Fresh Cranberry Salad Recipe

You need to make this fresh cranberry salad recipe! I’m updating and reposting one of my favorite holiday recipes! Mark and I had some really special friends invite us over for lunch a few years ago. I brought some rolls, and she cooked a ham, cheesy potatoes, and a delicious jello salad.

As soon as she pulled this cranberry salad out of the refrigerator, it brought back many wonderful memories. Yay!! My mom used to make this one! Don’t you love it when that happens?

Besides all the great food we get to enjoy during the holidays, I cherish this time of year for the memories, past and present, that are brought to mind. We have such a great family, I’m sure, much like yours.

Being with them during the holidays makes activities so special! That’s why I decided to update this post from a few years ago; it is a memory I don’t ever want to forget.

I helped her fill the glasses with ice and water, then we started putting the food on the table. Next, we placed the cut jello onto pieces of lettuce with a dollop of whipped cream, and my heart melted with joy! I love this salad.

She started telling me the ingredients, and I said, “I’m going to name this salad Judith’s Cranberry Salad.” I hope you love it as much as Mark and I do.

I remember seeing recipes that suggested substituting whole-berry cranberry sauce for fresh cranberries. My mom had my sisters, and I cut the fresh cranberries in half for her recipe. Today I used my “salsa maker” to chop them. You’ll see that chopper at the bottom of the post. This is what I call my Salsa Maker.

The History of Fresh Cranberry Salad

Fresh Cranberry Salad has earned its place on holiday tables for generations, but its roots go back much further than most people realize. This vibrant, tangy-sweet dish traces its history to early American cranberry traditions, long before modern recipes added fruit, cream, or gelatin. Cranberries were first used by Indigenous peoples, who harvested and preserved them for food, medicine, and natural dye. Their early preparations often combined cranberries with maple syrup or dried meat, inspiring the flavor pairings we still use today.

By the 1800s, as cranberries grew into a thriving New England crop, American home cooks began incorporating them into sauces, relishes, and festive salads. When refrigeration became common in the early 20th century, fresh cranberry salads became a popular addition to holiday menus, offering a refreshing contrast to rich Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes. Many of the classic recipes we enjoy today, with apples, celery, oranges, pecans, marshmallows, or whipped cream, originated in community cookbooks and church gatherings during the 1940s and 1950s.

In the modern kitchen, Fresh Cranberry Salad is celebrated for its bright color, simple ingredients, and burst of natural flavor. It remains a nostalgic favorite that brings families together, connecting today’s cooks with timeless holiday traditions. Its growing popularity in contemporary recipe searches reflects a craving for fresh, make-ahead holiday sides that balance sweet and tart beautifully. Whether served chilled or as a crunchy relish, Fresh Cranberry Salad remains a beloved seasonal staple with a rich heritage rooted in American culinary history.

Fresh Cranberry Salad Recipe

Ingredients – Fresh Cranberry Salad

• Raspberry Gelatin: Raspberry Jell-O brand gelatin is the best for this recipe! Gelatin is made from animal collagen. When boiled water is added, it breaks the bonds that hold the collagen together. When cooled, the collagen re-forms into a more solid, jiggly state.
• Water: Used to dissolve the gelatin
• Fresh Cranberries: A small, hard, round red fruit. Known to be sour and bitter. They are high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Use fresh cranberries in this recipe!
• Celery: Adds a delicious crunch to this fresh cranberry salad recipe! Celery is an excellent source of antioxidants, reduces inflammation, aids in digestion, is rich in vitamins and minerals, and provides an alkalizing effect when eaten.
• Apple: This recipe works great with any apple variety! High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Pineapple Tidbits (drained): Juicy pineapple cut into bite-sized pieces! High in vitamin C, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, calcium, sugar, and vitamin B6.
• Nuts (optional): Add chopped pecan or walnuts, if desired.
• Whipping cream (to serve with finished gelatin): A delicious topping made of cream, sugar, and vanilla that gives this salad the extra sweetness we long for!

