When a winter storm warning is issued, the grocery stores are instantly mobbed with people who are stocking up on bread, milk, and eggs. However, the most critical supplies for riding out a storm are not food items. A severe winter storm can easily lead to a power outage that can last for days. This makes a certain set of non-food, household staples essential for your safety and comfort. By stocking up on these eight items well before the forecast turns grim, you can avoid the pre-storm rush and be truly prepared.
1. Rock Salt or Ice Melt
This is the number one item that will disappear from the shelves of any hardware or grocery store the moment a storm is announced. Rock salt or a pet-safe ice melt is essential for keeping your walkways and driveway safe and free of ice. If you wait until the last minute to buy it, you will almost certainly be faced with an empty shelf. You should buy a large bag or two at the beginning of the season.
2. A Sturdy Snow Shovel
A good snow shovel is another item that is impossible to find once the storm is imminent. Every year, people who have just moved to a snowy climate, or whose old shovel has broken, will rush to the store at the last minute. You should make sure you have at least one sturdy, reliable snow shovel in your garage or shed before the first flake of the season falls.
3. Batteries
A power outage means that you will be completely reliant on battery-powered devices. You need to have a fresh supply of batteries in all the common sizes, especially AA and AAA for your flashlights and D for larger lanterns. You should check the batteries in all of your emergency equipment at the beginning of each winter to make sure they are still working.
4. Flashlights and Lanterns
When the power goes out, you do not want to be relying on your phone’s flashlight, which will quickly drain its precious battery. Every household should have several dedicated, high-quality LED flashlights or lanterns with fresh batteries. You should place them in easily accessible locations around your home so you are not fumbling around in the dark when the outage hits.
5. Firewood or Other Non-Electric Heat Source
If you have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, you need to have a supply of dry firewood on hand before the storm. If you do not have a fireplace, you should consider a safe, indoor-rated propane or kerosene heater as a backup heat source. A power outage in the middle of a winter cold snap can quickly become a dangerous situation if you do not have a way to stay warm.
6. Portable Phone Chargers and Power Banks
In the modern world, your phone is your lifeline to the outside world. It is how you get emergency updates and communicate with your family. A fully charged portable power bank is an absolutely essential part of any storm preparedness kit. It can keep your phone charged for several days during an extended power outage.
7. A Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit
A winter storm can make it difficult or impossible for emergency services to reach you. This makes it incredibly important to have a well-stocked first-aid kit in your home. Your kit should include all the basics for treating minor cuts, burns, and other injuries. It should also include a backup supply of any essential prescription medications that you or your family members need.
8. Pet Supplies
When you are stocking up for a storm, you cannot forget about your pets. You need to make sure you have a sufficient supply of pet food to last for several days. If you have a cat, you should also have an extra supply of cat litter on hand. If you have a dog, you may need some pet-safe ice melt for their paws when you take them outside.
The Prepared Household
True storm preparedness is not about making a panicked, last-minute trip to a crowded store. It is about taking the time to slowly and thoughtfully build a supply of these essential items throughout the year. By being prepared well in advance, you can ride out any winter storm in safety and comfort. You will be able to avoid the stress and the chaos of the pre-storm rush.
What is the number one non-food item on your personal winter storm preparedness list? Have you ever been caught unprepared by a storm? Share your tips and stories!
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