Preparing an Emergency Winter Storm Kit for Your Home and Car

Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power outages and treacherous roads. Be prepared for these hazards by assembling an emergency winter storm kit for your home and car.

Emergency kits should contain supplies sufficient for three days. These include food (at least one gallon per person), water, blankets, first aid and medications. Also, consider a battery- or hand-crank radio and a cell phone charger.

1. Water

The most important item for a survival kit is water. A person can survive for weeks without food, but only days without water. Store at least 14 gallons per person in your home. More is recommended for infants, children and nursing mothers.

Make sure to include water purification tablets in your emergency supplies. Also have at least three days of non-perishable food in your kit, along with a first aid kit and medications. A hand-crank or battery-operated radio is important for receiving weather alerts and updates during the storm.

Ensure your home is ready to face winter storms by sealing gaps and cracks and adding insulation in walls, attics and basements. This will help your house maintain heat and prevent costly repairs. Download the FEMA Winter Storm Preparedness resource now. Also, remember to check your emergency supplies at least every six months and replace expired items.

2. Food

When a winter storm threatens, you need to have enough water and food for at least three days. You should include foods that don’t require cooking and avoid salty and spicy foods that cause you to drink more water, the CDC recommends.

You also need to make sure you have enough hygiene supplies, such as toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitizer. And don’t forget extra blankets, a sleeping bag and other important items like identification and cash.

Also, consider including a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and extra batteries. And include a map of your area in your emergency kit along with flares or reflective triangles to use if you’re stranded. You should also have a first aid kit and necessary medications. And don’t forget about your pets. You should have several days’ worth of pet food and supplies, too.

3. Shelter

When a winter storm watch or warning is issued, the first thing you need to do is find shelter. This could be your home or a nearby building or even your car if the road conditions make it impossible to travel.

Keep your emergency supplies at hand if you decide to stay at home. Make sure you have a sufficient amount of water for each person in your household, at least 3 days, and non-perishable food items. Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to listen to updates and a list of important phone numbers for your family. Include bath wipes, a multi-tool or Swiss Army knife and duct tape in your kit as well.

Also have a plan for how you will shelter in place (close windows and air vents, seal them with plastic sheeting and duct tape), or evacuate, and practice it with your household members.

4. Clothing

Clothing is a critical part of your family’s disaster supplies. Include a sleeping bag or blanket for each person in your family, as well as warm clothing layers and a pair of waterproof boots. Also include a first aid kit, with items like antibiotic ointment, alcohol cleansing pads, pain relievers, and a list of emergency contacts.

Keep a stocked supply of water (one gallon per person per day for three days). Add food that will last and be easy to prepare. Store a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

Be sure to check your emergency kits regularly and replace expiration dates on food, water and medication. Inspect and replace equipment, such as a flashlight or a battery-powered radio, every six months. Keep extra fuel for your car on hand, and drive slowly and safely on icy roads.

5. First Aid

A well-stocked first aid kit is important, especially when dealing with cold weather injuries. Keep a supply of bandages, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, duct tape, and a Swiss Army knife on hand. Include prescription medications and a list of emergency contacts.

A battery-powered NOAA weather radio with flashlights and extra batteries is a good idea to have on hand for quick updates. Stock up on extra blankets and sleeping bags for family members, and add warm clothing layers like hats, gloves, and mittens.

Being prepared for winter storms and cold temperatures is important to ensure your family’s safety. Download our free Winter Storm Preparedness resource to learn how to create an emergency plan and identify risks specific to winter storms. You can also help support families in need by donating emergency supplies. Your generosity makes all the difference.

6. Tools

A well-stocked emergency storm kit ensures your safety if you are trapped indoors during a snowstorm. Be sure to include first-aid items, essential prescription medicines and a list of emergency phone numbers. Also keep a shovel and ice scraper for clearing paths, a multi-tool or Swiss Army knife, duct tape and zip ties, sand or salt to improve traction on icy roads, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and a backup cell phone charger.

Your winter storm preparedness plan isn’t just about assembling supplies; it’s also about having a solid contingency plan and identifying vulnerable family members like babies, seniors or those with specific health concerns. For more tips on home and car emergency preparedness, download our free Winter Storm Preparedness resource. Green’s Blue Flame is always here for propane delivery, tank installation and other propane-related services during a winter storm.

7. Communication

You should have two emergency kits, one for shelter in place and one to go with you if you need to evacuate. Both kits should have the supplies you will need to survive for three days. Make sure to keep up with your kits and replenish items as needed.

As winter storms approach, pay attention to the weather forecast. A Winter Storm Watch indicates that conditions are favorable for a hazardous winter storm event. As the winter storm moves closer, this will be upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory or a Blizzard Warning.

It is important to know your family’s emergency plan and share this with everyone in your household. It is also a good idea to have a notebook and pencil in your emergency kit so that you can take notes and communicate during emergencies if phone or other communication services are down.

8. Shelter from the Sun

When snow or ice falls, it covers and hides the sun. This can make it hard to maintain body heat and keep hydrated. A reflective blanket, also known as a Mylar blanket, is useful to help keep your body temperature up. This plastic sheet is sprayed with an aluminum coating that reflects 90% of your body’s heat back to you.

When a winter storm warning is issued, have your kit packed in case you need to leave home quickly. Have a designated place to store it and make sure all family members know where it is. You may also want to include a hand-crank or battery-powered radio and a cell phone charger in your kit. Also, include a map and flares to signal your location to rescuers if you get stranded.

9. Shelter from the Wind

Having supplies prepared for either staying at home or having to evacuate during a winter storm is important. Having everything in one kit makes it easier to get ready quickly.

Be sure to include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and flashlight, as well as extra batteries. Also, include a map in case you have to travel outside your house and road flares to alert other drivers to your location in the event of getting stranded.

Also consider including an emergency reflective blanket (commonly called a “Mylar” blanket) that will reflect your body heat back to you. Having these in your kit will help keep you warm even if you lose power and heat. Also, add a first aid kit and essential medications. Be sure to check the items in your kits regularly and replace as needed.

10. Shelter from the Cold

Winter storms and extreme cold can knock out power, cause loss of transportation and make it difficult to get food or water. Emergency shelters are critical to helping residents survive and recover from winter disasters.

Ensure each family member has a Go Bag packed in case they need to leave their home. This should include cash, medication, cell phone charger and first aid kit. Consider including a multi-tool or Swiss army knife, duct tape and kitty litter to improve traction on icy surfaces.

Discuss with your students the importance of knowing when a winter storm watch or warning is issued and what to do if advised to seek shelter. Also, remind them that their disaster supply kits should be checked every six months to ensure everything is up to date. Be sure to include flashlights with fresh batteries.