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Draft, not yet fully source-checked

Heat & Cooking

Government of Canada guidance on emergency heating and cooking safety.

Danger Reviewed: draft on 2026-10-31
Danger: This topic involves serious safety risks. Refer to official guidance and get trained before proceeding.

Risk Tier C — Danger

This topic involves safety risks around fuel (heating, cooking). Do NOT experiment with indoor heaters, camp stoves, or generators.

Government guidance

The Government of Canada recommends:

  • Sleeping bags rated for the local winter lows in your region
  • Heavy blankets as an alternative to sleeping bags
  • Proper ventilation for any fuel-burning heating (outdoor only)

Critical safety rules

Do NOT use indoors:

  • Camp stoves or grills
  • Charcoal
  • Generators
  • Propane or kerosene heaters (unless explicitly designed for indoor use with proper ventilation)

These create carbon monoxide (CO), which is odourless and can kill.

For official guidance

Visit Government of Canada Get Prepared - Heating for approved heating options and detailed cold-weather survival guidance.

For questions about specific heating equipment, contact:

  • Your local fire department (non-emergency number)
  • A licensed HVAC installer or gas fitter

Professional review required

This topic is Risk Tier C and requires review by a credentialed fire safety officer or paramedic before detailed how-to guidance is published.