7 Things to Have on Hand Before Getting Snowed In

Use This Checklist to Prepare Before the Next Time You’re Snowed In

Winter weather can be brutal – especially in New York State where snowfall can average up to ten feet annually. Snow can make traveling unsafe or even impossible, and enough snow can leave you stranded in your home for days. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to ensure your safety and comfort when you are waiting out a snowstorm. Continue reading to learn seven items you should keep on hand in preparation for a big storm:

 

A Flashlight and Batteries

Whether you find yourself in the middle of a power outage or are just working on home improvements, flashlights are a convenient and necessary tool to have on hand. During a heavy snowstorm there is always the possibility of losing power. You’ll want to be sure you have a stock of new batteries stored nearby. Batteries should be stored in their original packaging or in a plastic container, as loose rolling batteries can become combustible.  It’s important to know batteries can also cause damage to your equipment if they were to leak or corrode. It’s best to remove batteries and store them separately when you are done using them.

 

Extra Blankets

If you’re caught in a winter-weather related power outage, there’s a good chance that means temperatures will be low! It’s a good idea to keep extra blankets on hand in case you are unable to heat your house. You might consider investing in a gas-powered space heater or backup generator for the same reasons!

Medications

If you or someone in your family takes recurring prescription medications, it’s a good idea to make sure that you are up to date on refills. In the event of a snowstorm, it may be more difficult to get to the pharmacy for a refill.

 

Non-Perishable Food

When roads are closed due to bad weather or you find yourself snowed in, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to pick up food. It’s a good idea to have a supply of at least three to five days’ worth of non-perishable groceries stored in a cool, dry area of your home. It’s important that these items are in fact non-perishable. Otherwise, the food may not be edible as you would not have access to a working microwave, stove, or refrigerator during a power outage. It’s also important to know that you should never attempt to cook food indoors using a charcoal or portable gas grill, as these should only ever be used outdoors, and inhaling the fumes can be fatal.

PRO TIP: Keep a non-electric can opener handy. Since many non-perishable food items come in cans, you’ll want to make sure you can open them!

Pet Food and Supplies

This is something that can be overlooked in the event of an emergency. Ensure that your fury friends will be well taken care of by keeping an extra stash of pet food and supplies set aside for emergencies. It’s important to remember to rotate your stash out every few months to prevent the food from going bad or stale.

 

A Cell Phone with a Portable Charger

Having a means of communication is important in any type of emergency.  Today, many people have access to cell phones and an internet connection, but if the power goes out and your cell phone isn’t charged - it won’t be of much use to you. It’s a good idea to keep a portable charger on hand in case of emergency. You might also consider investing in a battery-powered radio as a backup method of communication.

A Water Supply

You will want to keep a relatively large amount of water stored in your home. In situations where you are snowed in, there is a chance that your pipes may freeze due to the extreme cold. It’s important to know that water should not be stored in plastic bottles or jugs long term, as chemicals in plastic that can leak into your water overtime, leaving it unsafe to drink. You might consider purchasing containers specifically designed to store water over long periods of time. Alternatively, you can rotate out your supply regularly.

 

Being prepared ahead of time for winter weather can mean the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency. Another way to prepare for an imminent snowstorm is knowing how to prevent and repair frozen pipes. Click the link below to learn more!