. I've since gotten a solar generator strong enough to run either a toaster oven, or a 1000/1500 watt heater. Figured I'd run it at 1000 watts to help out, while keeping the generator battery going a bit longer. They DO, however, cost a lot, and they run down quickly under load. I have a second one on the way, so again, I'll be powering them up, back and forth, while the sun shines. If I go full tin hat paranoid, I'm looking at a windmill/battery backup system, but price is gonna temper that paranoia for a while. If it were just me, nah, but Mom, she gets cold easy. I grew up in Utah, so winter's down here in Texas are usually t shirt weather. But this past event was ah...brisk, i think is the term.

[@Chris_at_Home]

I lived in Connecticut when that blizzard hit there. I loved all the snow and moved to where there is more the next year.

[@frugalwilliemae]

These are practical pieces of information. Thank you.

[@frugalwilliemae]

I keep powdered and can milk on hand, too.

[@Chris_at_Home]

@@frugalwilliemae Living in Alaska at the end of a supply chain we always keep a bunch of food that stores long term. We also have a freezer and a way to keep it powered for a long time. Right now we could just put food outside as it is colder than the chest freezer.

[@The_Happy_Aviation_Enthusiast]

⚠️Don’t forget about the generator safety: This is a very important announcement for everyone. It’s important to follow all generator safety rules whenever we use portable generators. Generators can be dangerous if not used carefully. This is just a reminder. Here are the safety rules: 1) KEEPING OTHERS SAFE: Please do not allow an unqualified person or your children to operate and service the portable generator. Just because some manuals don’t say that doesn’t mean it’s safe. That is important against the generator safety rules. We also need to be keeping an eye on our children too. You need to make sure that your children are not playing near the portable generator especially when it’s running so they won’t get electrocuted. Generators pose electrical risks and they can be hot during an operation. Please keep your children away from the portable generator at all times. It is important to keep our children safe especially our little ones. Be aware of all the hazards. 2) WHERE TO RUN YOUR GENERATOR: Some people use their portable generators indoors which increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to have a carbon monoxide if you have a gas generator. Never ever use your generator indoors even if your doors and windows are open and even in the garage is not safe to use a portable generator. Not even at your porch and your deck. It is never safe to use your generator indoors and in enclosed areas of your home. Your generator needs to be 15-20 feet away from your house. 3)🔥FIRE HAZARDS: Never refuel your generator while it’s running. You need to let your generator cool off before refueling it and before storing your generator. Never overload your generator too. Never ever back feed your generator. You should never plug your generator into a wall outlet. Also never store propane tanks indoors. Please keep flammable things away from the generator as well and please don’t smoke cigarettes near the generator. Having a fire extinguisher next to the generator is also important against the generator safety rules. 4) GENERATOR OPERATION: make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never use your generator in wet conditions. Don’t let your generator get wet. You need a generator tent if you need to use your generator during wet weather. Please don’t wear loose clothes when operating the generator. Turn on your generator before plugging in appliances. Use the right cord for your generator. Please do not use worn out cords. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2LNhWZ3g6qBrKs and here is a video more about keeping others safe when using generators Hope this helps. Remember safety first.

[@davidcarothers3311]

Very Well Said!! Muchas Gracias!!

[@pammiller4210]

Get the carbon monoxide detectors , check for out dated fire extinguishers .

[@frugalwilliemae]

Thank you for those safety tips that are very important.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

A simple rule to avoid generator carbon monoxide is do NOT run it inside anything attached to your home including the garage. A separate shed a few feet from your home would be ideal, weather protection, safe. Just make sure you don't have any connections IE plugs exposed to rain/snow as you run line to the house.

[@wishingb5859]

I want to add: Make sure your generator actually works and that if you left fuel in it last season it probably won't. Make sure it has oil or you will blow the engine. Last Summer we had a 7 day outage and my brother has always been the one who sets up the generators for everybody but this time, some of them didn't work. He got parts within a day and fixed them but that would have really sucked in the Winter and in case that ever happens again I bought a Bluetti EP500 Pro "solar generator" as a backup to my gas generator.

[@billmafturack8189]

I recommend everyone should know where your main water shut off valve to the house is located or have one installed .. so many homes were damaged needlessly because of this . 👍

[@4g63attack]

And or gas lines too

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

THEY NEED TO DOUBLE OR TRIPLE PROTECTION AROUND GAS AND WATER LINES, a pipe insulation within a black pvc pipe and another pipe insulation

[@TheGuyThatWondersWhy]

After last year I made sure to prep. Over the course of this year I got two generators, mr buddy heater, wood stove, blankets, can goods, mres, a bow/pellet rifle for hunting, medical supplies, and extra clothes.

[@johnmusco5409]

I bought a small wood stove for extreme winter. Texas has shown us alot. Better save than sorry.

[@jessicathompson236]

@John Musco, You live in Texas? You will get snow again this year.

[@AngryGnome87]

Showed us how greedy those Texans are not updating their equipment instead pocketing the money 🤷

[@AngryGnome87]

And I bet you it will probably happen there again

[@jessicathompson236]

@@AngryGnome87, My Auntie, two aunt's by marriage, two blood uncle's, uncle by marriage and a bunch of cousins there. They fixed their equipment. They saw the holes in their system and fixed what they could.

