What is the purpose of an electric fireplace? How would someone keep thaw out if they had a power outage...

How would someone keep thaw out if they had a power outage contained by the fall or winter and weren't competent to use it?

Or is it intended mainly for condos and apartments where on earth a regular chimney is not practical?
Answers:    Mainly used for ambience.
While an electric fireplace might not keep hold of you comfortable warm on a cold winter dark it does have the "ahhhhhh" factor. It is relaxing to keep watch on the changing template of light while drinking a mug of mulled cider or hot cocoa. If you are spending that time w/ someone you love it is a lovely passageway to bond more closely, a perfect time to communicate and ah.... all right who knows where on earth all that might front....