What You May Need In The Kitchen:

• Vegetable Chopper
• Salsa Maker
• Good Knife
• 9 by 13-inch pan
• Measuring Cups
• Glass Measuring Cups
• Whisk

Fresh Cranberry Salad

Step One: Gather Ingredients – Chop Celery & Apples

Here’s the deal: I knew I had to chop everything into tiny pieces. I confess I’m not very patient; I want it chopped quickly. So, I got out my excellent, sharp knife and started chopping away on the celery and apples. I thought to myself, I’m not going to cut every cranberry in half. That’s not going to happen. 

That’s when I grabbed my salsa maker chopper. It worked like a charm. I chopped the apples and the celery on the wooden chopping board.

The pineapple tidbits I just drained and left as tidbits. I don’t recommend using crushed pineapple. It will add too much liquid to the final product.

Step Two: Wash the Cranberries

Step Three: Chop the Cranberries

Then I used this excellent salsa maker, like I said, to chop the fresh cranberries. I highly recommend using one of these. It’s quick to use and easy to clean up afterward. A food processor would also work really well. Just remember to gently pulse the cranberries so they don’t end up too small or turn to mush.

Step Four: Place the Cranberry Mixture in the Cake Pan

Then I placed all the celery, chopped apples, pineapple tidbits, and chopped fresh cranberries in the 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan. Next, I carefully poured the dissolved gelatin over the fruit and vegetables in the cake pan. I slowly stirred them around so the gelatin wouldn’t splash. I didn’t add any cold water. Just giving you a heads up here.

Step Five: Place Mixture in Fridge

I placed the pan with the gelatin mixture in the refrigerator to thicken. It was served with whipping cream over a few pieces of chopped lettuce. It was delicious! This is my favorite pan I use for all casseroles; nothing sticks to it, and it’s easy to wash. Yes, I use vegetable spray, but cleanup is a breeze—Linda’s Favorite Casserole Pan. I just sent one to one of my older married granddaughters because I knew she would love it! She will cherish it, I know her well.

Print

Judith’s Cranberry Salad

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Refrigerator Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12 people

Author Linda Loosli

Ingredients

• 3 packages 3-ounces each raspberry gelatin
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 cup finely chopped apple
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• Whipping cream (to serve with finished gelatin)

Instructions

• Gather all of the ingredients. Chop the apples and celery and set them aside.
• Use a 'salsa maker' or a food processor to chop up the fresh cranberries.
• In a saucepan, boil the water. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and stir for about 2 minutes.
• Place the celery, chopped apples, pineapple tidbits, and chopped fresh cranberries in the 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan.
• Then, ever so carefully pour the dissolved jello over the fruit and vegetables in the cake pan.
• Then slowly stir them around so the gelatin doesn't splash. I didn't add any cold water. Just giving you the heads up here.
• Let the fresh cranberry gelatin mixture set up in the refrigerator and serve on a lettuce leaf with a dollop of whipping cream on top, if desired.

How do I store this fresh cranberry salad?

Store it in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container.

How long can I safely store this fresh cranberry salad in the refrigerator?

If you store it covered in an airtight container, it will keep for 4-5 days. You can make it the day before you need to serve it.

Can I freeze cranberries?

Yes, you can. They are typically only available for a short period of time around November and December. Store them tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to 8-12 months for optimal flavor.

How long will cranberries keep in the refrigerator?

I love that cranberries will be kept for 3-4 weeks in a plastic airtight container or baggie in the refrigerator. Be sure to look for any “bad ones” in the bag when you purchase them. Discard any that look questionable or seem to have mold. Keep an eye on your containers to remove any cranberries that go bad.

Can I add or change the flavor of this fresh cranberry salad with other ingredients?

We’ve tried pomegranate seeds, and they really add a unique flavor and texture. Both the cranberries and pomegranate seeds are a little tart, so they complement each other in the salad.

Don’t be afraid to use other fruits too. Cut-up strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all likely choices you’ll enjoy. Adding cut-up oranges would give it a delicious orange zest flavor! I’m sure there are others, too.

I think it would be fun to add some mini marshmallows! There are so many fun ways you can serve this salad. It really is the perfect side dish or dessert for Thanksgiving dinner or on Christmas Day!