[@AngryGnome87]

@@jessicathompson236 did they do it personally?

[@kookamunga2458]

Lost power for 6 days up in Canada in winter . I taped up all the windows and doors with 2 inch masking tape to seal off drafts. I had a small generator so I could only run a light and toaster or it would overload. I then put refrigerator contents in buckets sealed them and put them outside in the cold . I also listened to small battery-powered radio.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

USE A TENT FOR BACKUP.

[@johnhaaland74]

I live in a 26 foot camper. I insulated it with 250 pink. It's gonna get -15 tonight. No problem, I got a woodburner! This is my third 🥶 winter! I camp everyday

[@gcruishank9663]

Just bought a 15k generator which I’m having hooked up to my electrical panel. It will run on gas, propane or natural gas. It will run outside with a weather proof, sound reducing baffled box. We’ve got 2 months of food and 3 months of water, emergency shelter, wood burning stoves and emergency wood piles, and fuel supplies. I’ve been working on this for about 2 years. Helps us sleep a little better.

[@gcruishank9663]

@@PracticalPreparedness Thanks, certainly is an investment. I’ve been hearing a lot of rumblings about power outages coming. Who knows.

[@rizon72]

@@PracticalPreparedness The problem was the duration of the cold weather which is almost unheard of where I live, Houston. When we get cold, freezing temps, it almost always last the night. The following day we'll heat up to over freezing, more likely to the low 40s or even low 50s. What made this one so unusual is we remained below freezing for almost 3 days. And really didn't start to warm up a bit until almost a week later. Its sad how so many forget just how amazingly rare that weather was. People are acting like we receive that weather every month in winter. Please stop with this stupidity that we get this weather every winter. We don't. What are the chances of seeing it again, I doubt I'll see it again in my lifetime in Houston. But a lot of people are profiting off the fearmongering here.

[@ThatLadyDray]

I've got one tid bit of advice for emergencies, regardless of the type. Do your best not to panic. You can't think as clearly. Literally take a, or a few, SLOW deep breaths to stop the hormonal flow to your brain so you can think. Remember SLOW or you'll mess around & be hyperventilating. Might sound silly but it works. Thumbs up for the informative video. 👍🏾

[@lestatangel]

I have a Predator 4000 generator installed on my second floor landing. I vented the exhaust using half inch copper tubing until I reached the two inch DWV line that runs through the roof. It's been bolted to the floor in the same spot for 3 years. Off grid so I use it for charging things that need to be charged and power tools when needed. Unless the window at the top of the landing is open you can't hear it running outside. During the cold months the heat generated off of it contributes to the second floor temperature. I have an exhaust fan mounted in the ceiling right above it that runs in conjunction with an attic vent fan installed in the highest gable-end of the house to pull the heat out of that hallway during the warmer months. It's perfectly safe and the only problem I had was this last spring when I had to repack the connection between a half inch copper line in the 2-inch drain waste vent line due to the deterioration of the steel wool packing. They used to run diesel engines and submarines while they were under water as far back as World War I. They just vented the exhaust out of the submarines, so knowing that nothing was stopping me. Stealth generator installation lol. I would recommend a carbon monoxide detector for this installation. I don't use one because I'm always awake when I run the generator and would definitely notice the smell of even the slightest bit of exhaust. Maybe this will help people.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

I can envision the setup with your explanation. Awesome add. You obviously know what to watch out for. The exhaust system would be the most important to engineer correctly to avoid exhaust and CO. Thanks for sharing

[@lestatangel]

@@PracticalPreparedness I had a video on my channel once but.... I have this thing about OPSEC. 3 years ago we lived in a different world....smh Take care.

[@southerngospelvideo]

Like many fellow Texans I was caught completely off guard by the power grid disaster we experienced in February 2021. Your video is extremely helpful and well thought out. One additional thing I'd suggest for people is investing in one or two oil lamps. The fuel can be purchased at Walmart and can easily light a small room. Of course be very careful in how you use them and place them where it's impossible to accidentally knock them over.

[@elizabethcope1502]

@@PracticalPreparedness a pan with sand underneath a lantern can absorb leaks & put out a fire. A large metal container like ones for water heaters work great under kerosene heaters. Just idea to watch for @ thrift shops & yard sales. Stay safe. Keep prepping. God bless.

[@BedsitBob]

The advantage of oil lamps, over LED lamps, is they also put out heat.

[@chrishooge3442]

Don't forget fire extinguishers. I've said this in a number of posts but it bears repeating.

[@frugalwilliemae9241]

Well said!

[@strateshooter1402]

Wow ! what a good idea ! Place the oil burning lamp where it cannot be knocked over .

[@MadRhetorik.]

Everyone thinks that a few days of no power and heat is bad. 2 years ago Kentucky got hit with a hellacious ice storm. I didnt have power or heat for 3 weeks with temps hovering between 10-25. I find as long as you have actual blankets then you'll be fine. It astounded me to read some news articles about Texas where people said they didn't have blankets for their children. Also a super cheap tip is get a medium clay pot and elevate it about an inch and then put a candle in it. They clay pot will slowly heat up and radiate heat. Luckily I burn candles like a mofo so I had like 50 of them. 5 clay pots with a good sized candle in them kept my living room around 50 degrees.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Every time i see Texas I think of that now, hope that changes. Great tips here. No reason for the loss of life we saw.

