Between the freezing temperatures, power outages and hazardous driving conditions, winter storms can be particularly dangerous. So if you live somewhere with a chance of blizzards and blackouts like we saw last week, it’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 bit of preparation can make a huge difference. Think of this list as a collection of practical, no-nonsense 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-filled radiators are good during a power outage because they retain heat for a long time, keeping you warm long after the power goes out. This effective heater comes with a remote control and an adjustable thermostat, letting you easily choose your desired temperature.
This seriously versatile Anker 548 falls somewhere between a power bank and a portable power station. The substantial 60,000mAh battery can recharge your phone up to 10 times, and with a 60W output it can even handle larger devices like laptops. It even has a built-in lantern and is extremely portable thanks to the integrated strap and lightweight 5.7-pound design.
This little flashlight doubles as a radio in an emergency and works as a small battery backup for your phone. I love it because of the hand crank. You never need a charger or replacement batteries. All you have to do is turn the handle until you have enough power to run the flashlight or radio. Simple.
Having a small first-aid kit in your house is important but if you have a big family, you’ll need to stock up. This kit comes with everything you need to tend to minor emergencies. Ambulances can take a while to reach you in bad weather so it’s worth having a kit that’s more than just bandages.
These pocket-sized hand warmers can hit temperatures of up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit to help keep your fingers nice and toasty. They’re less than two centimeters thick so they can easily fit in your gloves, and deliver an impressive eight-hour battery life.
Freezing weather can wreak havoc on your car’s batteries so a portable jump starter is a must-have emergency kit. This 1500A Gooloo starter can handle gas engines of up to 6 liters and diesel engines of up to 4 liters. Plus, it has some other helpful 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 made for camping, travel and emergency backup. It features a 768Wh capacity and a 1000-watt continuous AC inverter. It is known for its fast charging, hitting 80% in 45 minutes and goes from zero to 100 in 1.5 hours with AC input. The fast charge will be especially helpful if you waited until the last minute and you only have an hour to power up.
This carbon monoxide sensor is a great addition to your home when the power goes out. It is battery powered and can alert you if levels in your house rise too high, as it sometimes can when you lose power to furnaces. The First Alert won best overall in our list for its versatility as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
I find this little bank so helpful in my day-to-day but especially so in an emergency. It charges extremely quickly, and the 25,000 mAh battery can keep a laptop or multiple phones and tablets charged for a good long while. I have several power stations for emergency weather, but this little guy goes with me everywhere for that “just in case” moment.
— James Bricknell, senior editor
Severe weather tips
Around the home:
- Let faucets drip slightly during freezing temps to reduce the risk of burst or frozen pipes.
- Cover outdoor spigots to keep the cold out. These foam covers from Home Depot are perfect for your outdoor spigots.
- Turn the heat up by a few degrees before a storm so your home stays warmer longer if power drops.
- Know where your water shut-off valves are in case something freezes or leaks.
Power and comfort:
- Charge everything including phones, tablets and power banks ahead of time so you’re not stuck with dead batteries.
- Keep blankets and sleeping bags nearby, even if you think you won’t need them. You might.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks and basics. You’ll be glad it’s there if plans go sideways.
- If you do lose power, move everyone into one room. It’s easier to keep warm together than to keep multiple rooms warm.
Our experts weigh in
Even our experts have a few go-to reminders that make a big difference. Keeping a roof rake handy can save your shingles and gutters when heavy snow piles up. It’s also smart to take care of your solar panels, making sure ice and debris won’t affect their efficiency during freezing temperatures. Don’t forget security cameras as cold and snow can affect performance, so prepping them ensures you can still keep an eye on things. That’s one less thing to worry about.
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