What nuts do you recommend adding to this fresh cranberry salad?

If you decide to add nuts, I highly recommend pecans or walnuts. I think either would add delicious crunch and flavor to this fresh cranberry salad, along with some additional protein. What can I serve with this fresh cranberry salad?

• Turkey
• Baked or Roasted Chicken
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Meatloaf
• Cheesy Potatoes
• Sliced Ham
• The Best Cranberry Salsa Recipe

Final Word

It’s that time of year when we get together with friends and family to create incredible meals and participate in fun activities. Let me know if you tried making my fresh cranberry salad recipe, and if so, did you try anything new and different? I really love how the fresh cranberries, raspberry gelatin, apples, celery, and pineapple come together to make this delicious side dish or dessert! Thanks again for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda

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from Food Storage Moms

12 Emergency Heat Sources for the Winter

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

As winter approaches, many people across the Northern hemisphere are preparing for winter and engaging in their customary winterizing chores.

Screens are coming down and storm windows are going up; doors, windows and electric sockets are checked for air leaks and sealed; furnace filters are replaced, chimneys swept clean, and the summer clothes are exchanged for winter clothes in the closets.

A common-sense approach to managing heat in winter is defined by 3 things: insulation, conservation and prioritization.

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Insulation

There are thermal heat guns that you can point at walls and ceilings to indicate areas where insulation may be lacking or non-existent.

It’s impossible to see through walls, but a heat gun betrays cold spots that could be compromising heat retention. This is often most notable at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling due to the settling and sagging of insulation over time. That’s typically not a significant problem, but if large areas of a wall or ceiling show a cold spot, it’s worth looking for solutions.

If you don’t have the budget or the inclination to buy or rent a thermal heat gun, you can simply hold your hand to surfaces, around window and door frames, over electric outlets or any other part of the house that could have any exposure to outdoor temperatures and drafts including a dryer vent or cat/dog door.

There are adhesive insulation strips you can apply to doors and windows and cutout insulation pads for electric sockets and switch plates. Take the time to find the drafts and stop them.

Conservation

Let’s start simply. Tell everyone to “close the door.” The trunk may be loaded with groceries, but take the time to stack them by the door to shorten the amount of time any door is open or make it a family effort and tell everyone to grab a bag. When heat is precious every draft from an open door is stealing your heat.

And don’t forget to dress for the weather not only outside but inside as well.

Sweaters are a good place to start, but the days of wandering around a house that’s toasty warm may be a luxury that few can afford this winter. Hopefully you’re not all living in hoodies but one way to conserve energy is to let your body keep you warm. Warm clothing is one of the keys to making that happen.

If your oven works, use it to cook more frequently.

Fall and winter are sometimes referred to as “baking season” and there’s a reason. People are more tolerant of heat from an oven in the winter, and the heat from an oven can actually maintain warm temperatures for hours after you’re done cooking.

Maybe it’s time to cook more turkeys and hams this winter. They usually require hours to cook,and it’s the best way to take advantage of peripheral heat. Avoid the temptation to use a range top or empty stove to create warmth unless it’s an absolute emergency.

Bake a cake or a loaf of bread. If the oven works, cook everything that way – assuming you have the natural gas or electricity to make it work.

Prioritization

Got a guest room? Close the vents and shut the door. Most guest rooms spend most of their time unoccupied. If you’re not living in the room, don’t heat it. Some critical exceptions are bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or any other room that has plumbing. You don’t have to keep these rooms toasty warm but you can’t let them get below freezing.

One way to help any heat reach the plumbing is to leave cabinet doors open under sinks and bathroom vanities. The same applies to maintaining heat in the basement although basements often maintain the best temperatures in extremely cold temperatures.

That’s because the surrounding soil holds some degree of heat around the basement foundation. It won’t be the warmest place in the house but it may be enough to keep things above freezing.

If you have a furnace or any other type of whole house heating located in the basement the heat from the unit itself may be enough to protect any plumbing. That assumes it’s still working. Just keep an eye on things like plumbing as winter progresses.

