The Earth’s elements can be scary! Winter brings heavy snow, rain, sleet and ice that can knock out power in an instant. Be prepared by stocking up on emergency items that can easily be accessible.

Basic survival items

– Candles, matches, flashlights and batteries.

– Canned food, can opener, snacks and water.

You will need enough non-perishable food to last a few days.

Canned and powdered food are good for long-term storage.

– Battery-powered radio & cell phone charger.

– Things to pass the time such as books, magazines, cards or board games.

– First aid kit, blankets, foot and hand warmers.

– Extra socks, hats, mittens, blankets, jackets and warm weather apparel.

You may already have these items, but remember you will need enough blankets to keep everyone warm without any heat and in adverse conditions

– Snow removal equipment including shovels plus rock salt and sand.

– Pet supplies such as food, litter box, blanket and water.

Winterize your home

– Insulate walls and attics.

– Weather-strip doors and windows.

– Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

– Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

– Clear rain gutters and repair roof leaks in order to avoid clogging and flooding.

– Cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or buildings during a storm.

Anticipate a long power outage

– Eat perishable foods first, keeping canned goods for lengthy outages.

– Leave the refrigerator doors closed during short outages and use the cold weather to store some things outside.

– Have some entertainment available that does not involve electricity.

Source: Menards