Preparing Your Home for a Power Outage:  Heating, Cooking, and Staying Safe

Preparing Your Home for a Power Outage: Heating, Cooking, and Staying Safe

Living in Canada, we’ve all experienced a bad winter storm—freezing temperatures, piles of snow, and sometimes, power outages that can last for days. Is your home ready to handle one?

 

Be Prepared: Essential Supplies

During a power outage, you’ll want to ensure you can keep your family fed and at least part of your home warm. Here are some basics to have on hand:

  • Water: Store at least 2 litres per person, per day, for up to 72 hours.
  • Non-perishable food: Stock up on canned goods, dry snacks, and other items that don’t require refrigeration.
Plan Ahead for Emergencies

To make the most of your fireplace and barbecue during a power outage, preparation is key.

  • Create a supply kit: Include firewood, matches, a fire extinguisher, extra propane or charcoal, and a first-aid kit.
  • Install safety equipment: Carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms are crucial when relying on fireplaces or barbecues.
  • Have a backup cooking plan: Stock non-perishable foods that can be cooked easily on a grill.

 

Heating Your Home Without Power

Whether you’re using a gas or wood-burning appliance, safety should always come first.

  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup, especially with gas fireplaces.
  • Use a sturdy screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping.

Gas Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts

Gas appliances are excellent secondary heat sources during power outages. Many models are designed to operate without electricity, either by generating their own power or using a battery backup.

Tips for Gas Appliances
  • Check whether your gas appliance has a battery backup – if not, consider adding one to your setup.
  • Install fresh batteries before every heating season.

Wood Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts

Wood heating appliances are another reliable option. They produce radiant heat that can warm your living spaces for days.

Tips for Wood Heating Appliances
  • Keep an adequate supply of seasoned firewood.
  • Use non-electric fans designed for woodstoves to circulate heat. These fans are powered by the heat from the stove itself.
  • Keep your chimney clean and in good working condition to avoid smoke buildup or fire hazards.

 

Cooking Without Electricity

Using Your Wood or Gas Stove

Many wood and gas stoves can double as cooking appliances. They can heat food or water on top of the stove, and some models even include additional features like ovens or water reservoirs.

Tips for Cooking on Stoves
  • For models with a trivet, remove it to place pots directly on the inner top for better heat conductivity.
  • Use a thermometer to monitor cooking temperatures.
  • Practice cooking on your stove ahead of time to understand how to manage heat.
Cooking with a Wood Stove
  • High Heat: Build a large, steady fire.
  • Low and Slow: Add one or two pieces of wood at frequent intervals for a long, steady burn.
  • Cooking on Coals: Let the fire die down to a bed of coals and use a Dutch oven or foil packets for even cooking.

Using Your Barbecue

A barbecue is another valuable tool for preparing food when the power is out—but remember, never use a barbecue indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Winter Grilling Tips
  • Allow extra time for food to cook, as outdoor temperatures can affect grilling.
  • Check out our article on Winter Grilling for more tips on using your barbecue effectively in cold weather.
Safety Tips
  • Always use your barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from windows, doors, and flammable materials.
  • Never bring a barbecue inside—carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk.

 

Canadian winters can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can keep your family warm, fed, and safe during a power outage. By maintaining your fireplaces and stoves, practicing your cooking methods, and having essential supplies ready, you’ll be well-equipped to weather any storm.

Fireplace Experts: Make Way for Santa Claus!

Fireplace Experts: Make Way for Santa Claus!

HPBAC Reminds Canadians to Clean Their Chimneys

 

CANADA—As Christmas approaches, representatives from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) recently met with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves for their annual pre-Christmas roundtable.

This year’s discussion emphasized the importance of chimney maintenance and timely scheduling of cleaning services to ensure a safe and joyful holiday.

Santa once again reviewed new and existing wood stoves and fireplaces, and confirmed they are all Santa Claus-Certified. However, he stressed that proper maintenance and regular cleaning are key to ensuring he can safely deliver Christmas cheer without any obstructions.

