Bacpacjac,

I have a number of recycled 1 and 2 liter plastic bottles filled with water and frozen in my chest freezer. In the case of a power outage they will help keep the food in the freezer frozen and/or I can then use them in an ice chest. Since it is below freezing outside where you are (in the winter anyway), I expect you could keep such frozen water bottles outside or in a garage. You could then use them in an ice chest inside to keep things like dairy products cold.

I second the idea of having a propane camp stove for cooking use during power outages. I have used mine several times. Just beware of the CO issue and have some ventilation (it sounds like you have lots of that already). I highly recommend having a CO monitor (battery powered).

However, if it is close to freezing inside your house, propane won't work all that well. A Sterno stove (or two) might be a better choice under those circumstances. I have those too.

Stay warm.