Winter Emergency Survival Kit: What to Include
Putting together an emergency winter kit can be crucial if you live in an area prone to heavy snowstorms or blizzards, or if your region is forecast for a long period of winter weather. If the power goes out, or you are unable to leave your home for a period of time, this type of kit could be the difference between catastrophe or calm. But what should you include?
What to Include in a Winter Survival Kit for Your Car
According to the National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety , some common items to include in a winter survival kit for your car include the following. To start, make sure you have the basics, like a cell phone charger, a flashlight (with extra batteries), a first aid kit, a snow shovel, an ice scraper (with a brush), blankets, and a sleeping bag. Additionally, bring non-perishable food (like dried nuts, raisins, granola bars, and semi-sweet chocolate broken in pieces for sharing), bottled water, booster cables, extra clothing (such as hats, mittens, parkas, and boots), and a flare or other bright object to flag down help if needed.
Did you know you should also bring kitty litter along for the ride? That’s right—kitty litter (or sand) can be helpful for traction in case you get stuck in a ditch or deep snow.
What to Include in a Winter Survival Kit at Home
A general emergency survival kit isn’t just useful for winter. In the event of extreme weather or a catastrophic event, Ready.gov advises you have the following items in your home in case of a disaster . These include the basics, such as water (one gallon per person for multiple days is recommended, both for drinking and sanitation) and food (enough non-perishable food to last multiple days).
Like the winter supply kit for your car, a typical emergency supply kit for your home also includes a flashlight, first aid kit, and extra batteries. Consider adding a whistle to call for help, a dust mask, a can opener, a wrench or pliers (in case you need to turn off utilities), garbage bags, plastic ties, towels, plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case you need to shelter in place), a NOAA weather radio, and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio.
If your household includes pets, babies, or seniors, you may need to adjust or add to this kit as necessary, including items such as diapers, formula, pet food, board games, puzzles, and medication.
Survival Kit Tips
Keep canned food in a cool, dry place. Boxed food should be stored in metal or plastic containers that can be tightly closed. Discard and replace expired items. Take stock of your emergency kit each year, and update it as necessary based on your family’s changing needs.
Additionally, keep your kit stored in a safe location that is easily accessible if you must make a quick exit. Make sure all family members know where it is located.
For more information on building a survival kit for winter, and other tips for keeping warm and safe in the cold, check out Ready.gov’s “Winter Ready” resource page .