Originally Posted By: haertig

In the event of an extended power outage during a disaster, what do I need that requires electricity?
(snip)
Heat? - that would be nice too, assuming the gas to the furnace wasn't disrupted along with the electricity for the fan. But we've got lots of cold weather gear and very good sleeping bags, so we could survive without.


Heaters require electricity, even gas fired ones.
If you don't heat your home, your pipes can freeze.

Where many of us live - no electric = no water.