Survival guides · Shelter & Fire

Weatherproof a Room

WHEN TO USE THISHeating or cooling has failed. Make one room livable.

1. Choose the room

   • Cold: small, inside, south side. Few windows and outside walls.
   • Hot: north-facing, or the lowest floor — basements stay coolest.

2. Seal the leaks

   • Towels or newspaper under doors.
   • Tape window edges.
   • Plastic sheeting, trash bags or shower curtains taped over windows.
   • Tape over unused outlets. Stuff gaps where pipes come in.

3. Insulate

   • Cold: blankets or quilts over windows and outside walls. Cardboard on walls and floor.
   • Hot: light sheets or foil-on-cardboard over windows to bounce sunlight. Wet sheets across openings cool the air.

4. Keep some air moving

   • Never fully airtight.
   • Cold: crack one window on the downwind side.
   • Hot: open windows on opposite sides for a cross-breeze.
   • Any flame — candles, a kerosene heater — ventilation is critical. Carbon monoxide.

Sources: FEMA / Ready.gov · DOE Energy Saver Weatherization Tips

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.