Cold Weather Emergency Kits

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tips for Putting Together Cold Weather Emergency Kits

If you’re left without power during a heavy winter storm, it’s important to have a cold weather emergency kit prepared for your home to stay warm and safe until the heat comes back on. Depending on the severity of the storm and length of the power outage, you may need to seek alternate shelter, but in most cases you will only be without power for several hours. Whatever the case, having a plan in place and an emergency kit on hand will alleviate some of the stress of the situation.

Stock your emergency kit with the following items. You may not need every item in the kit, but being prepared is the best way to cope with an emergency situation.

• Non-perishable food
• Bottles of water
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated radio
• Heavy plastic sheeting
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Blankets
• Kerosene space heater
• Wood and kindling for the fireplace
• Home generator

In addition to preparing a cold weather emergency kit for your home, it’s also a good idea to prepare one for your vehicle. If your car breaks down and you have nowhere to go, a cold weather emergency kit for your car will ensure you stay warm until help arrives. Because the temperature inside your car will drop much more quickly than inside your house. It’s even more critical to be prepared with an emergency cold weather kit. Your kit for your vehicle should include:

• Jumper cables
• Compass
• Flashlight
• Chemical light stick
• Blankets
• Folding shovel
• Cat litter
• Weather-proof jacket
• Extra gloves, hat and scarf
• First aid kit
• Utility tool/knife
• Bottles of water
• Protein bars
• Extra cell phone battery
• Distress flag
• Reflective tape or reflective triangles

Most of these items are inexpensive and easy to find, and having them on hand during an emergency can make a bad situation a little safer and less stressful. Before the heavy lake effect snow that we’ll be getting arrives, put together your home and vehicle winter safety kits and ensure you’re prepared for whatever winter brings your way.