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By Nashville Indiana Title Company
How to Stay Safe and Warm When the Power Goes Out in Brown County Winter storms in southern Indiana can knock out power for hours or even days, especial...
Winter storms in southern Indiana can knock out power for hours or even days, especially when ice weighs down the tree-lined roads around Nashville and throughout Brown County. While our area's natural beauty makes for stunning winter landscapes, those same tall trees that create our forest canopy can take down power lines during severe weather.
Having lived through several significant outages over the years, many Brown County residents have learned the hard way that preparation makes all the difference. Here's what actually works when the lights go out and the temperature starts dropping inside your home.
The key to staying warm without power isn't just putting on more clothes—it's shrinking the space you need to heat. Pick one room in your house, preferably one without high ceilings and with minimal windows. Many Nashville residents choose a bedroom or smaller living room as their "warm room" during outages.
Close off this room from the rest of the house using blankets, towels, or sheets hung in doorways. This creates a smaller space that will retain body heat and warmth from safe heat sources much more effectively than trying to keep your entire house comfortable.
Move mattresses, sleeping bags, and extra blankets into this space. The goal is to create a cozy nest where everyone in your household can stay together and share body heat.
Never use outdoor grills, camping stoves, or generators inside your home—carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger that can be fatal. Instead, focus on these safer alternatives.
If you have a fireplace, make sure your chimney damper opens properly and that you have seasoned firewood stored in a dry location. Many Brown County homes have fireplaces that haven't been used in years, so check that yours is clean and functional before you need it.
Candles provide some warmth, but tea light candles in terracotta pots create a simple, effective heater. Place three or four tea lights under an upside-down terracotta pot (make sure there's airflow underneath), and the pot will radiate gentle heat for hours.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radios often have weather alerts that can tell you how long the outage might last, which helps you decide how aggressively you need to conserve heat.
Wear a hat indoors. You lose significant heat through your head, and keeping it covered makes a noticeable difference in how warm you feel overall.
Layer clothing properly: start with moisture-wicking base layers if you have them, add insulating layers like fleece or wool, and finish with something windproof if you have it. Cotton holds moisture and will make you colder, so avoid cotton clothing during extended outages.
Keep your feet warm and dry. Cold feet make your entire body feel colder, so wear wool socks and waterproof shoes or boots even inside the house if necessary.
Your refrigerator will stay cold longer if you avoid opening it unnecessarily. During winter, you can actually move perishables outside if temperatures stay consistently below 40 degrees—just make sure they're protected from animals.
Keep several gallons of water stored, as power outages can affect water pumps. If you have advance warning of a storm, fill bathtubs and large pots with water before the power goes out.
Focus on foods that don't require cooking: peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars provide energy without needing heat preparation. If you have a gas stove with pilot lights, it may work even without electricity, but never use it to heat your home.
Keep cell phones charged using portable battery packs or car chargers. During extended outages, preserve phone battery by switching to airplane mode and only turning on cellular service when you need to check messages or call for help.
Know your neighbors, especially elderly residents who might need extra help during outages. Many Brown County communities have informal networks where people check on each other during severe weather.
Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates and emergency information. Local stations often provide specific updates about power restoration efforts in Brown County.
If indoor temperatures drop below 50 degrees and continue falling, it may be safer to stay with friends, family, or at a warming shelter. Hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above freezing, especially if you're unable to stay dry.
Watch for signs that someone is getting dangerously cold: confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, or uncontrollable shivering. These are medical emergencies that require immediate warmth and possibly professional medical attention.
Many Nashville businesses with backup generators, like some hotels or larger stores, may serve as informal warming centers during extended outages. Don't hesitate to ask—most local business owners understand that community support matters during emergencies.
The best time to prepare for power outages is when the electricity is still on. Keep extra batteries, flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable food as part of your regular household supplies.
Consider investing in a battery-powered radio and portable phone chargers. These small preparations make huge differences in comfort and safety when you actually need them.
Remember that Brown County's rural nature means power restoration can sometimes take longer than in more urban areas. Being prepared for at least 48-72 hours without power gives you peace of mind and keeps your family safe when winter weather hits hardest.