These Disaster Readiness Essentials Can Save You a Lot of Trouble and Make Big Snow Days Less Daunting
Bad weather, in general, tends to surprise you, including snow. One minute it’s a cozy vibe, and the next the roads are a mess, deliveries are delayed, and the power is doing that annoying back-and-forth dance. Even if you’re not going anywhere, a real snowstorm can turn everyday life into a series of small inconveniences that add up quickly.
You don’t need to panic or stock up as if 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.
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.
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 (senior editor)
The Bluetti AC70 is a versatile and portable power station designed for camping, traveling and emergency relief. It has a capacity of 768 Wh and a 1000 W continuous AC inverter. It is known for its fast charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes and goes from zero to a hundred 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 has a battery backup and can alert you if the levels in your home rise too high, as can sometimes happen when you lose power to the furnaces. The First Alert won the overall award on our list for its versatility as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
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.
Bioethanol gel is particularly useful during a power outage because, unlike many other gases or fluids, it is safe to use indoors. Each can of fuel produces approximately 3,000 BTUs and emits a lovely crackling sound like a wood fire. Having some of these sealed cans in your garage that you can use to heat just one room is worth it.
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 (phones, tablets, power banks) in advance 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 rake handy can save your shingles and gutters when heavy snow piles up. It’s also smart to take care of your solar panelsensuring that ice and debris will not affect their effectiveness in freezing weather. And don’t forget your security cameras — cold and snow can affect performance, so preparing for them allows you to always keep an eye on things. It’s one less thing to worry about.