Scheduling a professional chimney cleaning annually is a must, and before the holidays is a great time for it. A thorough cleaning promotes the safe and efficient operation of your appliances and ensures your chimney is free from soot and debris – making it easier for Santa to come down!

“Annual inspections of wood stoves and chimneys are essential,” noted HPBAC staff. “Components such as gaskets, door seals, and overall chimney structure should be inspected, and with Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to check this task off your list.”

Gas fireplaces should not be overlooked, either. Ensure vents are properly checked according to your owner’s manual and clear of any debris.

“We had a very productive meeting this year,” said Laura Litchfield, President of HPBAC. “It was great to get the Santa Claus seal of approval on all our products. Santa and his team know first-hand how important chimney cleaning and maintenance is, so it is always good to get their advice.”

In addition to chimney maintenance, Santa also shared essential safety tips for the holiday season. Keep stockings and Christmas trees at least one meter (over three feet) away from fireplaces, supervise children around lit fireplaces and stoves, and always practice caution.

Visit the Product Safety page of the HPBAC website for more safety tips and guidance on maintenance. Ensure your home is ready for a festive holiday season – schedule your chimney cleaning today!

 

 

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national non-profit industry association supporting manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and support service providers in the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor lifestyle industries. 

 

Media Inquiries:

Mike McNeice
Director of Public Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
mike@hpbacanada.org

 

Christmas Inquiries:

Santa Claus
North Pole, H0H 0H0
Canada

10 Tips for Grilling in Winter

10 Tips for Grilling in Winter

Temps are falling, days are getting shorter, and there’s every indication that this season we will be staying in and cooking at home more than any winter before.

Here’s one way to get by: don’t put that grill or smoker away. Instead, embrace backyard cooking through the fall and all winter long.

 

The following are 10 tips to make the most of grilling in the coming months:

  1. Don’t peek! Heat escapes quickly and you’ll be adding on cooking time. Limit lifting the lid except for turning and flipping foods.
  2. Plan on adding 25% more cooking time to compensate for cold temperatures. Use a reliable food thermometer to check.
  3. Consider adding a propane heater to your patio this year. Of course, these heaters can make barbecuing and entertaining in winter much more comfortable.
  4. Make shorter trips outside by moving your barbecue grill a little closer to the house, but make sure you still keep it at least 10 feet from any buildings or structures. Never grill in enclosed spaces, such as a garage or under an overhang, that can trap deadly carbon monoxide.
  5. Position gas grills so the wind is perpendicular to the gas flow, and not blowing the flame down the burner tubes. A sturdy patio umbrella set on its side can also serve as a wind block. When lighting the grill, do not turn the handwheel on the propane tank all the way on. Instead, use a single turn before lighting.
  6. Check that everything is in working order before using your grill. Don’t force a frozen knob or grill lid – you’ll risk cracking it or breaking the seal. Instead, move your grill to a garage where it can thaw or use a hairdryer.
  7. You’ll want to dress warmly, but avoid hazardous bulky clothing and tuck in loose scarves. A pair of easily-removable boots or shoes is a good idea when making trips in and out of the house. You’ll find heat-resistant gloves with plenty of dexterity are worth the investment.
  8. The days are shorter in the winter, and you’ll likely be grilling in the dark. While your favorite flashlight works, it can be hard to juggle with your grill tools. Clip-on or magnetic grill lamps are a handy upgrade for monitoring your cooking.
  9. Consider a wireless remote or instant read thermometer your new best friend. A leave-in remote thermometer allows you to monitor cooking temperature while you stay warm inside, and an instant read thermometer will minimize your time in the cold.
  10. When not in use (and only when completely cooled), protect your grill from the elements with a snug cover.

 

If you’re not planning to grill over the winter, it’s important to protect your grill from the harsh winter elements. Learn more here: hpbacanada.org/winterizing-your-barbecue.