Home Heating Alternatives

There are a lot of possibilities for generating heat indoors beyond a standard furnace. The big question is your location and the severity of winter. The worst the winter the more robust the heating alternative needs to be.

Another idea to keep in mind is to use a variety of alternative heat sources. You don’t need to keep bedrooms warm during the day but at night a small space heater could get you through the night.

It helps to have a down-filled quilt or comforter but if you can see your breath while you sleep you might as well be camping. Think about various heat alternatives that could work for specific spaces and places and work together around the house.

Before we get into the pros and cons of some alternative heat sources you need to think about the duration of your alternative heating needs.

• Are you looking for a permanent, long-term solution?
• Are you thinking this may be a semi-permanent situation that you can use from time to time?
• Is this a short-term heating solution for emergencies or extremely cold days and nights?

Determining the degree to which you need to pursue heating alternatives will have a lot to do with what you put together to get through the winter. It also will affect costs and timing, but there’s one other factor to remember that created this whole situation to begin with: fuel.

Its one thing to get a pellet stove to heat your home; it’s another thing to keep a ready supply of pellets on hand. On average, a pellet stove burns 40 pounds of pellets (1 bag) every 48 hours with steady use.

If that’s your sole source of alternative heat and you have a winter that stretches over 100 days, that means you need to stack 50 bags of pellets.

The average cost for a bag of pellets in a 40-pound bag when sold in bulk (usually by the ton or 50 bags) is $4 to $5. But here’s where a problem emerges. If enough people decide that pellets are their primary heating alternative, the demand will skyrocket and the laws of supply and demand will kick in.

As the demand grows, so will the price. At the high end a ton of pellets costs $250. If that jumps to $10 a bag in bulk, the price doubles to $500. And to be clear, pellet stoves can heat a few rooms but rarely heat a whole house.

Still, it may be a cheaper alternative but any alternative heat source needs some type of fuel or power to generate heat. Think about stocking up and know that when you run out you may have a difficult time finding more of anything.

And it’s Not Just About Pellets

Choose your fuel: kerosene, propane, liquid natural gas, firewood, pellets, charcoal – as the demand soars so does the price. Electricity is another possibility but fuel prices often drive the cost of electricity generation so every bill can go up.

And if the grid is down or there’s an outage for any reason – well forget about that.

What About Solar?

It’s worth considering, but it has its limits. For one, you need daylight sunshine. Second, you have to capture the heat.

One way to do that is with solar tiles. They’re floor tiles you put on the floor of a room with a lot of sunlight and they absorb the heat of the sun during the day and continue to give off heat through the night. They’re expensive and they’re more in the category of a supplement to maintain heat rather than as a sole source of heat generation.

Another possibility is a solar generator.

It can power a conventional space heater, but you need to be mindful of the wattage. Even the smallest space heaters have two settings – high and low – and both draw significant wattage. A high setting typically draws 1500 watts. A low setting typically draws 750 watts. That’s a lotta watts.

A gas generator is always a possibility, but if fuels for heating are dear the cost of gasoline to power a generator will spike right along with the rest of them. Assuming it’s available at all.

Some primitive solutions include a panel of tubes painted or covered in black that absorb solar heat and simply heat the air and funnel it into a window by convection. It’s a primitive wilderness solution, but our ancient ancestors found many ways to engineer heating and cooling solutions that were more than a bit out-of-box.

Rooftop solar water heaters and heating systems are another possibility, but as you would suspect they are a complicated and a bit expensive. This gets back to determining the duration of your needs.

• If you feel energy prices and the cost of home heating will never go down or have any level of reliability, maybe you need to go all-in on a permanent alternative.
• If you’re just worried that you won’t be able to pay your heating bills, you can consider short-term solutions that you use occasionally in addition to conservation practices.
• If you’re not sure but want to be prepared in the event of an emergency when you need to get through especially cold nights, you’ll want to keep it simple.

