what supplies do you need for a winter storm

When putting together your own winter storm kit, you should include these basics:

• Clean water
• Emergency food
• Emergency heat
• Lighting
• Matches and candles
• Prescription medications
• First aid supplies
• Sanitation supplies

Full Answer

How do you prepare for a winter storm?

Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months. Create an emergency car kit. Listen to weather forecasts, and check your supplies. Listen to weather forecasts regularly and check your emergency supplies, including your emergency food and water supply, whenever you are expecting a winter storm or extreme cold.

What do you need to prepare for a hurricane?

Here is a list of the Top 10 tips and items you may need to get through the storm: 1. Non-Perishable Food: Stock Your Food Pantry 2. Bottled Water 3. Rx: Fill Your Prescriptions and Pick Up Hygiene Items 4. Tote Bag For Your Car: Build An Emergency Kit in case you get stuck 5. Salt: Stock up on Ice Melt

What should I pack for a storm?

If you're unable to leave your home because of a storm and suffer an injury of any sort, you're going to want to be able to take care of it. Bandages, gauze wraps, painkillers, tweezers, hydrocortisone ointment and hand sanitizer should all be in your kit.

What should you stock up for a snowstorm?

At least a one-week supply of prescription medication and medical supplies If you’re worried about being snowed-in without power for a day or more, there are a few other areas where you might stock up: No gas stove? No problem, if you have an outdoor grill.

High-protein and non-perishable foods

Those include foods like energy bars and protein and fruit bars that don't need to be refrigerated or frozen, Sands said.

Canned goods

Remember that the power may be out as the storm whips through your region, so have with you ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and canned juices as well as a manual can opener, according to Ready.gov.

Comfort food

Though not essential, experts recommend you have comfort and stress foods on hand as you weather the storm.

Water

Store at least three days' worth of water supply for each person in your household and for each pet, the CDC recommends. FEMA recommends storing at least one gallon of water for each person in your household for each day.

Plastic bags and containers

Make sure you also have plastic bags on hand, as you can wrap perishable foods -- like cookies -- in there, and place them in sealed containers, according to FEMA.

Paper plates, cups and disposable utensils

If you're out of electricity and water, having paper plates and utensils can help you prepare and eat your meals safely, the CDC says.

Hygiene products

Check that you have the hygiene products you need -- including feminine supplies, toilet paper, wet wipes, paper towels and hand sanitizer.

How to maintain a car in the winter?

Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall, do the following: 1 Have the radiator system serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze as needed. 2 Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture. 3 Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread and air pressure. Replace any worn tires and fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car (typically between 30-35 psi). 4 Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. 5 Keep your car in good working order. Be sure to check the following: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery.

How to get rid of snow in my car?

Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread and air pressure. Replace any worn tires and fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car (typically between 30-35 psi).

What to use to help tires get traction?

Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice. Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables. Hazard or other reflectors. Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares. Road maps. Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water.

What to check when driving a car?

Keep your car in good working order. Be sure to check the following: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil, and battery.

How to prepare for a winter storm?

Preparing for a Winter Storm. During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits.

What to keep in your car when traveling?

It is best to avoid traveling, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your car. external icon. : Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries. Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.

How to keep water from freezing in house?

Weatherproof your home. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Insulate walls and attic. Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside. Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches ...

What to do if you don't have a backup generator?

If you don't have a backup generator, you should keep a cooler filled with ice on-hand so you can put refrigerated food in it to keep it cold if the power goes out and won't be back on again for more than four hours, according to the United State Department of Agriculture.

What do you need to stay clean?

We're talking toothpaste, face wash, shampoo and conditioner — really anything you need to stay clean (and sane) during your time inside.

What to do if you get stuck in your house?

Just in case you get stuck in your house — and can't make it to a hospital in case of an accident — make sure you have one of these safety kits that contains all of the essentials.

What to do when you lose power?

