Safer
Layer clothing, use one suitable room, reduce draughts, LED light and cold food.
Emergency preparedness · 22 min
Heat, light and cooking without power
Use alternatives without creating fire or carbon-monoxide danger.
Improvised solutions can become more dangerous than the outage. Combustion, open flames and unsuitable heaters can cause fires or invisible carbon-monoxide poisoning. Safe preparation uses suitable equipment, ventilation and clear operating limits.
Your learning progressSaved on this device.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Record household needs, dependencies, current official information and available safe locations.
- Agree responsibilities, communication rules and a fallback before time pressure develops.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Battery light and heat retention take priority over improvised indoor combustion.
EXPLANATORY GRAPHIC · PRACTICAL GUIDE
FIGHTandSURVIVESafe substitute or new hazard?
Retain heat and use battery lighting before considering combustion.
As designed only
Approved appliance, correct location, clearances, ventilation and extinguisher.
Dangerous
Grill, charcoal, generator, camp stove or oven as indoor heat.
Stop signs
Headache, dizziness, nausea, smoke or CO alarm: fresh air, warn others, call emergency services.
RESULT / SAFETY CHECKKeep escape paths and vents clear; separate fuel from hot appliances.
Learning goals
- Reduce heat loss indoors
- Prioritise safer light sources
- Use cooking equipment only as intended
Retain warmth
Concentrate activity in one suitable room, close doors and reduce draughts without blocking necessary ventilation. Use clothing layers, hats, dry socks, blankets and insulating mats. Movement produces heat, but hard exertion and sweating increase later heat loss.
Distribute light safely
LED torches, headlamps and battery lamps are safer than open flames. Store the correct spare batteries separately. Place lights at stairs, doors and work surfaces. If candles are used at all, keep them stable, away from combustibles and under constant supervision.
Cook without mains electricity
Use only equipment approved by its manufacturer for the location. Camping stoves, grills, generators and improvised ovens generally do not belong indoors. Store fuel safely, let equipment cool and keep suitable extinguishing means available. Include food that can be eaten without heating.
Practical check
- Identify the warmest suitable room
- Check LED lighting and batteries
- Store meals that can be eaten cold
- Define an approved cooking location
- Maintain smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
Important
- Carbon monoxide is odourless and can be fatal
- Never refill fuel near hot equipment
- Do not block escape routes or ventilation openings
Decision training
The home is becoming cold. Which first measure is safest?
- ALight a charcoal grill in the living room
- BConcentrate on one room, layer clothing and retain heat safely
- CUse an open oven as a heater
Show answer
Correct: B. Heat retention avoids the major fire and poisoning risks created by unsuitable combustion equipment.