There is little time left before the cold, and power and heat outages are possible in the city. It is easier to prepare your flat now than when the temperature outside has already dropped below zero. Here are seven things to do.
1. Check windows and balcony doors
Hold your palm or a candle near the frame to find draughts. Gaps can be sealed with window tape or the seal can be replaced. It is cheap and noticeably reduces heat loss.
2. Insulation without renovation
Thick curtains help keep the warmth at night. During the day, open them on the sunny side so that the flat is warmed by natural light.
3. Prepare lighting and power
Buy torches and battery-powered lamps, spare batteries and a power bank. Candles are better not used as the main light because of the fire risk.
4. A supply of water and food
Keep a supply of drinking water, calculated for roughly several days for each family member, as well as food that needs no cooking or long storage.
5. Warm clothes and bedding
Take sweaters, socks, blankets and sleeping bags out of the wardrobe. It is easier to keep warm in layers than in one thick sweater.
6. Safe heating
- Do not heat your flat with a gas hob or oven: it is dangerous because of carbon monoxide.
- Do not leave electric heaters unattended and do not plug several powerful appliances into one extension lead.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any heater you use.
7. Find the nearest Points of Invincibility
Save the address of the nearest point in your phone and download an offline map before connectivity disappears.
If older people or children live in the building, work out in advance how you will keep them warm during a long outage: a separate warm room, a stock of blankets and hot water in a thermos.
