What to Do If You Lose Heat and Power During Tornado Season in St. Louis

If you lose heat and power during a tornado emergency, immediately move to a safe interior room (no windows), bundle up in blankets and warm clothing, use flashlights (never candles), keep your phone charged, and report the outage to your utility company. Conserve body heat by staying close together, seal drafts in doors and windows, and use battery-powered or generator backup safely. Once you have made yourself safe and warm, contact a qualified service professional to restore your heating and electrical systems.

 

Before Tornado Season: Prepare Your Home

 

• Create an emergency kit: Include water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), nonperishable food, blankets, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and a whistle to signal for help.
• Install a weather radio: A weather radio automatically broadcasts tornado warnings so you get advance notice if a storm is approaching.
• Inspect heating and electrical systems: Hire a licensed technician to check your furnace, heat pump, wiring, and circuit breakers (safety switches that turn power off if there’s an overload).
• Arrange backup power: Consider a portable generator (a machine that produces electricity when plugged in). Store fuel safely in approved containers and always run the generator outside, away from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning (an odorless gas that can be deadly).

 

During a Tornado Watch or Warning

 

• Monitor weather alerts: Use a NOAA weather radio, smartphone app, or local TV to track tornado watches (conditions are right for tornadoes) and warnings (tornado is spotted or indicated by radar).
• Secure loose objects: Bring patio furniture, trash cans, and other items indoors or anchor them to prevent them from becoming flying debris.
• Identify your safe room: Choose an interior space on the lowest floor—like a basement, storm cellar, or interior hallway—away from windows and corners.

 

Immediately After Losing Heat and Power

 

• Stay calm and assess safety: Check for structural damage, gas leaks (you might smell rotten eggs if there’s a leak—if you do, leave immediately and call emergency services), and sparking wires.
• Use alternative light sources: Flashlights are safest. Avoid candles and open flames, which can start fires.
• Seal drafts: Cover windows and door gaps with towels or blankets to preserve heat. Wear hats and layers to trap body heat.
• Close off unused rooms: Keeping only one or two rooms warm concentrates your body heat and any working heat source.
• Report the outage: Call or use your utility’s outage map online to report and track the restoration process.

 

Keeping Warm Safely

 

• Layer clothing: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers (like fleece), and a windproof outer layer if temperatures are very low.
• Use sleeping bags or emergency blankets: Mylar emergency blankets reflect up to 90% of your body heat and are compact in your kit.
• Operate generators correctly: Never plug a generator directly into your home’s wiring. Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use to power only essential devices, and keep carbon monoxide detectors running on battery power.
• Avoid charcoal grills and kerosene heaters indoors: These release carbon monoxide. If you have a safe propane heater rated for indoor use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure proper ventilation.

 

Maintaining Communication and Basic Needs

 

• Keep phones charged: Conserve battery by turning off nonessential apps and using airplane mode between calls.
• Stay informed: Listen to your battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates and restoration schedules.
• Hydrate and eat: Drink water regularly. Eat high-energy, nonperishable foods like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit.
• Check on neighbors: Especially older adults, young children, and those with disabilities to ensure they are safe and warm.

 

Restoring Power and Heat

 

• Wait for utilities: If lines are down, it can take hours or days to repair. Stay patient and prioritize safety over comfort.
• Reset breakers safely: If you suspect a tripped breaker, switch the main breaker off, then back on. If it trips again immediately, leave it off and call an electrician.
• Restart your generator properly: Follow the sequence—start the generator, connect appliances one at a time, then turn on breakers. Avoid overloading the generator by checking its wattage rating.
• Re-light pilot lights: If you have a gas furnace, follow your owner’s manual to relight the pilot safely. If you’re unsure, wait for a professional.

 

When to Call a Professional

 

• Electrical hazards: Sparks, burning smells, or flickering lights can indicate wiring damage. Shut off power at the breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately.
• Heating system failures: Strange noises, no heat when the furnace or heat pump is on, or gas smells require an HVAC technician’s inspection.
• Structural damage: Cracks in walls, doors that no longer close, or fallen ceiling drywall can affect wiring and ductwork—get a qualified contractor to assess and repair.
• Generator issues: If your backup generator won’t start, runs poorly, or emits dark smoke, contact a certified generator service company.

In severe weather events, planning and safe actions keep you and your family protected. If you need expert help restoring your heating or electrical systems, a full-service residential and commercial provider—serving St. Louis and Nashville—can respond quickly, inspect damage, and get your heat and power back on safely.