[@pirobot668beta]

Doritos. Can eat them, if you have to, but burn 3-5 at a time for ready heat. They burn to clean ash, no soot and only a little smoky flavor. Kindling is their #1 use, but in a pinch can provide cooking heat. Like anything that burns fuel, be mindful of proper vents.

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

I’m a General Foreman over line crews. I always have to work when a storm hits. I find myself in an emergency with my wife when our lights go out. I learned a lot by watching your videos.. Thanks for sharing it. Thank you 👏👏

[@Zippsterman]

As someone dependent on CPAP to get any semblance of restful sleep, I appreciate you mentioning that. It's a tough pill to swallow initially going from somebody who enjoys backpacking rough to now realizing I'm tied to electricity in order to properly function. Given that limitation, I've been setting up layers of backups. Primarily I have a 100W panel and battery bank that should be enough to run my CPAP one night without humidifier. Also, pulling the battery out of my pickup and running an inverter would power my CPAP about 2 nights, and then could hypothetically be recharged otherwise. I'm kind of terrified of being so dependent on such a fragile system, but I've got most every base I've been able to think of covered otherwise sufficient to get me through a couple days to somewhere better

[@jeffreystork6862]

Excellent presentation. Please also consider that in an extended power outage; gas stations and refineries can not provide fuel. Cellular towers will fail and you can not call or text anyone. Internet will stop quickly. Hospital generators will run out of fuel. City water pumps will quit working. Supply chains will not operate. Banks will not be open. So much more in society services will fail. This is only the first month. Our power system must be protected.

[@TommyElijahCabelloReal]

Corpus Christi TX area here. Lucky for me during the 2021 Texas Blackout, my area's farther south and the temperture only went down to -7 degrees Celsius. And we were lucky to have only lost power for that day, not even it's entirety. We did lose water for longer, though. Hell, I'm not even here for my own practicality, but I'm gathering info to send across the pond to the Europeans in what I predict will be a time of need for them.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Well said, thank you for supporting these folks!

[@BedsitBob]

Install Carbon Monoxide alarms, in all rooms containing fuel burning appliances. I have one in my living room, which contains a gas fire, and one in my kitchen, which contains a combi-boiler, even though the boiler is sealed, and venting straight through the wall behind it. You can't be too careful, where CO is concerned. They don't call it the silent killer for nothing.

[@LeoDomitrix]

If you have a working wood stove or fireplace for backup in a power outage? get a heavy metal pail, clean hot ashes out into it, and then place that pail in a room (on serious heatproof surface like tiles, always keep a few around for that) and the temp can go up 2-3*F just from that pail of ashes.

[@Chris_at_Home]

Some other things to consider are types of clothing, if you are cold cotton is not your friend, wear fleece that breaths and keeps you warmer. If it gets wet it dries fast.

[@purplespeckledappleeater8738]

In 2014 in SE Michigan we had no power for two weeks and intermittent power for another two weeks. My phone said the internal temperature of the house was -12F but it felt more like -40F. No amount of layering and blankets and even sleeping next to a fire did not make it any warmer. Plus there was nothing to do but sit there under a blanket thinking about food and how cold it was all day and night.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

just double tent the room and use ORKIN TO WHOLE HOUSE WITH THAT TENT THEY USE FOR TERMITES

[@janicetribbiani7535]

During the storm last year, I brought in my solar walkway stake lights and rigged them to hang from my dining room chandelier. Worked great!

[@graynano8695]

Its funny this popped up on my feed...I am in Texas and we are getting our first ice of the season...I'm outside watching this and I just saw a power line fall and the unmistakable flash of a transformer blowing

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Wow, talk about timing

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Excellent advice. For me a Mylar blanket is last resort. Moisture collects on our side of those blankets, and moisture is trouble on many fabrics’ heat retention capacity. Spent 5 nights in the forest with only a Mylar blanket and 1 layer of clothing and that sucked.

[@lindapindabelinda3570]

For anyone who doesn’t have a tent, put layers of covers over a table and get underneath it.

[@2004grandcherokey]

Diverse yet concise. To the point with amble precautionary disclaimers where needed. Well done. 👍

[@joni-leesmith3991]

Luckily me being Canadian our House's are built for very cold temperatures and most of us are ready for power outages due to blizzards and the power company is really good at getting power back up

[@OTseven]

Excellent. Informative. To the point. No wasted time by chit chatting. Perfect speed of speech. Good videos. Overall GREAT video. Thx!😊

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Thank you!!!

[@gilliantempleton3253]

we have candles, batteries, heaps of warm clothing, wool blankets probably 50 duvets in total, the wearable hoodie blankets with sherpa lining, a woodstove that we can cook on, stored water, a full pantry, toilet paper in abundance, a bbq that we can also cook on, a years supply of dry firewood, first aid kit. The only thing we dont have is a generator, that is next on my list.

[@rebekah.2187]

Thanks for this video. I wouldn't have thought to put up a tent. I'm in the northern states, and, after hearing what was happening in Texas, I asked my plumber about how to prevent the pipes freezing if the power goes out. He said to turn off the water to the house, pile a lot of old blankets and/or towels around that pipe, and then turn on the lowest faucet in the house to drain all the water out of the pipes so any water left in them doesn't freeze.

