I do have a fireplace in the house. But I would have to bust up the furniture for the wood! I live in town so usually power comes in couple of hours. I have a natural gas heater so would just let the faucets trickle a bit if it is out for longer and cover up with quilts. We used to have a supply of wood as we actually had a wood/coal furnace but the blower was electric. I thought of getting a generator but as the utility companies are used to our cold snowy winters and are prepared to battle with the elements to get everything up and running again, I haven't done it. Most folks who live out of town either have the generators or maybe an outside wood furnace that they heat with.