Are You Ready for the Big Winter Storm? Stock Up on These Essentials Now

Posted: January 10, 2024 3:12 pm

Much of the U.S. is hunkering down as a major snow storm comes barreling toward parts of the country. If you have not prepared for the impending storm, now is the time to do so. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to stocking up for a snowstorm.

Foods to Stock Up on in Advance of Bad Weather

While eggs, milk, and bread are usually the first things to start flying off the shelves prior to a snowstorm, these staples are actually not the smartest thing to stock up when bad weather is heading your way. Remember that you will not be able to keep your milk cold or prepare your eggs if the power is out. Bread is shelf-stable for a few days, however, it does not provide an extraordinary amount of nutrition.

It is a better idea to stock up on nonperishable items such as canned goods. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should stockpile enough food for at least three days for each person in your household. It is also important to keep a manual can opener on hand so that you can actually access the food in the cans if the power goes out.

Other good ideas include packages of instant mashed potatoes, instant oatmeal, and soup. You can also consider stocking up on boxed milk and juice boxes that do not require refrigeration. Nut butters are another great food item to keep in your pantry due to its high protein content. Nuts and trail mixes are also good protein sources that pack a big nutritional punch.

The best shelf stable fruits are pears and apples. Keep them in a cool and dark place to prevent them from rotting too quickly. Bananas also do not require refrigeration and can last for up to one week. Choose green unripe bananas if you want them to last longer.

The best snack ideas include protein bars, fruit leather, dry cereal, granola, applesauce cups, and beef jerky.

If you know that you will not be able to live without that morning cup of coffee, you may want to buy a few bottled brews to keep in your pantry in case the power goes out. Having your caffeine fix will help you to get through what may be in store for the day.

The key is to choose foods that are shelf-stable, require little preparation, and that are reasonably nutritious.

Ensuring You Have Plenty of Water Available

In addition to building your stockpile of nonperishable food, you also need to take care to have the right amount of water on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you keep one gallon of water per person per day on hand. Be sure to also account for the water needs of any pets in this calculation.

You can also disinfect water from a freshwater lake or stream if you are able to boil it for at least one minute. If you do not have power to boil it, the water can be purified using specialty tablets found in outdoor recreational stores.

Miscellaneous Items to Remember

When making that last-minute trip to the store, you need to think of the miscellaneous items that you will need if you are stuck at home for a few days. Items to put on your list include toilet paper, paper towels, pet food, contact lens solution, medications, personal hygiene products, and first aid items. If you have a baby, be sure to stock up on specialty food, formula, and diapers.

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