Prepping for Wintergeddon 2: Heating and Cooking Without Power

Last winter, our home was without power for a little under a week. We had snow outside and ice inside. Windows are single-paned, unfortunately. Since we rent, there isn't much we can do. We ended up having to go stay at my in-laws home to ride it out. We have been thinking about what that could mean for us if we have to go through that again in the upcoming winter months. From what we have read and heard, it sounds like they are predicting that this will be the worst winter in 7 years. Texas grid can't handle "rolling blackouts" as they tried last year. So what do we do? We started doing some research. My mom even helped! She sent several great videos that have taught me a thing or two about how to handle keeping my family warm without power, as well as cooking without power. I thought I might share some in case you are wondering where to start. Each of us has needs that vary from each other. So keep that in mind. What works in one case, might not work in another. 

Rocket Stove: 

I'd never heard of this concept. But it is pretty cool! Simple, effective and cheap. However, it does mean you can only have this outside. Last winter, I did not like being outdoors for long. It was way too cold and way too hard on my arthritic joints. But for cooking quickly, I think it would work perfectly. 

One room for all:

If the power goes out, my goal is to get all 4 children bunking in the living room. Far as I can tell, that is the room that can hold the most heat, fit them all, and have room to spare for them to play or do school in. There is also the fire place that we are stocking wood for. Little by little, we have been investing in wood and the storage of it. We bought a rack and some wood that we cover snugly with a tarp. I will be putting rolled up materials at door bases and windowsills. This should help with insulating better against the cold. Blankets will line the floor in the living room. For them - it will be like a camp out! Or maybe a slumber party... Either way, I'll do what I can to make it fun.

Clay pots and tealight candles:

I had heard of this before. But actually seeing it in action made a difference in my belief on how well it might work. This would do nicely for heating the room that I plan to have the kiddos bunk in. I could easily set it up on the table in the dining room, which is attached to the living room. It should provide plenty of heat to keep us going. 

 

Or this method:

10 ways according to a prepper:

This guy seems to know his stuff. I plan to check out more of his videos to see what other ideas he has. He gave great tips that could be helpful for different situations. 

Alcohol and toilet paper:

This is one I would never have thought of. Especially when we know about that shortage we had at the start of the pandemic age. However, I include it as it is unique and can be stored away for an indefinite time.

What else do you think I am missing? I'd love to hear from you. Are you prepping too?

Beginning Preparations for the Next Wintergeddon

I don't know how many of you remember, but last winter Texas had a massive winter storm that some have dubbed Wintergeddon. Fast forward to September and we have only recently seen 100 degrees in central Texas. Crazy, right?? 

But even though the temperatures outside are about 98-100, I've noticed that I'm not the only one wondering what is going to happen when winter returns. We lost power during a rain storm recently. During rain! It was crazy to wake up to flashing clocks everywhere. Last I heard, they haven't fixed all the problems that led to days without power, and even some deaths during the frigid cold. 

Knowing this, my husband and I have started to prepare ourselves a little more. Last winter, we had needed to go stay with his mother and sister after waiting several hours for the power to return. Our home does not hold heat thanks to the outdated single-paned windows and gaps in the doors. But since we rent, there isn't much I can do to help that. Or is there?

Centralizing the heat

I've been doing some research. One way to keep from having higher bills, also works to keep heat or air centralized. You seal off rooms that you can do without. This got me thinking. Wouldn't be so bad to let the kids camp out in the living room, now would it? Close their bedroom doors, stuff towels in the window sills and door cracks. Then, make sure to close their vents. This works for having electricity or not. All the air will blow into the rooms being used instead. 

Firestarters

We have a great fireplace to utilize in winter months. I've been making homemade fire starters from dryer lent and toilet paper rolls. Simple, yet highly effective! I filled a shoe box so far and then have been saving dryer lent as well.Lesson learned - pack it lightly!

Wood is something that we will have to store up. We plan to get a wood stacking rack. I rather not just have it piled on the ground. Plus, we will be keeping it covered to keep it dry from the elements.

Propane or gas grill

We bought a wonderful 2 burner stove top. It has dual uses. We can use it during camping trips as well as when there is loss of power. It is small, so making meals will be time-consuming. But still totally worth it. If you are looking for what we got, it is Ozark Trail. We love their brand! We can grab the little camping propane tanks to use.

Food stocking

Canned goods are definitely the way to go! So our plan is to collect canned soups and maybe ramen for warm meals. Peanut butter will be another thing we will keep on hand. Bottled water will be a big deal for us. These are things we can stock up on little by little from each paycheck. 

Bringing out the heat

Lastly, we have talked about how to heat up the place in the event that the power does go out. How do we keep everyone warm? For the most part, I plan to keep all jackets, hats, gloves and blankets in the living room with the kids. It will be a giant, warm fort! Bundling up will be easy. We are looking into space heaters as well. And the fireplace will be kept stoked. 

Passing the time

Everyone knows we live in the age of technology. So what do we do with no power? How do we plan to pass the time? First off, we have a portable DVD player we picked up at an estate sale. We have 2 DS game devices. And even a tablet. But how will we charge those? Our vehicle comes with plugs, both USB and your standard wall plug! When we have to go places, we can charge them here and there. But those aside, we have a ton of board games! We can easily pass the spare time with that. We are all readers. So books will be at our disposal. Nerf gun fights and Barbies, Lego creations and hide-n-seek games. We can pass the time. After all, during daylight hours will be school too. 

Speaking of light...

Without power, we will be needing to pull out candles and flashlights. My favorites are the LED ones we picked up at Harbor Freight.  They have multiple options on the type of light and are easy for the kids to use. So don't forget those extra batteries!

What are your thoughts? How would you prepare? I'd appreciate hearing from you. Leave me a comment below!