[@jaybee3165]

you'd still have frozen, broken pipes. the way to REALLY freeze proof? turn off water main. turn off the gas/electricity to- and drain your water heater. put air pressure through the drain valve (get adapter at ace or HD), take whatever air source you use to pump up tires and keep airing up the water heater. then go around to ALL your plumbing fixtures and turn them on for short bursts until ALL you get out? is air. NOW your potable water lines are safe. then- go to the toilets, tubs, showers and sinks- and pour in ONE cup of pure, undiluted antifreeze. after the power outage is over? all you have to do is? turn the water back on. the 'blanket trick' will not work. eventually the R value will break down.. and the pipes WILL freeze.

[@ancientonessanctuary1139]

Ginger, cayanne warms. Putting cayanne into sesame oil, putting on a plastic bag on each foot then thin then heavy socks. Drinking cayanne ginger tea 🍵 warms us up!

[@pissyjo1213]

I love how everyone says make sure you get or make sure you’re stocked up. What about those who can’t do that. Myself for example. I live on disability and there is no way I have any kind of extra money to spend on a generator that is out of my reach in cost to begin with. What do people like me do? There are millions of us out there.

[@malelpn37]

You may not be able to stock up in one day or even one month, but if each month you buy an extra two cans of canned food then over time you will build up a supply. This is why it is good to prepare in advance. A couple extra blankets a candle here and there from the thrift store, a clay pot to place over the candle and turn it into a heater. This way you can build up what you need slowly over the spring and summer and be prepared

[@pabloblanco2656]

One thing you can do is use trash bags to place over an area that is letting air in because air can not go through plastic and after the cold eases up you can use it for trash.

[@sapiophile545]

@@pabloblanco2656 or bubble wrap

[@sapiophile545]

You can drape over dinner table, one or more shower curtains on top of blanket and cover with more blankets. Make a pallet beneath it, with pillows and blankets, even with clothes.

[@pabloblanco2656]

@@sapiophile545 yes but certainly not as cost effective and she is on a low budget and not only is bubble wrap more expensive it can not be used in the same dual purpose that a trash bag can

[@LoneStarPrepping]

Great points! We went through the 2021 texas power outage. In fact, I made a 5 part live video on how we dealt with it. Keep up the great content!

[@LoneStarPrepping]

@@PracticalPreparedness Yep.. We were prepared... 😊

[@soal3415]

I used to snuggle with my live heater .. my pit bull. Heat rocks if you can...they can keep you warm also. Talking to people, I find that single women have problems with conquering all this stuff as do seniors. Check on both! I'll be putting a tent on my bed and using my bedroom to be my climate room. It's small and interior. Find ways from becoming depressed. Power outages during winter especially. .can cause serious depression. I know. More than 2 days in winter with no power I want to run away. Go longer, it gets more serious. Let's hope for no power outages this winter!

[@anneparke5833]

As one who deals with this every winter, I've found that having adequate Vitamin D from oily fish and supplements and being in the sunniest room possible all day ( if not outside in the sun or snow glare) is important. I also love those solar or rechargeable extra bright LED lights. Blessings:,

[@ancientonessanctuary1139]

Adopt more pitbulls, Subaru foundation paying for them.

[@soal3415]

@@ancientonessanctuary1139 Oh really? I wouldn't mind that. I miss my chubby piglet. That's what he reminds me of. I'll try to find info on that! Thanks!....♡

[@peggyrobertson5132]

Some rocks can explode

[@anneparke5833]

@@peggyrobertson5132 my local builder's/landscaping business has inexpensive fire bricks, perfect for higher temperatures

[@James-ke5sx]

From Canada. Good advice. I keep a snowmobile suit, snowshoes, sled etc. and 3 bags of food, water and gear ready to go at all times. And for extreme emergencies I keep shorts, sandals and a plane ticket to Florida, ha. Ducks and geese fly south for the winter they're the only ones with brains.

[@johnm1585]

Have a can opener to go with the canned goods. Went camping with mom and dad and lots of canned food back in the 60s. Got set up and....no can opener. Lol.

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

I've got a bunch of swiss army knives lying around so no probem there.

[@AskIveSolar]

Man, if you keep making videos like this, your channel will blow up! Continued success to you bro! I'll see you around these KZbin streets.

[@AskIveSolar]

I'll plug a video of yours on my community tab. And I'll start sharing your channel with folks. Looks pretty good man. Good stuff here.

[@AskIveSolar]

@@PracticalPreparedness I think KZbin blocked my other comment.

[@AskIveSolar]

@@PracticalPreparedness I scheduled the post for 1pm EST time. KZbin is weird about showing videos but hopefully it brings a few of my viewers to your channel.

[@pamelagray4999]

For cheap safe lighting for children or elderly, I buy dollar tree cheap $1 solar lights. Charge during the day will light home at night going from room to room. They are wonderful for any age and last a long time if taken care of. Very safe for children and elderly.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Good advice, How long do these last by the way? $1 is amazing!

[@chrishooge3442]

Fire Extinguishers. Candles in particular have been linked to increased home fires. You will likely have several throughout your home. So have multiple fire extinguishers. If a power outage is compounded with loss of water pressure the Fire Department may not be able to help. I also recommend augmenting your fire alarms. I added one each to my garage and pantry. Lastly, be sure to drip your indoor and outdoor faucets. Some of the most dangerous and expensive damage was from burst pipes inside the home. The only thing more dangerous than water in the extreme cold is when the power comes back and suddenly you have an electrocution hazard. Either way, your home becomes uninhabitable.

