Depending on how many animals people have, anything from hot water bottle, to heat packs (the ones used for shipping) to generator can be used.
I have a generator for the house and for the incubator and for the snake room I have Buddy Heaterhttp://www.walmart.com/ip/16622306?reviews_limit=7& (there are 2 sizes available and the can be connected to a large propane cylinder)
During power outage the priority is to provide a hot spot but to provide an acceptable ambient temp of 75 or above.
so i'm assuming Buddy Heaters are safe for indoor use? i know, dumb question but i just wanna make sure that me or my snakes won't die. it's already snowed a few times and blackouts are imminent this winter.