How to Keep Warm During Blackouts: Tips That Truly Work

Winter in Ukraine is a test of endurance, especially during blackouts. The absence of heating and electricity can become a serious challenge. But keeping your home warm, cozy, and comfortable is absolutely possible. The key is to know proven methods and prepare in advance.

A blackout is temporary – your comfort depends on your ability to adapt. Staying warm means saving energy, strength, and a positive mindset.

Insulating Your Home: Simple and Effective Solutions

When it’s dark and cold outside, and heating and electricity suddenly disappear, maintaining warmth indoors requires some effort.

Insulate windows and doors

Up to 40% of heat escapes through windows and doors. Simple steps can significantly reduce heat loss. Seal gaps under windows and doors with fabric draft stoppers. This can help raise the indoor temperature by 2–3°C.

Use textiles

Fabric retains heat exceptionally well. Choose dense, multi-layered items:

• Fleece, wool, or microfiber blankets keep you warm.
• Rugs and runners reduce heat loss through the floor.
• Heavy curtains or even wall hangings act as “thermal barriers,” preventing cold air from entering.

Divide the space – smaller areas are easier to heat

When heating is off, there’s no need to warm the entire apartment.

Close doors to unused rooms. You can also hang a curtain or bedsheet to separate the warmer area.

If you have a camping tent, set it up right in the room – the air inside will warm up more quickly.

Improvised heat sources

Even without electricity, you can create localized warmth:

Candles – place several together, away from children and pets. They slightly increase the temperature.

A hot-water bottle or a bottle filled with hot water wrapped in a towel is a great way to warm your bed.

A metal can placed over candles can serve as a simple “mini-heater,” if used safely.

Dress in layers

Layering is essential for retaining warmth:

• Base layer – cotton underwear or thermal wear.
• Middle layer – fleece or wool.
• Upper layer – sweater, vest, or jacket.

Don’t forget warm socks, a hat, and a scarf – up to 50% of heat escapes through the head and feet.

Move and eat properly

Your body produces heat – you just need to support it:

• Do light exercises every 20–30 minutes.
• Eat warm, high-calorie meals – soups, porridge, hot drinks.
• Drink warm water or tea to support circulation.

Most importantly, maintain calm and comfort. Warmth is not only about temperature – it’s also about a sense of safety. Soft lighting, warm textiles, and a peaceful atmosphere make even the coldest evenings easier to endure.

Using Textiles to Maintain Comfortable Body Temperature

Properly chosen fabrics help your body regulate its own microclimate.

Layering – the foundation of warmth

Just like clothing, home textiles work better in layers.

Blankets made of microfiber, wool, or fleece create an insulating air layer that traps body heat.

Cotton or satin bedding allows skin to breathe without overheating, while maintaining a comfortable sleeping temperature.

Throws and decorative pillows provide additional insulation while enhancing your interior.

Textiles in different areas of the home

Various textile elements help maintain warmth during blackouts:

• Living room – thick curtains and rugs reduce heat loss through windows and floors.
• Kitchen – fabric cushions and curtains create visual warmth and comfort.
• Bedroom – multi-layered bedding and warm blankets help keep your body temperature stable overnight.

Zoning Your Space – A Key Element of Staying Warm

Zoning allows you to use heat more efficiently and maintain comfort even during blackouts or heating issues.

Why zoning helps keep warmth

Heat distributes unevenly. By dividing your space into smaller functional areas, you can:

• reduce the amount of air that needs heating;
• preserve warmth where you spend most of your time – the bedroom, work corner, or relaxation zone;
• reduce heat loss caused by cold air circulation.

Simply put – the smaller the area you occupy, the easier it is to keep it warm.

Textiles as a zoning tool

Fabric elements are an effective insulation method.

Heavy curtains create a barrier against cold drafts, especially near windows and doors.

Fabric room dividers or drapes help separate the heated part of the room from unused areas.

Rugs reduce heat loss through floors and make the room noticeably more comfortable.

Mini-zones for rest and sleep

If the temperature indoors drops significantly, create a small warm zone:

• use makeshift screens made of dense fabric to separate your bed or sofa;
• add several layers of textiles – blankets, throws, quilts;
• place a rug next to the sleeping area to insulate the cold floor.

These simple solutions help you stay comfortable even with minimal heating.

Hot Drinks, Warmers, and Candles: Comfort and Warmth

Simple things – a cup of hot tea, a soft blanket, a cozy warmer, and candlelight – can turn a cold evening into a sanctuary of peace and warmth.

Hot drinks – warmth from the inside

Warm beverages help your body maintain a stable temperature:

• Tea with honey, ginger, or cinnamon boosts circulation and immunity.
• Cocoa and hot chocolate lift your mood and create a sense of coziness.
• Herbal teas with mint, linden, or chamomile help you relax and fall asleep even in a cool room.

Use insulated cups or thermoses to keep drinks warm longer.

Warmers – quick local heat

Modern warmers (fabric, rubber, salt-based, or grain-filled) are an effective way to warm up quickly.

Put a warmer in your bed 10–15 minutes before sleep – the fabric will heat up, making it easier to fall asleep.

Keep one near your feet or lower back to reduce the feeling of cold.

Candles – light, warmth, and atmosphere

Candles provide:

• a bit of heat;
• soft lighting;
• emotional comfort.

Paraffin or beeswax candles create gentle ambient light.

Aromatic candles add scents like vanilla, citrus, or pine – all associated with warmth and relaxation.

Always place candles in stable glass holders and never leave them unattended.

Warm drinks, candlelight, and soft textiles create a sense of harmony and comfort when it's cold and dark outside. Remember – comfort starts with small things, and positive emotions can warm you almost as well as a blanket.

Read HERE about modern blankets.