Winter Preparedness Checklist: When the Heating Fails

Heating Failure Checklist: What You Need

Use this checklist to prepare systematically. Work through it section by section — starting with the most urgent items.

Section 1: Alternative Heating Systems

• At least one alternative heater present:
  • Portable gas heater (propane/butane) OR
  • Petroleum/paraffin heater OR
  • Woodstove or fireplace (chimney sweep certified)
• Heater has been tested — it works
• User manual read and understood
• Heater stored in accessible location (not in basement behind boxes)

Section 2: Fuel Reserves

For Gas Heaters

• Propane bottles: At least 3 × 5 kg = 15 kg total
  • Quantity on hand: _______
  • Last refill date: _______
• Storage location: dry, ventilated, away from heat sources
• Propane adapter/hose in good condition

For Petroleum Heaters

• Petroleum/lamp oil: At least 20 liters
  • Quantity on hand: _______
• Stored in approved containers (metal or HDPE plastic)
• Wicks checked — replacements available

For Woodstoves

• Firewood: At least 0.5 cubic meters (approx. 200 kg)
  • Quantity on hand: _______
• Wood is dry — moisture below 20% (moisture meter or 1+ year of storage)
• Kindling and firestarter available
• Matches/lighter in weatherproof container

Section 3: Safety Equipment

Carbon Monoxide Protection

• CO detector installed in sleeping area
  • Battery last replaced: _______
  • Test button pressed and alarm confirmed: Tested □
• Additional CO detector for main living room (recommended)
• Family members know CO alarm sound and evacuation procedure

Fire Safety

• Smoke detector functional in every room
• Fire extinguisher present near heater (2 kg CO2 or ABC powder)
  • Last inspection: _______
• Flammable materials kept 1 meter from all heaters
• Escape route from home planned and known

Section 4: Personal Cold Protection

Clothing

• Thermal base layer for each household member
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater per person
• Heavy winter jacket accessible (not only in coat closet)
• Warm socks and slippers per person
• Hat and gloves per person (indoors use)

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag rated to -10°C per person OR
  • Multiple thick blankets per person
• Hot water bottle(s) present
• Sleeping bag/blanket tested for warmth — actually warm enough?

For Children and Infants

• Baby sleeping bag or swaddle blanket for infants
• Extra warm pajamas
• Room thermometer to monitor temperature

Section 5: Warm Room Strategy

• Designated warm room identified (smallest room with best insulation)
• Heavy curtains or blankets to hang over windows
• Draft stoppers for door gaps
• All family members can sleep in the warm room if necessary

Section 6: Food and Water in Cold Conditions

• Camp stove for cooking without kitchen stove
• Thermos bottle to keep water/tea warm
• High-calorie foods — the body needs more energy in the cold:
  • Nuts, dried fruit
  • Chocolate, energy bars
  • Oatmeal (hot preparation)
• Water reserve: Pipes can freeze — store at least 10 liters in accessible location

Section 7: Neighbors and Community

• Vulnerable neighbors (elderly, sick, living alone) identified
• Check-in plan established for extended heating failures
• Contact information for local emergency shelter known

Section 8: Documents and Information

• Emergency numbers on paper (not only in smartphone):
  • Emergency services: 911 / 112
  • Gas emergency: _______________
  • Heating technician: _______________
  • Neighbor: _______________
• Gas/oil shutoff valve location known to all household members

Temperature Thresholds: When to Act

Indoor Temperature	Action Required
Below 18°C	Activate alternative heating
Below 16°C	Move vulnerable people to warmer location
Below 12°C	All occupants should leave the building
Below 8°C	Risk of pipe freeze

Monthly Maintenance

• CO detector test (test button)
• Fuel reserve level check
• Heater visual check for damage

Annual Maintenance

• Chimney sweep inspection (if woodstove)
• CO detector battery replacement
• Fire extinguisher inspection
• Sleeping bag warmth test (sleep one night in it)

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This checklist covers all essential aspects of heating crisis preparation. Work through it once thoroughly — then maintain it with the monthly and annual checks.