[@Wordsalad69420]

This is why I own a wood stove. My family will never get cold in the winter when power goes out.

[@1908oceanworld]

You can use your gas stove. Just make sure you have matches. Have empty 2 liter pop plastic container. Put hot water in it and it will keep you warm.

[@wubbzgaming1168]

in most cases, this video wont help people who don't live in a extreme in environment but, its still good to know. I live in Alaska. just last month we had a power outage here in fairbanks, half the city was out. people where freezing in there homes i was one of them. at -50f is can be really scary to not have proper heating during winter, so wood stoves or pellet ovens will help you stay warm too and allow you to cook.

[@wubbzgaming1168]

@@PracticalPreparedness thank you

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

MAYBE USE NORTHFACE TENTS , a tent within a tent, and use thoSE TERMITE TENTS THEY USE TO COVER THE WHOLE HOUSE- THE ORKIN WAY,

[@georgesenda1952]

Years ago I was very ill with racking bronchitis & bad mucus buildup. The power went out for several hours & with an electric stove I was screwed. But I had a bbq on my balcony back then so I lit the charcoal & filled a pot full of cold water & in about 20 minutes or so I was able to make hot tea with lemon & honey which got me through the night and the bbq kept the water hot all night & gave me a heat source as the baseboard heaters were not working either.

[@georgesenda1952]

@@PracticalPreparedness Thanks. I now have bronchitis because I sleep on the floor of my living room & its freezing in here. Next week I get a new electric blanket. My 3 cats keep me warm. We got rid of my sofa bed in June but I’m probably the only man ever to get hit over the head with a sofa bed after an earthquake. Moving it down the stairs while 30 miles away in San Ramon California a 4.5 earthquake hit, it went up the Hayward fault to the Concord bald and then to the Green Valley fault which runs under Downtown Martinez where I live and for all I know maybe my apartment building and when it hit here it shook the building & the bed was thrown down the stairs and hit me on the head and gave me a concussion & made my back go crunch I already had a bad back, Left me unable to hear in my left ear I had a headache for about nine days. Your sofa bed fall on your head really really hurts and people in my building we’re running out did you feel the earthquake did you feel the earthquake I said no I built the sofa bed what earthquake ? It’s been a very weird year for accidents, falls caused by other peopl and me I’ll be so glad when this year is over.

[@georgesenda1952]

@@PracticalPreparedness Me too. The last 2 years have been awful for everyone.

[@sapiophile545]

@@georgesenda1952 Make yourself some tea of water, steep some crushed garlic, onion, ginger, lemon and red pepper flakes. They contain antiviral, antibacterial properties. Brush and gargle with salt to combat bacteria. If you have any furniture which you can drape blankets over, you can make a tent, like under a table. Cover it with a shower curtain. Very sorry to hear what you've been going through

[@joyceobeys6818]

Small Honda generators are the best. They use low gasoline and run about 6 hours on one gallon of gasoline.

[@panhandlejake6200]

If freezing is a possibility, don't forget to drain water lines after shutting off water supply by opening all sink faucets - hot and cold. Full lines can still be damaged even if the water is shut off. Run generators sparingly to conserve precious fuel - do as much as possible with their energy output while running.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

just double piped or triple piped, insulation, another black pvc pipe and another insulation.

[@Panzer4F2]

Imagine getting stuck in a huge traffic jam during a blizzard ? I have never owned a car, but it astonishes me that people do not carry even simple emergency items like a blanket, matches, a thick can and a candle with them. It won't be cozy, but a candle in a thicker can will keep the inside of your passenger compartment from freezing. Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance.

[@bbbf09]

Buy an electric car. The battery can keep the cabin warm for about 3 to 5days. I have one - so I don't need all the stuff you mention.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

AND A thick CAR COVER ,

[@wanjuchien4208]

Everyone needs to learn use wood to heat, cook etc.... How long will the buddy heater last if the outage lasts longer than a MONTH and it is Worldwide?

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

Which is actualy more plausible than you'd think. A big enough coronal mass ejection would do it and that could happen at litteraly any time.

[@littleoldlady4154]

I live in a rural area where we have frequent power outages. I do not depend on having electricity. We had 20 days without electricity throughout November 2021. We are now in yet another power outage.

[@billmafturack8189]

One big tip I have concerning heat , most will have access to wood in some form and rocks a few large rocks can be heated outside around an open fire or barbecue( these rocks can become extremely hot and I recommend tongs or heavy leather gloves or oven mitts not nylon or synthetics when handling ) … transported indoors in a large cooking pot releasing heat for a long time … if you don’t have rocks go to a quarry or source them locally .. the larger the rock the longer heat will be released .. as a caution rocks can hold moisture and crack violently so take care and keep this in mind .. a few rounded fist sized rocks boiled in water ( 100f) can warm a bed or sleeping bag the reason behind boiling is it will reach a max temperature of 100f and will not burn you quickly or ignite cloth . I recommend wrapping the rock in denim or canvas if using inside a bed or sleeping bag. A coal oil or Naptha lamp is also a necessity .. A few bags of charcoal briquettes can also be a great heat source ,even if you don’t own a bbq they can be used in a large or small pot and easily transported ..