While pricy, generators are your best bet when you lose power, since they can keep your water hot, your fridge cold, and your heat on even if a winter storm knocks out your electricity .

Can you light a burner with a match?

In the case of a power outage, Franke says you can light the surface burners with a match on your electric ignition gas or dual fuel range or gas cooktop: "Hold a lighted match to the burner, then turn the knob to the low position.".

Can you use a flashlight during a winter storm?

When winter storms are at their worst, they sometimes knock out your electricity. So invest in a flashlight (or several!) to hold onto at all times. A few candles won't hurt either (and give a nice ambiance post-sunset), but flashlights or portable lanterns are definitely safer.

Can you put metal shovels on your car?

And stick with plastic at home, too — metal shovels can deposit tiny metal filings on the surface of your drive or walks. And always make sure your car's tank is filled in case you don't get a chance to hit up the gas station — often in weather emergencies gas gets tapped out quickly at local stations.

What Will I Need In My Winter Storm Kit?

Putting together a winter storm kit is one of the best ways to prepare your home and family for the unknown. You can buy pre-made kits from websites such as Live Prepared or the American Red Cross, or you can put your own kit together. (A DIY kit is recommended if your family has specific needs such as prescription medication or infant formula.)

How long can you keep a Sterno can?

Make sure you have enough non-perishable food items for your family, for a minimum of three days, with seven days being recommended. Include items that do not need to be cooked (like energy bars, cans of tuna, and cans of fruit). Stock up on Sterno cans for occasional cooking when the power is out.

What to do when power goes out?

When the power goes out, so will your main source of heat. If you have a fireplace, stock up on quickstart logs, or have a sufficient woodpile somewhere that won’t be covered by snow. If you don’t have a fireplace, keep lots of warm blankets, thick socks, hand warmers, and winter clothing to keep warm.

What to put in first aid kit for minor injuries?

Include bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, fever and pain reducer, a cold compress, first aid tape, gauze, and gloves.

How many gallons of water does a bathtub hold?

(The standard bathtub usually holds about 100 gallons.)

What is battery radio?

A battery-powered radio will help you stay connected to the world outside and get updates on how disaster relief is coming along in your area. If you end up being stuck at home for several days with none of the regular entertainment devices working (No Netflix? How will you pass the time?!), card games, compact board games, books and puzzles can keep your family entertained. Good morale is important during times of trouble.

What happens if you have a power outage?

A power outage can affect entire towns for days, picking grocery stores clean of essentials, and leaving you stranded. Being prepared can mean the difference between a dire situation or an inconvenience, which is why it’s crucial to prepare your family and your home with a winter storm kit.

How to keep refrigerator cold during power outage?

You can help your refrigerator and freezer maintain cold temperatures during a power outage by filling empty space with containers of water -- or better yet, ice. If outdoor temperatures are below freezing, you can freeze several large containers of water at once and keep them cycling in and out of your fridge and freezer, just in case.

What to do if you have an emergency generator?

If you have an emergency backup generator, you’ll want to top off your supply of fuel and replace and old fuel that may be stale. Make sure the generator is up to date on maintenance like oil changes, filters and spark plugs, and ensure that any extension cords you’re using are undamaged and rated for generator use.

What to buy in advance of a storm?

Here are some of the smartest essentials to purchase well in advance of an impending storm: Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days) Canned goods, especially cozy, warming foods like soups and stews. Snack foods like chips, crackers and cookies in sealed packages. Cereal and granola.

What to pack for winter weather?

Staying safe throughout a winter weather event involves more than filling your belly. As long as you’re stocking up on things, make sure your emergency preparedness kit is topped off with the following: 1 Flashlights 2 Batteries 3 Battery operated radio 4 Back-up energy sources like portable power banks and solar chargers 5 Can opener 6 First aid kit 7 Thermal emergency blankets 8 A propane or kerosene space heater rated for indoor use

Which butter lasts longer at room temperature?