Critical Success Factors for Home Heating

If the temperatures are extremely cold and conventional heating sources are not working, isolate your living space to one or two rooms. This could be the kitchen and living room. If need be, suspend blankets or fabric to close off hallways or other spaces that don’t have doors. The smaller the area you have to heat the more successful you will be with improvised efforts.

Some alternative heat sources need some degree of ventilation. This is especially true for kerosene heaters, portable propane heaters, or anything else that burns something to create heat.

If you are burning fuels to create heat you should have a carbon monoxide detector in the room(s). There are constant news reports of people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning so don’t take any chances.

Circulating heat is a challenge with most alternative heat sources. A furnace has a blower to force heated air through a system of ductwork throughout the walls, floors and ceilings of a house. Without a furnace and that forced air you’re dependent on heat simply rising to circulate air.

A solution used by many people are cast iron trivets and fans that can rest on top of a fireplace insert, wood burning stove or pellet stove. They act as heat exchangers that warm up with contact and can slowly turn the attached using the rising heat to allow some degree of air circulation across a room or into other rooms.

Hold onto your heat. A well insulated house will hold any heat you generate for hours but this gets back to making sure any entry or exit to a house is quick and efficient. When heat is precious, don’t waste it.

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts. It’s reassuring to know when the cold weather may break. If you only have to endure a few days of temperatures below 60 degrees F indoors, you won’t feel as anxious about the days and weeks ahead.

68 to 72 degrees F is the ideal heat range, but 50 to 55 degrees F are identified as the minimum to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting.

12 Alternative Heating Solutions

Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you’re off to a good head start, but be forewarned.

Fireplaces are actually very inefficient heating sources with most of the heat going up the chimney. There’s also a question of adequate firewood to keep the fire burning. If you have no other alternative or are caught by surprise, it makes sense to have a fire in the fireplace, but you can do better.

Fireplace Insert

A fireplace insert is a better alternative to an open fireplace, and they are easy to install because the chimney and firebox are already in place.

Most are simple designs built around a metal box similar to a wood burning stove. The firebox inserts into the fireplace and vents control the drafting to manage the heat and size of the fire. Some have electrically powered fans to circulate heat into a living area.

Woodstove

A free standing woodstove is a very good alternative if you don’t have a fireplace or want heat in a part of the home away from a fireplace.

They come in a range of sizes and prices but require the installation of a chimney through the roof. Even a small wood-burning stove can give off significant heat to keep a room or two warm.

Firewood will still be a challenge if you are using any stove or fireplace for heat, but there are alternative sources you can burn from rolled up newspapers and magazines to old furniture or even logs you make from pulped paper and cardboard.

Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters get mixed reviews but some newer models burn cleaner and give off the least amount of fumes.

Regardless, every kerosene heater recommends some degree of ventilation from a window cracked open to some way to vent the fumes. It always seems like a contradiction to allow cold, outside air into a room you’re trying to heat but that’s the facts of life with kerosene heaters.

Propane Heater

Propane heaters are another option. Many of us have an outdoor grill powered by large propane tanks, but here again there’s an issues with fumes. Some of these also offer outside venting options, but a bigger question is the price and availability of propane gas.

It’s sometimes hard to find propane during a calm and complacent summer when the demand is high. When more and more people start turning to propane as a heating fuel the prices and demand will only go up.

Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves are a surprisingly effective heat source. They burn small, compressed pellets sold in large bags. A small firebox keeps the pellets burning, and the firebox is fed by a turning worm-drive that slowly delivers the pellets from a hopper to the firebox at just the right rate to maintain heat.

Most require electricity to power the worm-drive, automatic ignition, and thermostat, but there are non-electric options that are gravity fed and only need to be ignited by hand at the beginning of the burn cycle.

Pellet stoves can be vented through a sidewall as opposed to the roof and can heat multiple rooms although whole house heating is improbable depending on the size of the house.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are a common heat alternative but they require electricity to run.

However, even if the power is out, you can find alternative power generation solutions with a gas powered or solar generator, but the power draw is significant. If you have power and this is your only source of heat it will get you through the worst but here again, try to isolate the spaces you heat to a room or two.

