How to Cook Without Power

After a disaster has knocked out electricity or gas lines, cooking meals can be a problem. Cooking can be hazardous if a few basic rules are not followed.

Cautions and Reminders

• Charcoal or gas grills are the most obvious alternative sources of heat for cooking. Never use them indoors. In doing so, you risk both asphyxiation from carbon monoxide and the chance of starting a fire that could destroy your home.
  
  
• Likewise, camp stoves that use liquid or solid fuel should always be used outdoors.
  
  
• Use small electrical appliances to prepare meals if you have access to an electrical generator and the generator has sufficient capacity. Do not use an appliance that has been flooded until it has been checked for shorted circuitry.
  
  
• You can burn wood for cooking in many situations. You can cook in a fireplace if the chimney is sound. Don’t start a fire in a fireplace that has a broken chimney. Be sure the damper is open.
  
  
• If you’re cooking on a wood stove, make sure the stove pipe has not been damaged.
  
  
• If you have to build a fire outside, build it away from buildings, never in a carport. Sparks can easily get into the ceiling and start a house fire.
  
  
• Never use gasoline to get a wood or charcoal fire started.
  
  
• Do not use "treated" wood as fuel for a cooking fire.
  
  
• Make sure any fire is well-contained. A metal drum or stones around the fire bed are good precautions. A charcoal grill is a good place in which to build a wood fire. Be sure to put out any fire when you are through with it.
  
  
• When cooking is not possible, some canned food can be eaten cold. Or it can be warmed over canned heat or candles.
  
  
• Never leave any open fire, canned heat or candle unattended. Keep children away at all times.