When the power goes out during a winter storm or your heating system fails unexpectedly, having a backup supply of firewood can turn a freezing situation into a manageable one. But not all wood is equally helpful in an emergency. To ensure you stay warm until things get back to normal, it’s worth planning ahead and keeping the right types—and amounts—of wood on hand.
Opt for Dense Hardwoods
Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are ideal for emergencies. They’re denser and heavier than softer woods, which means they’ll burn longer and produce more heat per log. The consistent, steady heat output helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home when you need it most.
Make Sure It’s Seasoned
In an emergency, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for wood to dry out. Use well-seasoned wood that’s been drying for at least six months to a year. Properly seasoned wood ignites more easily, reduces smoke, and delivers maximum heat. Trying to burn green, wet wood wastes precious time and resources, producing weak flames and too much creosote and smoke.
Keep a Mix of Sizes
Don’t just store large splits—have a variety of sizes. Small, dry kindling pieces help you start a fire quickly, while medium and larger splits keep the fire going strong once it’s established. Having a balanced assortment means you can get a flame going fast, then maintain it with minimal fuss.
Store It Indoors or Close By
In an emergency, going outside to dig logs out of a snowdrift is the last thing you want to do. Keep at least a day’s worth of firewood indoors, in a dry area near your fireplace or wood stove. If indoor storage space is limited, stack the bulk of your supply in a covered, easily accessible spot just outside a door. This setup lets you replenish your indoor supply without trudging through deep snow or icy conditions.
Calculate How Much You Need
Think about how long you might need emergency heat and how quickly you tend to burn through wood under normal circumstances. If you’re in a region prone to outages, aim to have at least a week’s worth of firewood stored before winter sets in. It’s better to have a bit too much than to run out when you need it most.
Add Some Easy Starters
In a dire situation, fumbling with damp newspaper or struggling to light stubborn logs only adds stress. Keep a stash of reliable fire starters—like fatwood, cedar shavings, or commercial fire-starting cubes—on hand. These make lighting your fire simpler, saving time and energy when conditions are already challenging.
Regularly Inspect and Rotate Your Supply
Over time, even well-stored firewood can gather moisture, attract pests, or start to decay. Inspect your wood supply a few times a year. Use older, seasoned pieces first and replace them with freshly split wood to maintain a continuous rotation of quality logs. Staying on top of this ensures that when an emergency strikes, your firewood is ready to perform.
Prepare for Multiple Uses
Remember that firewood may also help with basic cooking or boiling water if you lose access to gas or electricity. Hardwoods burn longer and produce good coals, making it easier to heat food over your fireplace, wood stove, or a makeshift outdoor setup if needed.
Peace of Mind When You Need It
Having the right firewood ready for an emergency isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about peace of mind. When you know you can keep your home comfortable, cook a meal if necessary, and avoid the worst of winter’s bite, it’s easier to face whatever the storm brings. With a little planning and preparation, your emergency wood supply can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.