Your suggestions regarding heat are really valuable, depending on where you live, but aren’t the sort of thing that can be done in an hour. For half the year up here (Ontario, and not close to any body of water that makes the climate more favourable), heat is definitely more important than light or news, probably more important than food, and if you have heat, you can always melt snow.
In Oregon, very close to the Pacific, things were very different. Having lived up here, I now could get by where I grew up without any heat if push came to shove. Once you have tangled with -40, other things look different.
For most folks insulation will suffice. Lots of blankets, extra long john's, or spare coats can get you through a fuel loss if push comes to shove.
Visit Goodwill or yard sales for very affordable used coats and gloves to keep on hand for the family if your budget doesn't allow for high tech thermal clothing.