[@billmafturack8189]

@@PracticalPreparedness river rock usually rounded are some of the ones to watch out for … it’s the moisture content within the heated stones unable to escape that cause this issue . The boiled rocks will not have this issue as they don’t produce steam temperatures.. Ive used rocks like this for late fall hunt camping or fishing . I’ve got a a few methods utilizing the stones for different things … living in northern Ontario it’s things I’ve learned since a teenager snowshoeing and winter camping … temps were in - 30f to -40 f range today a bit chilly but then we’re used to this climate 🥶🇨🇦

[@billmafturack8189]

@@PracticalPreparedness I’ve used the rock thing a fair bit since the mid seventies… larger in shelters , smaller boiled ones for everything from heating in sleeping bags in winter , body &hand warmers for ice fishing to massage and sore muscles . I always have a few fist sized rounded flat stones to use in my winter pack a few I’ve had for years ..

[@ginaparker431]

My Roomie always shoots down every idea, but in an extended power-out I'd have to sacrifice more than 1/2 my prepped necessities "if" (I) 'care' or desert him lol

[@ginaparker431]

Would you leave someone, saying, "there's consequences" or sacrifice to "nurse" them? Anyone?

[@theoldsceptic9976]

Power!!! I Have solar and dual fuel generators . Canned & freeze dried food, over 200 gallons H2O, and too much to list here.. Be ready folks, winter is coming fast. Prayers to all.

[@diyguy2383]

I live in north Louisiana and decided to get a wood stove after last year. Even if the power never goes out it will save me crap loads of money on my power bill.

[@rogerknight2267]

South Mississippi here. Had a Buck Stove model 81 installed this past thanksgiving holiday. My electrician always told me that we needed a secondary source of heat. Check that box. We love it.

[@jacksnyder7318]

Keep your vehicle's gas tank tank full, in the winter. In the blizzard of 78, some people survived by staying warm in their cars. Keep a (real) shovel in the trunk, a metal transfer shovel (square) type, this can move and dig if necessary, all kinds of materials. You can survive without food for a long time but you have to have water.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Absolutely, have to hit on the need for water. Warmth and Water in this situation

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

COVER YOUR VEHICLE WITH SNOW COVER CAR

[@lawsonj39]

Before any of these tactics, you should diversify your energy sources. It helps to combine electricity and, for example, natural gas.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

USE THE GREEN BBQ EGG

[@BedsitBob]

MREs are another idea, for feeding yourself, during a power cut. Just be careful, not to let the FRH get close to a flame.

[@AussiewhatchingU]

A good straight up presentation 👌 I have subscribed...

[@reginaheineman564]

Have two propane heaters love both

[@greghinerman5935]

$200 Mr. Buddy heater... about $100.. these things are perfectly safe... made for indoor use 20lb propane tank - full, about $50 Mr. Buddy hose... $10 - 20 keep a room warm for a couple days Walmart, Tractor Supply, Lowes, Home Depot... get the tank refill almost any gas station, about $20 I keep at least 3 tanks... also have a tree... hook it to the tank, has 3 outlets... top for my light, another for the Coleman stove.. and a spare for a couple hundred bucks you can set yourself up fairly well

[@michaelshort1411]

Something else you couldve msntioned but you didnt. Today many people forget about these items. but our ancestors used them quite often. Oil lamps have become a thing of the past and not as often used anymore. And nowadays you can usually find them at your local thrift store for cheap. Just make sure when you find one it also has the glass globe on it or they have extra ones on their glass shelf section and try several of them to make sure itll fit on your oil lamp. And you can still buy lamp oil fairly cheap at your hardware store or Walmart. The benefits is that not only do they provide light but in cold weather they also provide some heat to help warm up a small area. I have several of them throughout my house for many reasons when power goes out I have light rather than using up all my batteries in lights in a more dire need where oil lamps arent recommended.

[@michaelshort1411]

Not only that a kerosene space heater will also work good to during a power outage in winter. But beware the fumes will kill off any plants in the house. When I lived in Colorado we got 4 feet of snow one winter and my dad got the space heater and it killed my moms favorite vine she grew for yrs. She was not to happy lol

[@bigfreddie4854]

Another Great video Justin..The Texas emergency was very sad,most Texans were horribly unprepared for that kind of freeze.To see what they were going threw broke my hart😢.My prayers go out to all the family's affected by this winter storm🙏.This is why i feel it's very important to prepare for all scenarios natural or man made, not just for one or the other depending on what a so called prepping pro thinks.Most "prepping pros" are just salesmen and don't really care as long as they are making💰OK guys till next time...

[@KB-ke3fi]

wrong...they were newbies. Nice try, tho.

[@mcrican182]

🙄

[@brega6286]

Got a blanket with pouches and a box of 20 hour lasting warmers (air activated). Battery lantern and flashlights. And a little alcohol burning fondue burner for heating water and food. All "safe" even for elders and disabled. Now have added a small battery charger. Only thing I am missing for at least three days of no power is carrier pigeons. Even cell service went out. Cannot bug out when snowed in. The local emergency plan ...well...despite all the talk...never got organized. Just figure...you are ON YOUR OWN !! Years ago got along with children for five days but did have a wood stove. Without alternate heat..it would have been a disaster. No matter how many emergencies..evacuations etc...YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN ! The authorities etc. talk and meet and talk and meet. Come the emergency...they are looking out for themselves.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Taking action now to better prepare is the BEST thing you can do. It is very dangerous to rely on anyone if you can't rely on yourself first. Great callout

[@sixoffive]

I have used a battery booster/ jump starter as power station with my old cpap that ran on 12 volt, I had to figure out the power connection. Four poster beds, originally they were kinda like tents to keep warm.