Baseboard Heating

Baseboard heating is often used to keep remote or particularly cold rooms warm even under normal circumstances.

They also rely on electricity, but if the cost of electricity is less than natural gas, or if you are generating your own power with a solar generator or panels, they may be a good option. They also draw a lot of wattage and are sometimes better at maintaining heat, but they’re a simple solution and can be a permanent installation.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a common fixture in southern latitudes but may be a good alternative for any location.

They work like an air-conditioner in reverse, actually taking outside air and isolating warmer air for distribution into a living space. They can also cool a home.

Most are connected to ductwork already installed in the house and can provide effective air circulation, assuming there is reliable electric power. The amount of heat they can generate is somewhat limited, particularly during bitterly cold days, but they can help maintain temperatures.

Urgent Solutions

Urgent solutions can be improvised but their effectiveness is limited unless you are heating a very small space.

Most feature an open flame that burns either alcohol, multiple candles, and there’s even an idea that uses a can of Crisco. All of them give off varying degrees of fumes, and the most any of them will do is keep a room above freezing.

In a desperate time or if you’re caught by surprise, they’re worth considering but they are very short-term, emergency solutions. Be careful though, most have open flames so placement in a non-flammable area is critical.

Electric Blankets

Electric blankets and robes have been used for years, especially at night while sleeping. They’re intended to simply keep a person warm, and while they do give off a small degree of ambient heat, it’s never enough to effectively heat a room.

They’re worth having on hand even if it’s just to take a break from a cold day and wrap yourself up while you wait for other heat sources to hopefully raise the temperature around you. Here again it assumes reliable electric power.

Chemical Warmers

Chemical hand-warmers and foot-warmers can offer some welcome relief to extremities on a very cold day. Most are designed for outdoor use slipping into gloves or socks but they can be welcome relief indoors in the morning when temperatures are usually at their coldest.

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You May Also Like:

• How to Prepare Your Home for a Brutal Winter
• 3 Safest Ways to Heat Your Home in an Emergency
• 10 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
• How to Treat Severe Burns Off-Grid
• 3 DIY Emergency Heaters

The post 12 Emergency Heat Sources for the Winter appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

from Urban Survival Site

Food Factories Are Burning… Coincidence or Warning?

Fires, explosions, and mass cullings are eating holes in America’s food system. Potato processors glow orange at midnight. Poultry houses go up like matchboxes. A single recall shutters a mega plant and baby aisles empty in days. Officials keep saying accidents happen. That is true. It is also true that our food supply is built […]

from Survivopedia

The Secret U.S. Military Plan for Handling Civil Unrest

Most folks assume the U.S. military operates only overseas. In fact, detailed plans exist for responding to serious crises and unrest within the country. But the truth is these plans are far from theoretical. They are actively maintained, updated, and regularly practiced, ready to be put into action at a moment’s notice.  That’s why understanding […]

The post The Secret U.S. Military Plan for Handling Civil Unrest appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

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10 Indoor Heating Options for Winter Blackouts

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Bracing for winter's cold bite becomes a high-stakes endeavor during a blackout, a time when traditional heating systems may fail. Awareness and preparedness are critical in these situations as winter blackouts carry considerable risks, from hypothermia to frostbite.

This article explains 10 of the best heating options to keep you safe and warm during these trying times.

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1. Wood-Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves, a perennial favorite for off-grid heating, operate by burning wood to generate heat. The combustion process is straightforward: as wood burns, it releases heat, radiating warmth into your living space. With no need for electricity, wood-burning stoves are invaluable during blackouts.

However, their use isn't without drawbacks. Wood-burning stoves require a constant supply of wood, which may be challenging to procure in an emergency. There's also the risk of accidental fires if the chimney or stove is not properly maintained.

Ensure the stove is installed by a professional, and maintain a clear area around it to prevent accidental fires. If you're doing a DIY installation, just be sure to put a buffer of sheet metal around your stove to prevent excess heat from causing a fire. 

Regular chimney cleaning is also essential to prevent the build-up of soot and creosote, which can cause chimney fires. It's probably a good idea to have a functioning battery-powered smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector nearby. The carbon monoxide detector should be kept at ground level as CO likes to fall to the ground.