Salted butter, which lasts longer at room temperature than unsalted butter

Can you go hungry waiting for snow?

But if you stock your pantry with filling, shelf-stable foods, you won’t go hungry while you’re waiting for the snow to be cleared. Here are some of the smartest essentials to purchase well in advance of an impending storm:

Can you use a gas stove on an outdoor grill?

No gas stove? No problem, if you have an outdoor grill. Just be sure to get necessities like charcoal, matches, newspapers and lighter fluid, or a full tank of propane for a gas grill. You can also use a camping stove if you have a supply of the appropriate fuel. A teakettle and French press will come in handy if you end up making your morning coffee by the heat of the fire.

Why is it important to keep a cell phone working?

It’s always a good idea to keep a cell phone working in case you have family or friends you’ll want to get in contact with during an emergency. You never know who may need some help. Keeping a wind up or AA-battery radio will also help you keep up-to-date on what’s happening in your city, so you can have a good idea of how long the emergency will last and how likely it is to continue past the estimated resolution date.

What to wear to keep warm?

Even if you do have other methods of keeping warm, none will replace the necessity for well-insulating clothes that can be layered on top of each other to keep in extra heat. Wool socks (different sizes for layering purposes) Wool hats, gloves, scarves. Leggings/long johns.

Do you need a gas heater in a winter emergency?

While having a gas heater is certainly a benefit, you definitely don’t need one to stay warm in case of a winter emergency scenario. Adding many of the following items to your stockpile should help you keep plenty warm regardless of whether or not you have a gas heater, or in case you happen to run out of fuel before the emergency situation ends.

Can you use a gas stove in a power outage?

While it’s very likely you’ll still have running water during a winter power outage emergency, chances are you may not have a working gas stove to use. If your stove is electric like ours, you might want to add one or two of the cooking devices below to your stock of winter emergency supplies.

Can you insulate your body during winter?

Staying warm during winter emergencies is indubitably your top priority. Hypothermia is no joke, and while there are many different ways you can insulate your body that don’t require gas heating, few even come close to keeping you as warm as the emergency supplies on this part of the list. Butane/propane heater.

Can you feed a cat in the winter?

We kept our cat huddled up in the same room as we were in, only letting him out through the cold house a couple of times a day for exercise. You might also want to feed your pet a bit extra in case the power goes out in the winter, as producing heat requires more calories to be burned.

Is hot soup a good survival food?

While it’s a huge benefit to have long-term non-perishable survival foods stockpiled anyway, we’ve found these short-term consumables really helped us out during last year’s emergency. Hot soup is amazing on a cold day, and it’s always nice to have some spreads and canned tuna on some bread in case you really feel too exhausted to be cooking.

Heat – Keep House Warm During Winter Snowstorm Power Outage

This reminds me of a winter snowstorm event not long ago in Texas that devastated the area and caught millions of people off-guard. Snow and Ice. It was so bad that the power was out for weeks in many places. And it was very cold outside! The storm was an unusual event for that region. But, it happens.

Water

So, if your water source is simply from ‘the street’, your municipal water supply will be fine during most any short or mid-length power outage. The city/town is equipped to handle power outages and keep the pumps running.

Food For 2 Weeks

Again, referencing that snowstorm in Texas that left people without power for weeks (and that’s just one example of many!)… Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have “at least” enough food in your house to feed the family for two weeks?

The Means to Cook Without Power

Although many foods do not require cooking, there’s nothing like a hot meal during a winter snowstorm. What about heating up that percolator for a hot cup of coffee because your electric drip coffee maker won’t function? Or, hot chocolate anyone? How are you going to do all that during the power outage?

Portable Radio for Weather and News

Here’s a suggestion. A dual-powered (AC and battery) weather alert radio that has a built-in AM/FM radio too. That way, not only will you get NOAA weather alerts, but you can also listen to local broadcasts of news and information. This will keep you up-to-date with what’s going on out there in the aftermath of the snowstorm and power outage.