Cooking without power
Most emergency food can be eaten cold. Still, a hot drink or a warm meal makes a long, cold day much easier. A camp stove lets you do that, as long as you use it safely.
The most important rule
Only use camp stoves, barbecues and generators outdoors. Never use them inside your home, garage, shed, vehicle, camper or tent, even with a door or window open.
Anything that burns fuel, charcoal or wood gives off carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas you can't see, smell or taste. It can build up quickly indoors. Health Canada advises running a generator at least 6 metres (20 feet) from any building, with the exhaust pointed away from doors and windows.
Don't use propane, kerosene or oil heaters or lamps indoors unless they are made for indoor use.
Carbon monoxide: what to know
Early signs of CO poisoning can feel like the flu without a fever: headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness and confusion. People who are asleep may not notice anything before it's too late. If several people or pets feel unwell at the same time, think CO.
If your CO alarm sounds, or you think someone has CO poisoning:
- Get everyone out into fresh air right away. Don't look for the source.
- Once outside, call 911 or your local fire department.
For advice on poisoning, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-844-764-7669), or 1-800-463-5060 in Quebec.
A carbon monoxide alarm is your best protection. Health Canada recommends at least one alarm with battery backup in the hallway outside sleeping areas. Battery backup keeps it working in an outage. Test it regularly.
Choosing a stove
A portable camp stove is affordable, stable and easy to use. Check which fuel it takes and keep spare canisters with it. Keep the stove, fuel and something to light it together so they're easy to find.
Using it safely
- Set it up outdoors on a firm, level surface, away from anything that could catch fire.
- Never leave it unattended while it's lit, and keep children and pets away.
- Let it cool completely before changing the canister.
- Store fuel somewhere cool and away from living areas.
Lighting it
Keep waterproof matches or a lighter with the stove. Many stoves have push-button ignition, but a backup helps if it fails.
Candles and fire safety
Flashlights and battery lanterns are much safer than candles. If you do use candles, put them in sturdy holders on a stable surface, away from curtains and anything that can burn, and never leave them lit when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Make sure your smoke alarms work. Test them every month.