Freezing temperatures and snowy conditions can make surviving a winter storm hard, especially without electricity (and sometimes even water). Here’s how you and your family can prepare for power outages caused by a winter storm.
Prioritize Food and Water First
Stock up on food and water when preparing for winter storm power outages. Long-term blackouts have been known to happen, and you don’t want to go hungry. Grab bottled water in case tap water becomes undrinkable. And grab extra for things like cooking and washing clothes.
You’ll also want to stockpile food with a long shelf-life. After all, you don’t know how long the outage will last, and the power to your refrigerator isn’t guaranteed. Other snowstorm food essentials you may want to pack in your winter survival kit include:
- Foods rich in protein like dried beans, oatmeal, and meat
- Long-lasting canned options like soup, stews, and tuna
- Energy-boosting snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit
- Shelf-stable drinks like powdered milk and boxed juice
Get a Portable Generator
Ask the folks who lost power for weeks in Texas, and they’ll tell you to get a generator! From keeping your refrigerator running to charging phones, a generator should be at the top of your extreme cold survival kit list. You may not be able to power everything in your home, but you’ll likely have the things that matter. And don’t forget to stock up on fuel for your generator — typically propane or gas. Solar generators are also a great option, and something like the Patriot Power Generator is powerful enough to run a space heater or small fridge.
Pack Warm Clothing
If a winter storm is strong enough to knock out your power, chances are it’s pretty cold outside. Have warm clothes on hand — especially wool and fleece fabrics. Get insulated boots, long underwear, and socks. And don’t forget hats, gloves, coats, and sweaters.
You’ll also want to hold onto body heat in extreme cold. So, make sure you have plenty of clothes for layering up during the storm.
Know How to Keep Your Home Warm
During a power outage, you’re likely to be stuck at home, which means you want to make it as warm as possible. Use these tips for keeping your space nice and toasty.
- Winterize your home before the storm. Weatherstrip potential draft zones, and insulate your attic, pipes, and walls.
- Close off unused rooms. This can prevent heat loss in your home.
- Prevent drafts. Roll up blankets and towels and wedge them between gaps around doors and windows.
- Stay close to family. The body heat from your loved ones is an age-old heat source.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Gas stations may lose electricity during a power outage, which means they may not have gas. If a winter storm is on the way, fill up your tank ahead of time. You might even want to fill up an extra gas can for other emergencies and powering your generator.
Make Sure Your Flashlights and Other Necessities Work
From staying updated on winter storm news to getting around a dark room, make sure your battery-powered radios and flashlights work. If they don’t work, get new ones. This is also a good time to stock up on batteries, power banks, and power cells. When the power is out, you want to have the most basic emergency storm supplies on hand.
Build Your Winter Survival Kit at 4Patriots
Expect the unexpected this winter. Stock up on survival essentials to help your family weather whatever storms the season brings. From time-based survival food kits to solar ovens for cooking meals without power, 4Patriots has everything you need to stay prepared.