2. Portable Indoor Propane Heaters

Portable indoor propane heaters are a convenient and efficient heating option, especially during a blackout. These units are powered by propane gas, which is readily available, even during power outages. They can quickly heat up small to medium-sized rooms, providing a cozy refuge from the winter cold.

One significant advantage of portable propane heaters is their independence from the power grid. They are also easy to use, with most models equipped with adjustable heat settings and automatic shut-off features for safety. However, there are potential drawbacks: they can deplete oxygen levels in a room and emit carbon monoxide, a dangerous, odorless gas.

Safety should always be a priority when using a portable indoor propane heater. Maintaining good airflow and ventilation will avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Luckily, propane has an additive that people associate with rotten eggs that is easily detectable.

Never leave the heater unattended, and keep flammable materials away from the heater to prevent fires. As with a wood stove, it's advisable to install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area where you're using the heater.

3. Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters are another practical option for heating during power outages. They operate using kerosene fuel, which can be stored for long periods and is therefore available during blackouts.

These heaters generate heat by burning the fuel in a wick, creating a warm and comfortable environment in small to medium-sized rooms. The main advantage of kerosene heaters is their portability and ability to light without electricity, making them a reliable source of heat in emergencies.

However, there are downsides to consider: they can emit fumes and also deplete the oxygen level in a room if improperly ventilated. Adequate ventilation is critical to prevent the build-up of harmful fumes.

It's also crucial not to leave the heater unattended and to keep it away from flammable materials to prevent accidental fires.

4. Gas Catalytic Heaters

Gas Catalytic heaters operate by flowing gas over a catalyst, a material that creates a chemical reaction without undergoing any change itself. This reaction occurs at a lower temperature than typical combustion, making it more energy-efficient and reducing harmful emissions.

The reaction generates heat, which is then radiated outwards. Unlike many other heaters, catalytic heaters do not require electricity to function, making them an ideal choice during power outages.

The main advantage of these heaters is their high efficiency. They convert nearly all the fuel into heat, reducing waste and operating costs. However, they do have drawbacks. They require a continuous supply of gas, which may not be readily available during a blackout.

When using a gas catalytic heater, you may have to crack a window open to get some ventilation to prevent the build-up of harmful gasses. Never leave this heater unattended, and keep combustible materials away from it to reduce the risk of fires.

5. Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts are specially designed units that fit into pre-existing fireplaces, enhancing the heat output and overall efficiency. They function without electricity, making them a feasible option during blackouts. By harnessing the power of wood or gas, these inserts distribute heat more uniformly throughout the room compared to traditional fireplaces.

The primary advantage of fireplace inserts is their energy efficiency. They convert a higher amount of fuel into heat, minimizing waste and reducing heating costs. However, they require a steady supply of wood or gas, which could be a limiting factor during a prolonged blackout. Furthermore, incomplete combustion can lead to the build-up of harmful gasses.

Ventilation is again critical to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Make sure there's a protective screen in front of the fire to prevent accidental sparks and burns.

6. Biofuel Cans

Biofuel cans provide another feasible heating alternative during power outages. They work by storing liquid biofuel, typically ethanol, in a safe, sealed container. When ignited, the biofuel burns cleanly, emitting heat.

The main benefit of biofuel cans is their portability and ease of use. They require no electricity and emit a substantial amount of heat for their size. Biofuels are also renewable, making this a more sustainable heating option. However, their small size also means they may not heat larger spaces efficiently.

Safety when using biofuel cans is paramount. Always ignite the biofuel can in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of harmful fumes. Furthermore, never leave a lit biofuel can unattended, and ensure it's out of reach of children and pets. Since these cans will get hot, refilling a hot or still burning can cause dangerous spills and burns.

7. Soapstone Heaters

Soapstone heaters provide an elegant and efficient heating solution during power outages. Made from natural soapstone, these heaters are renowned for their excellent heat retention and distribution abilities.

