Between freezing temperatures, power outages and dangerous driving conditions, winter storms can be particularly dangerous. So if you live in a place where there is a risk of blizzards and power outages like we saw last weekIt’s important to keep some emergency essentials on hand.
Now, you don’t need to panic or buy 100 rolls of toilet paper like the apocalypse is coming, but a little preparation can make a huge difference. Consider this list a collection of convenient and practical essentials to help you get through snowstorms with less hassle. Plus, all of these items are currently on sale so you can stock up without breaking the bank.
Oil heaters are useful during a power outage because they retain heat for a long time, keeping you warm long after the power goes out. This efficient heater comes with a remote control and an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to easily choose your desired temperature.
This very versatile Anker 548 falls somewhere between a power bank and a portable power station. The large 60,000 mAh battery can charge your phone up to 10 times, and with 60W of power, it can even handle larger devices like laptops. It even has a built-in lantern and is extremely portable thanks to the built-in strap and lightweight design at 5.7 pounds.
This little flashlight doubles as a radio in case of emergency and works as a small backup battery for your phone. I love it because of the crank. You never need a charger or replacement batteries. All you have to do is twist the handle until you have enough power to operate the flashlight or radio. Simple.
Having a small first aid kit in your home is important but if you have a large family, you will need to stock up on one. This kit includes everything you need to respond to minor emergencies. Ambulances can take a while to reach you in bad weather, so it’s worth having a kit that contains more than just bandages.
These pocket-sized hand warmers can reach temperatures up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit to help keep your fingers toasty. They’re less than two centimeters thick, allowing them to slip easily into your gloves and offering an impressive eight hours of battery life.
Freezing weather can wreak havoc on your car batteries, which is why a portable jump starter is a must-have emergency kit. This Gooloo 1500A starter can handle gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 4 liters. Plus, it has other useful safety features, such as a 400 lumen LED flashlight and USB ports so you can charge your phone.
The Bluetti AC70 is a versatile portable power station designed for camping, traveling and emergency relief. It has a capacity of 768 Wh and a 1000 watt continuous AC inverter. It is known for its fast charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes and goes from zero to 100 in 1.5 hours with AC input. Fast charging will be especially useful if you waited until the last minute and only have an hour to recharge it.
This carbon monoxide sensor is a great addition to your home in the event of a power outage. It’s battery powered and can alert you if the levels in your home rise too high, as they sometimes do when you lose power to the furnaces. The first alert won the best overall ranking in our list for its versatility as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
I find this little bank very useful on a daily basis, but especially in an emergency. It charges extremely quickly and the 25,000 mAh battery can charge a laptop or multiple phones and tablets for a good amount of time. I have several power stations in case of a weather emergency, but this little guy goes everywhere with me for that “just in case” moment.
— James Bricknell, editor-in-chief
Advice in case of bad weather
Around the house:
- Allow faucets to drip lightly during freezing temperatures to reduce the risk of burst or frozen pipes.
- Cover outdoor faucets to keep the cold out. These foam covers from Home Depot are perfect for your outdoor faucets.
- Turn the heat up a few degrees before a storm so your home stays warm longer if the power goes out.
- Know where your water shut-off valves are in case something freezes or leaks.
Power and comfort:
- Charge everything in advance, including phones, tablets and power banks, so you don’t end up with dead batteries.
- Keep blankets and sleeping bags nearby, even if you think you won’t need them. You could.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks and essentials. You’ll be glad he’s there if plans go awry.
- If you lose power, move everyone into one room. It’s easier to stay warm together than to keep multiple rooms warm.
Our experts intervene
Even our experts have a few go-to reminders that make a big difference. Keep a roof rake practice can save your shingles and gutters when heavy snow piles up. It is also wise to take care of your solar panelsensuring that ice and debris will not affect their effectiveness in freezing weather. Don’t forget security cameras Since cold and snow can affect performance, preparing for them allows you to always keep an eye on things. It’s one less thing to worry about.
