Safety boundary: Never use generators, barbecues, camping stoves or unvented outdoor equipment indoors or in garages.
Most systems need electricity
Gas and oil furnaces, boilers and many fireplaces need controls, fans, pumps or powered venting. A fuel supply alone does not guarantee heat.
Protect people first
Use approved blankets and clothing layers, consolidate occupants in safe rooms and follow municipal warming-centre guidance.
Protect plumbing
Long outages in freezing weather may require professional winterization or safe water shutoff planning. Know main shutoff locations before an emergency.
Generator planning
Permanent or portable generator connections must prevent backfeeding and meet electrical and fuel-safety rules. Plan installation before an outage.
Useful questions to record
- Can everyone leave safely now?
- Which emergency service or utility should be called from outside?
- What information can be recorded without re-entering?
Related guides
Carbon Monoxide and Home HeatingHow carbon monoxide can enter a home and what alarms and appliance maintenance can—and cannot—do.Gas Odour or Suspected Fuel LeakA simple emergency response that avoids switches, sparks and delay.Venting and Combustion AirWhy appliance vents, chimneys, exhaust fans and house pressure interact.HVAC, Filtration and Indoor Air QualityWhat central HVAC can contribute—and what requires source control or ventilation.