According to the weather forecast, in the next few hours, most parts of the United States will experience the first winter storm of 2026, with the possibility of power outages and families relying on electric heaters facing significant challenges in the severe cold and snow weather.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) spokesman, Scot Simmons, reminded the public that there are various ways to stay warm, but there are some methods that are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
First and foremost, ovens and stoves should never be used as heating sources. Additionally, generators should not be used as heating devices during power outages, as it can pose a deadly risk. Simmons explained, “The biggest danger from generators is the exhaust; I must emphasize, some people really use a generator inside the house and the exhaust from the generator can be fatal.”
He further cautioned, “Even placing the generator outside the door can cause issues, so it’s best to position it away from the entrance to prevent exhaust from entering the house.” Also, attempting to stay warm inside a car is not recommended.
MEMA advised the public that the car’s exhaust system could malfunction, so starting the car with the garage door closed is not advisable. However, keeping the garage door open or parking the car outside the garage or carport is acceptable.
Simmons recommended the following methods to stay warm:
– Layering clothing during power outages can help retain warmth.
– Utilizing a fireplace during power outages is possible, but it should be checked beforehand, and collecting firewood before the cold front arrives is recommended.
– Lighting candles can also provide warmth. Simmons suggested, “Place a few bricks in a skillet or tray, light some candles inside them, and you’ll have a simple makeshift heater. The heat from the candles will warm the bricks, and the bricks will radiate heat.” He pointed out, while this makeshift heater may not fully heat the entire house like a fireplace, it can at least provide some warmth.
– Setting up a tent indoors is another option. He advised, “You can set up a tent in the living room.”
He explained, “Imagine you’re in a powerless living room, chatting with a few people inside the tent. The carbon dioxide you generate will be trapped inside the tent, causing the internal temperature to rise.”
(Reference: “The Capitol Hill Gazette”)