Emergency Preparedness for Winter and Bad Weather

As we head into these cold, winter months, winter emergency preparedness should be top of mind. You never know when a storm is going to come and make it difficult to travel to the store.

There is also the chance of losing power so it is important to have food on hand that can keep your family nourished without all of your regular cooking tools.

Stocking Your Pantry for Emergency Preparedness

Here are some meal ideas and things to consider picking up on your next grocery trip to ensure your family is safe and prepared if there were ever a power outage.

1. Cereal and Shelf-Stable Milk: I used to keep a couple of hidden boxes of cereal in the cabinet above my fridge and we always keep a case of shelf-stable almond milk on hand which can be used in an emergency. 
2. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches: Gluten Free sandwich bread comes in packaging that makes it shelf-stable for months. Even if you aren’t gluten free, you can keep it in your pantry just in case for this purpose. 
3. Charcuterie Boards: Summer sausage is shelf stable and this is also a great way to use up cheese in the fridge that might go bad. Add dried fruit or nuts for extra protein. 
4. Protein Powder + Shelf-Stable Milk 
5. Granola or Protein bars 
6. Case of water

You want to limit the number of times that you are opening the fridge and freezer, ideally not opening the freezer at all while the power is out. Items will only last in the fridge for 4 hours but if you have things you know you need, consider putting them in a cooler with ice (or snow if it’s a snowstorm). Items in a freezer will last for up to 48 hours if your freezer is full, so keep it shut to prevent food from spoiling.

Below is a video of a little coin trick I use to know if the freezer has stayed frozen.

Cooking Options

If you are hoping to cook, don’t forget about your barbeque! Ours has a single burner which comes in handy if it’s safe to be outside but any propane barbeque will provide you a way to heat food.

You also could use a camp stove, but read the directions and make sure that you are using it outside only! Here is an example of one that could be used in emergencies.

This is an option that is rated for indoor use with proper ventilation.

Other Household Items for Emergency Preparedness

Besides being prepared with food, there are several other items that are important to have on hand and you might not realize it until you need them.

1. Emergency First Aid Kit
2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
3. Colloidal Silver
4. Butane countertop range so you can cook food
5. Cereal 
6. Shelf-stable milk
7. Portable propane heater to keep you warm
8. Hand crank radio with a solar power phone charge
9. Large portable water tank
10. Water bottle with filter to keep you hydrated with safe drinking water
11. Plenty of warm clothes to dress in layers to stay warm and don’t forget a hat! 
12. Hot Hands Variety Pack to keep your hands and body warm
13. Tent that will fit in our living room
14. Sleeping bags and extra warm blankets
15. Battery powered lights
16. Flashlights and back up batteries
17. Glow sticks are fun for the kids and gives them comfort in the dark

Keep it Fun!

Sometimes children get scared in the dark and it can be stressful for the adults not knowing when power will be back. Having games, puzzles, and activities on hand can allow you to make it a fun and special time for your family. You could also build a fort and cuddle inside with books to keep warm.

I hope that these winter emergency preparedness tips help you get more prepared for winter weather and keep your family safe no matter the weather this winter.

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