During a power outage, the only to heat your house is to use a back-up heating appliance, like a stove or furnace that doesn’t require electricity, or a wood-burning fireplace. The use of unvented combustion appliances is safe inside. When you buy a back-up heating appliances, chose a heating appliance that doesn’t rely on an electric motor, electric fan or other electric device to function. It is important to properly vent the stove or heater with the type of chimney required for it. Only use heating appliances that are certified by the proper association.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean the chimney flue every fall so it is ready to be used (for example, extended use at high temperatures). The creosote in a flue can be ignited by sustained high temperatures and develop into a chimney fire.
If the back-up heating appliance requires oil or gas supplies normally used in the house, ask a qualified technician to have it connected with shut-off valves.
To obtain more complete information, contact the proper association in your area.