The premise is simple: The heat from burning wood or other fuels is absorbed by the soapstone and then gradually released into the room over a prolonged period, ensuring a steady, comfortable temperature.

While soapstone heaters offer a renewable and efficient heating source, they are not without disadvantages. The initial cost of installation can be high, and they require a considerable amount of space. Moreover, the soapstone takes time to heat up, which may not be ideal during sudden blackouts.

To effectively use a soapstone heater, ensure it is appropriately sized for your space, and regularly maintain it to prolong its efficiency. Do not overload it with fuel and allow sufficient time for the stone to heat up and distribute warmth.

8. Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are a compact and portable heating solution ideal for power outages, providing immediate warmth for up to several hours. These pocket-sized devices, typically filled with iron filings, generate heat through an exothermic reaction when exposed to oxygen. They're non-toxic, eco-friendly, and require no electricity.

Hand warmers offer instant relief from the cold, and their small size allows them to be used anywhere—whether you're indoors or outside. However, their heat is limited and may not suffice for prolonged power outages or severely cold conditions.

When choosing hand warmers, consider the duration of heat they promise and ensure they are air-activated. To use them effectively, shake the package to mix the contents, then open it to expose the warmer to air. Remember, while they are safe, they should not be placed directly against the skin for extended periods to prevent possible burns.

9. Candle Heaters

Candle heaters, specifically those utilizing clay pots and tea lights, are a simple and cost-effective solution for generating heat during power outages. The concept involves using the heat generated by a lit tea light candle to warm a clay pot, which then radiates the heat into the surrounding environment.

To create a candle heater, follow these steps:

1. Place 1-3 tea light candles on a stable, well-insulated surface.
2. Light the candle and place a small, unglazed clay pot over it, ensuring the pot has a hole at the top for ventilation.

The trapped heat will gradually radiate from the larger pot, warming the surroundings. Having multiple pots around the room will contribute to maintaining a warm temperature. You can even add an upright clay pot to the overturned one to radiate more heat.

Despite their simplicity, candle heaters must be used with caution. Always place them on a non-flammable surface away from combustible materials. Never leave a candle heater unattended. Monitor the temperature of the clay pot to prevent overheating by periodically hovering your hand over the pot. Let the heater cool down completely before handling.

10. Creating a Warming Room

This one is more of an effective strategy, a “warming room” is a designated area within a house or building designed to retain heat during a power outage. The concept is to concentrate heat sources in a single, well-insulated room to maximize warmth and conserve energy.

To create a warming room, choose a room with few windows, ideally in the interior of your home. Seal any drafts with towels or draft snakes and cover windows with blankets or thermal curtains. Use sleeping bags and blankets to capture your body heat for warmth.

By focusing heat on a single, well-sealed room, you can maintain a comfortable temperature in a power outage, reducing the risk of hypothermia and providing a safe, warm space for your household. When setting up and using a warming room, remember to regularly monitor the temperature and ventilation, ensuring a safe, comfortable environment.

Be Proactive and Insulate Your Home

Proper home insulation is a solid line of defense in retaining heat during a power outage. It acts as a thermal barrier, limiting the escape of warmth to the cold outdoors, thereby preserving the indoor temperature. It may also reduce strain on backup heating systems, extending their operational lifespan and conserving valuable energy resources during a blackout.

It’s best to start by insulating your walls, roof, and floors as they are the primary areas through which heat escapes. Use materials like spray foam, fiberglass, or cellulose for this purpose. Don't overlook windows and doors; use draft snakes, thermal curtains, or window insulation film to prevent heat loss.

An excellent idea is to use an infrared camera to look at the outside of your home to identify cold spots that need some attention.

Insulating pipes is also essential, particularly in colder climates. It prevents water in pipes from freezing, which could lead to pipe bursts. Pipe insulation materials like foam or rubber pipe wraps are easy to install and readily available in home improvement stores.

Conclusion

The best heating options during a winter blackout encompass setting up a warming room, adopting an effective home insulation strategy, and having multiple heating sources available. These measures are crucial in preserving warmth, conserving energy, and safeguarding your household from potential hazards.

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Originally published on Urban Survival Site.

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