As a kid, snow in the forecast meant snow angels, canceled school, and mugs of cocoa. Now? It means checking the generator, bracing the pipes, and wondering if I have enough peanut butter to get through the next few days without Wi-Fi.
Winter storms are part beautiful, part beast—and prepping for them is more than just clearing the bread aisle. Whether you're a snow-season veteran or facing your first real freeze, it’s worth knowing what really matters when the forecast turns frosty.
Let’s break down what the experts say to stock up on—along with what I’ve learned from personal trial, error, and one particularly frozen pipe.
Rethinking the “Bread, Milk, and Eggs” Mentality
Let’s kick things off with a classic: the grocery store stampede.
1. Why French Toast Isn’t a Survival Plan
Every winter storm, shelves get stripped of bread, milk, and eggs. But unless your goal is to ride out the blizzard with unlimited French toast, you might want to rethink those staples.
The real MVPs? Non-perishables.
- Shelf-stable, filling, and no fridge required
- Easy to prep with minimal cooking tools
- Nutrient-dense enough to keep you going for days
I once overdid it on bread—only to toss out moldy loaves by day three. Now, I stock beans, granola bars, canned soups, oats, pasta, peanut butter, and even instant coffee.
2. Food Staples That Last (and Actually Help)
Here’s what’s usually in my storm stash:
- Canned soups and stews: Heat ‘em on a camp stove or eat cold if needed.
- Nut butters and crackers: No cooking, big energy.
- Dried fruits and trail mix: Easy, long-lasting snacks.
- Oats and rice: If you’ve got boiling water, these go a long way.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your pets. Canned food and extra water bowls go on our prep list every time.
Don’t Forget the Most Important Liquid
Water might be flowing from your tap—until it’s not. Frozen pipes or water main breaks can happen fast in deep freezes.
1. How Much Water Should You Store?
Experts recommend one gallon per person per day, for at least three days. That includes:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Basic hygiene
We once lost water access for 48 hours and had to get creative. Now, I keep several gallon jugs in the closet year-round—plus a few collapsible water containers for quick filling before a storm hits.
2. Storage Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For
- Pre-filled containers: Clean, reliable, and easy to stack.
- Sanitized DIY jugs: Reuse juice or soda bottles—but clean them thoroughly first.
- Don’t overlook bathtubs: Fill it before the storm as a backup for non-drinking use.
Bonus: keep a pack of baby wipes around for quick "no-shower" cleanups if needed.
Staying Warm When the Power Goes Out
When your heating system goes dark, your game plan needs to change fast. Blankets help, but real backup heat sources make all the difference.
1. Heat That Doesn’t Rely on Electricity
If you live in a storm-prone area, investing in a non-electric heat source is one of the smartest moves you can make.
- Kerosene or propane heaters: Choose models rated for indoor use and follow safety rules to the letter.
- Wood-burning stoves: Old school but incredibly effective.
- Fireplaces: Make sure your chimney is clean and keep extra dry wood on hand.
During one multi-day outage, we sealed off a small room with blankets, used a safe portable heater, and hung out like it was a cozy indoor camping trip. Game-changer.
2. Stay Warm the Smart Way
- Layer up: Wear thermal base layers, even indoors.
- Insulate your space: Block drafts with towels, tape plastic over windows, and close off unused rooms.
- Move around: Light exercise boosts body heat and morale.
Don't forget a carbon monoxide detector if you're using any fuel-based heating indoors.
Medical Must-Haves for Any Snowbound Scenario
Emergencies don’t care about the weather. If a storm traps you inside, having medical basics on hand can make a huge difference.
1. Stock the Essentials
- Fully stocked first-aid kit: Bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, pain relievers.
- Over-the-counter meds: Cold relief, fever reducers, anti-diarrheals, etc.
- Prescriptions: At least a two-week supply, ideally more.
We learned the hard way when a storm hit right before a prescription refill. Now, I refill all meds proactively before peak snow season.
2. Prepare for the “What Ifs”
- Keep a printed list of important medical info: allergies, emergency contacts, and dosages.
- Waterproof containers help protect pill bottles in case of leaks or emergencies.
- Thermometers, gloves, and sanitizers belong in every home prep kit.
Even if you never need it—it’s peace of mind you won’t regret.
Don’t Let the Cold Cut You Off
Power down, internet gone… now what? When a winter storm knocks out communications, staying informed becomes mission-critical.
1. Your Battery-Powered Lifelines
- Battery-powered radio: A must-have. It doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi or data.
- Portable chargers: Fully charge ahead of time, and stash extras.
- Solar or hand-crank chargers: Great for longer outages.
Our old-school radio has delivered the most accurate updates more than once—and doesn’t glitch out when cell towers go down.
2. Stay Connected—Safely
- Text when possible: Uses less data and battery than calls.
- Check emergency alert apps before the storm.
- Have a check-in plan with friends or family in case you lose contact.
Sometimes, a little preparedness turns a blackout into a minor inconvenience instead of a full-blown crisis.
What Goes in Your Car (and Why You’ll Be Glad It’s There)
If you live in an area that ices over or gets buried in snow, your vehicle deserves its own emergency kit.
1. Car Kit Essentials
- Blankets and gloves: If you're stuck, staying warm is priority #1.
- Ice scraper and mini shovel: You’ll need these even on short drives.
- Flashlight and batteries: Nightfall during a breakdown = double trouble.
- Granola bars and bottled water: For sustenance, not snacking.
We once got stuck behind an accident on an iced-over hill for three hours. Thanks to our prep kit, it wasn’t awful—it was just... a very long podcast break.
2. Bonus Winter Vehicle Tips
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid frozen fuel lines.
- Check your tires before winter storms hit—traction matters.
- Stash kitty litter or sand in the trunk for added traction on ice.
Sometimes survival is just about buying yourself a few extra hours—and that’s exactly what these supplies can do.
Ready Your Home Like a Pro (Not Just Your Pantry)
Winter storm prep isn’t just about stockpiling—it’s about prevention.
1. Protect Your Pipes (and Your Sanity)
- Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves or old towels.
- Open cabinets under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.
One year, we skipped this—and paid for it with a burst pipe and a weekend spent drying out the kitchen. Never again.
2. Pre-Storm Maintenance Musts
- Seal drafty windows and doors with weather stripping or plastic film.
- Clear gutters and drains to prevent ice dams.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—you’ll rely on them more during winter.
Small steps now = fewer headaches later.
The Answer Sheet!
- Rethink those staples. Go beyond bread—stock up on non-perishable essentials.
- Water, water, everywhere. Store at least a gallon per person for three days.
- Consider safe heat sources. Backup plans like kerosene heaters can offer invaluable warmth.
- Medications matter! Ensure first aid kits are full and prescriptions are current.
- Keep gadgets charged! Radios and portable chargers can be lifelines when power fails.
- Prep your ride. Equip your car with essentials like blankets, ice scrapers, and morsels.
- Prevent, protect, prevail. Insulate and safeguard your home against winter's icy grip.
Let It Snow—You’ve Got This
Winter storms don’t have to knock you off course. With a little prep, a dash of foresight, and the right gear in place, you’ll be sipping cocoa while others scramble for batteries. Stay ready, stay warm—and let the storm do its worst. You’ll be more than fine.