[@BedsitBob]

I have a couple of the flat box type picnic stoves, and a dozen butane cartridges, for emergency cooking. If I need them, I'll use them in the kitchen (which has a Carbon Monoxide alarm), with a slightly open window.

[@studlygrish]

All candles all gas all propane are used to be used for cooking only. A basement underground will stay at constant temperature. It may be discomforting, but you will not die. The more people you get in this area, the more warmer it will be because a body heat. Stuff, pillows or blankets into the window areas to block out the cold . Your garage if it is attached to your house is now your refrigerator. Take all perishable foods and put them in a cooler with as much snow. You will use your car to recharge cell phones and electrical devices. You do not need to run the car to do this. You will need to make a bathroom area for using the toilet and 5 gallon buckets with some type of sawdust or lime . Buy a hospital bedside commode chair before the blackouts start.

[@Diniecita]

Please don’t put candles in paint cans unless they have always been empty.

[@sapiophile545]

You can buy them, never used before. Also smaller tin inside of larger tin or steel cans.

[@rebelyankee4910]

Had an ice storm in very rural Tennessee about 5 years ago. We were isolated for 7 days with no access to town with downed trees, and power lines obstructing the only road 20 miles into town. We were the only home lit, and powered up for as far as the eye could see. Learned a long time ago the time to prepare is always before, not during! Even if you could get into town, the stores are likely to be depleted of most everything everybody needs most NOW. Good video with plenty of good advice. Having winter camped for decades in cold climates with lots of snow for a week at a time you can prepare for what you anticipate your needs to be, and do so. But in a rapidly developing crisis most people find themselves I'll prepared in what was once the comfort of their own homes, when their homes offer lil comfort, and few necessities I'll prepared.

[@miranduri]

There are light bulbs with their own little solar panel. They work really well.

[@miranduri]

@@PracticalPreparedness Oh wow! Here it is : Solar Light Bulbs, Outdoor Indoor Home Chicken Coop Lights, Solar Powered LED Shed Lights, Camping Lamps for Tent (2 Packs) That not being able to post a link is a first for me. Sorry about that.

[@kennymccormick9973]

Me who dosent have a generator: "Well I guess I'll just die!"

[@MeatShield666]

There is not 1° between water and ice. There is zero degrees. This is why it is call latent heat... we can't sense it with a thermometer. It takes 144 btu/pound to turn water into ice or ice into water... but they are both at the freezing temp. So you can have 0°C water and 0°C ice. If that messes with your head wait until you learn about triple point!

[@sabaof8]

Comprehensive. Terse. No BS. Thanks.

[@Cryptonymicus]

Tip #1: Don't put hot beverages in non-insulated mugs which lack lids.

[@phylbeeme2476]

Canned chafing fuel, both the open top and the wick type are incredibly effective. Open top lasts about 2+ hours, Wick type 6 hours. Also, micro climates can be safely made under tables & in corners to keep water & other things from freezing with a single tea light in a soup can on some ceramic plate or bowl.

[@debbiec4407]

*What about a "Home Generator" for your home, will that do* ????? *New Subscriber* *just noticed Canadian Prepper the other day* *I know for a fact, I wouldn't make it in the cold. Starting now, I'm going to start prepper, as I go along. *I need to do More Research on this topic, it can become overwhelming*.

[@charlotteryner6583]

Very well done. Clear and concise. Thank yoy.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LeoDomitrix]

Grew up on US-Canada border, on wood heat, as a kid. Frankly, our recent Virginia power outage was.... childhood flashback. We had a working fireplace (always make sure your fireplace has a working damper, draft, and clean chiimney!). Close off all rooms that don't involve plumbing. Safety blankets are a musthave even in summer ----- just in case of shock. Always have water plan. Plan to thaw snow, then boil it. BUT I will never use propane indoors. Ever. We finally purchased a gas generator, on a roofed porch with concrete slab under it. Tealights in a pie pan, under a cookie cooling rack, equals a stove burner for boiling water. And KEEP PETS SAFE TOO! ALWAYS keep batteries. If you live where I am, solar can be an option, but way pricy.

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

use a tent, triple protection for water and gas lines. insulation, another pipe to surround it and another insulation

[@maplenook]

I have a suggestion, get an extra Buddy heater to loan a neighbor

[@pabloblanco2656]

We need more people like you

[@elizabethcope1502]

Make sure you teach them how to safely use it. Carbon monoxide monitor might be a good idea. God bless.

[@commonman7776]

thumbs up in support of your channel

[@sarahwilson3804]

Texas is best example of how to prepare for an event. Draining pipes should be added Electric stove with a solar generator safety way to cook food

[@stevehartman1730]

Put rug on floor then Reflectix if u can get it. Put down tarp.then put trnt up then inside tentput blanket over floor. Then sleeping bag put 2 blankets over tent roof then trnt rain fly. Youll stay warminside tent w tour pets.

