If an extreme weather event hits this winter, you need to be prepared. Should this happen, you could be days or even weeks without access to life-saving supplies.
A well-stocked home ensures you’re ready for any situation without the need to run out into the cold. By taking the time now to buy and store emergency supplies, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be fed and safe if you need to stay indoors.
Here are some must-have items to buy now for your pantry, emergency kit, and general comfort. This essential stock, as per government guidelines and advice, will keep you ready for the unexpected this winter.
Bottled Water
Pipes are at risk of freezing during winter, which makes bottled water a top priority in the event of an emergency.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends keeping a two-week supply of bottled water, with at least 1 gallon per person per day. The average person needs about half a gallon of water every day. Children, those who are nursing, and those who are ill may require more.
Power Outage Tools
Riverton Utah City Government recommends keeping flashlights with extra batteries in case of a power outage. It’s also a good idea to have a portable generator for backup power and a hand-crank radio to hear about any updates.
I found an awesome emergency radio with NOAA Weather Alerts on Amazon. It also contains a flashlight and a reading lamp.
Safety Tools and Equipment
Protect yourself and your family no matter the emergency or extreme weather event.
A fire extinguisher, along with tools like a wrench, pliers, and a multi-tool, is recommended by Riverton Utah City Government. A whistle can signal for help, and a shovel and ice melt will help in the snow.
You can also write down the names and contact details of people you may need to contact during an emergency to make sure everyone is safe.
Pack a “Go Bag”
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recommends having a “Go Bag,” which you can take with you in times of emergency to a safe place.
This bag should be easily accessible and contain all the essentials like cash, medication, a battery pack, and a first-aid kit. It is also important to keep documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, home renters insurance, and social security cards readily available in case of evacuation.
Canned Food
According to FEMA, it’s wise to gather at least a two-week supply of non-perishable foods. Canned food, especially warm foods like soups and stews, is a good place to start.
Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups have a shelf life of about a year. If any canned goods become swollen, dented, or corroded, throw them out.
Dried Fruit and Nuts
Dried fruit and nuts are nutrient-rich and high in calories, so small portions go a long way. Just be careful that they do not contain any added salt or sugar, which may cancel out their health benefits.
Dried fruits have approximately a six-month shelf life, while canned nuts last about a year. FEMA recommends putting open packages of sugar, dried fruits, and nuts into air-tight jars or canisters to protect them from pests.
Honey and Nut Butter
If you are looking for something sweet to spread on your food, buy some honey. Honey never goes bad and can be added to a wide range of foods. It can also have more health benefits than regular forms of sugar.
Nut butter is another great choice. Peanut butter and almond butter taste great on crackers and sandwiches.
Snack Foods
You probably don’t think about chips in an emergency. However, these are shelf-stable foods that are fine to stock up on, plus they can be considered “comfort” foods that relieve stress and get you through the storm.
In fact, crackers, cookies, and chips are even mentioned in Direct Energy’s snowstorm essentials, which you can purchase well in advance of a pending storm… if you can resist gobbling them up beforehand, that is!
Make sure they are stored in sealed packages or containers. If your water supply is limited, FEMA recommends cutting out the salty foods, which can make you thirsty.
Grains
Grains, such as oats and rice, are great carbs for bulking up your meals and are simple to prepare. Whether you are getting breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can count on grains.
Ready-to-eat cereals and granola have a shelf life of about a year. White rice can be stored almost indefinitely under proper conditions; however, whole-grain brown rice only lasts about six months due to the oil in the bran layer, according to the USA Rice Federation.
Hygiene Products
Finding storage space for large amounts of toilet rolls can be hard, but it’s a necessity. Don’t be one of those people stocking a month’s supply the day the media alerts you of an impending storm!
Have all the hygiene products ready: feminine supplies, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. Galleon Hygiene Products recommends anti-viral sprays in winter to keep surfaces free of germs and viruses. Cleaning rags are also more environmentally friendly and cheaper than buying paper towels.
Don’t Forget Babies and Pets
Got babies at home? Joann Sands, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University at Buffalo, tells CNN to prepare for winter storms by carrying a sufficient supply of infant formula, diapers, and any other essentials they may need.
If you have pets, make sure to stock up on pet food. Several days’ supply of non-perishable food, medication, and treats should help them get through the storm.
Other Food and Drink
Aside from the food supplies already mentioned, other foods you might want to stock include beans, which are a rich source of protein and fiber. Dried pasta and jarred sauce work well with all sorts of condiments and spices that you have in the home.
Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa may be stored indefinitely in proper conditions. Many of us can’t go without our daily dose!