[@paulhare662]

Where did you find that groovy 1972 candle shown at the beginning? I've been back packing, camping and bushwacking in all kinds of weather for 50 years, there's a lot to learn. A lot depends on where you are. House/ apartment/ urban/ rural. Each autumn in my suburban home I stock up 2 months of food ( wife picked up 36 cans of peas today to finish the stock), have 3 full spare propane tanks for the grill and lanterns. 10 gallons of K1 kerosene for hurricane lamps. Several cords of wood for the stove. The worst at home power outage we've had was 1 1/2 weeks at around 25 degrees.

[@jillphilips3788]

Please Keep Sharing Spreading Love Truth Psalms 119:86 All The Facts First And All The New Facts Too For Truth Discernments And Good Common Sense. God Bless You

[@citrinevibes7907]

I’m watching during a blizzard

[@johnclyne6350]

We have a generator at our house. I bought THE BEST roll out generator money can buy. A Honda EU 7000 is. Often hard to find? I bought mine 3 years ago & is worth it’s weight in gold! I have used it for three interruptions. The longest was three days. I was able to power up my entire 2100 sqft home with it. Including my 2-1/2 ton central air. There is nothing like the ability to be comfortable in my own home on generator power. I burned 20 gallons of gas in three days. Two of the nights we were able to open the windows.

[@johnclyne6350]

@@PracticalPreparedness You can’t put a price on safety is my opinion. This unit allows me to be away from home all evening while I’m toiling away restoring power at other people’s homes (I’m a power lineman for the local power company). I bought an extended range pony tank to extend refuel intervals to 28 hours at half load. I can refuel from the pony tank when I get home in the morning from work. Then before I leave again to go back into work that afternoon. I can refuel on the fly without ever having to shut it down. The model I have sips fuel extending refuel intervals because it’s fuel injected & it’s an inverter. I have a fuel transfer pump made by HMC that is double grounded. I can pump or siphon fuel with ease through the hand crank pump. Using the transfer pump allows me to dispense fuel without spilling a drop. The pump holds 30 gallons of gasoline. Enough fuel for 4 days.

[@squirrelcovers6340]

Everyone should get a kerosene heater and a carbon monoxide detector . Pick the smallest room in your house to heat.

[@thebepis712]

One thing not mentioned in many of these is a hand crank radio

[@deandupont5503]

Re. generators: I swear I'm not a marketing shill, but... Get a Honda generator. Seriously. Yeah, they cost more, but they're worth it. They're small, efficient, and *quiet.* Every other generator I've owned sounded like a Cessna warming up on the front porch. A 1500 watt Honda will treat you right.

[@Josh-mg7rm]

As a fellow Texan who went 4 days without electricity in -1F to 18F without firewood last year. I had to make clay pot heaters with candles. I learned my lesson and I cut 3 chords of firewood for me and family this past spring. Went and got a propane 2 skillet cooker so I can cook outside if we see another blackout, I always keep around 65-70 gallons of reverse osmosis water and a ton of canned goods along with plenty thick blankets and have plenty survival candles with 25-30 hrs burn time. It's supposed to sleet and snow this coming wednesday and thursday with a low of 16F...I think I'm prepared this time.

[@crazyalchemist5105]

Small camp stove with plenty of pine and pine straw on hand kept my non-insulated house plenty warm during the last power outage xD but if you don't want to do that a few tealight candles and a little terracotta pot will suffice for a small space. Tiki torches/kerosene also are a great producer of heat and light. Be warned, they do produce soot and of course carbon monoxide.

[@PracticalPreparedness]

Great additions @Crazy Alchemist. Assuming you're using Paraffin Lamp Oil for tiki torches or equivalent smokeless/odorless fuel. Great callout on the Carbon Monoxide, make sure you have ventilation

[@user-zu3md5qz8y]

USE A NORTHFACE TENT

[@deedee2225]

New Sub here from Kentucky, where we have our share of power outages. There is a saying about Kentucky, if you don’t like the weather... wait five minutes. We can have sun, wind, ice, snow and rain all in one day. Any one of the Kentucky windstorms, ice storms, blizzards we had in the past cut off our electric power for days. I love your factual approach to Prepping, and really appreciate not hearing the Preaching of the all hell fire and end of the world types of subjects. As my Grandpa used to say, You can attract more bees with honey! Giving your viewers just the facts is what we need to move forward and prepare for any events in the future. Excellent video channel, will tune in again.

[@TheGuyThatWondersWhy]

This aged horribly. Hope you’re doing alright 🙏

[@phylbeeme2476]

Canned chafing fuel, both the open top and the wick type are incredibly effective. Open top lasts about 2+ hours, Wick type 6 hours. Both are alcohol and don't produce CO, but do use up oxygen.

[@debralynnbailey6527]

We just went through four days without power thank God I had 20 candle back up our whole state pretty much 65 to 68 1400 ft.²

[@jennabanasak9283]

Texas has their own power system. It was Texas's own fault trying to be independent. Pride comes before the fall.

[@viking_fisherman]

All Texans need to watch this!

[@demetrawest9914]

I brought an $800.00 generator praying I never have to use it again I live in NOLA and we left a day after Ida do to the heat I purchased a generator as soon as we returned home and I always keep plenty of non perishable food and lots of h20.