If you are prepared for winter weather before it happens, you can help prevent that terrible, gut-wrenching panic and scrambling aroun when you receive a warning before a storm. Your emergency kit should include the most important items, especially those that will help keep you and your family members safe and comfortable. Follow this guide to put together kits that are appropriate for work, home and your car.

Choose the Right Clothes

One of the biggest concerns during a winter storm is keeping warm. If you are going to be outside, you need a sturdy pair of weather-proof shoes that keep your feet warm and dry. Warm gloves keep your fingers from getting too cold, and some hand warmers are perfect accessories to have in your pocket if your gloves get wet. A head wrap or knit cap is a must-have for winter weather. You lose a lot of heat from your head so it’s important to keep your head warm and dry.

Stay Warm

If you're indoors during a winter storm, keeping warm remains a priority. If you lose power, there are a few things you can do to stay comfortable. Pile up extra blankets and sleeping bags, and layer up on coats and sweaters.

It also helps if you have a fireplace. Be sure to keep the fire going, and gather around the heat. Portable heaters are also helpful, but pay close attention to how the heater must be ventilated so everyone remains safe. Kerosene heaters should be vented outside for safety. If you use portable heat, keep a fire extinguisher close by.

Generators may be costly, but these powerhouses are wonderful to have if the power goes out for several days. You can provide power to the most necessary appliances while emergency services work to restore it in your area.

Communications and First Aid

Communication during a winter weather emergency is vital, so keep a car or battery powered phone charger around for recharging your phone when you lose power. Before the storm actually hits, be sure to charge your battery to 100 percent.

In the event you are snowed in or if stores are closed, you probably won’t have access to a pharmacy. Keep a small first aid kit on hand to take care of minor emergencies and pain. Items for your winter weather first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, medical tape and an elastic bandage for minor injuries, as well as an ice pack and pain medication. It’s also a good idea to place a few days of prescription medicine in the kit if you have items you or anyone else must take on a regular basis. 

Choosing Food

If a winter emergency occurs, food is a top priority. The best food items for a winter weather emergency kit are non-perishables that can be eaten straight from the pack or items that require no preparation. Granola and protein bars provide energy, while hard candies and gum keep your throat moist. Canned items have a long shelf life and can be heated over a campfire or fireplace. Make sure your emergency kit includes a can opener.

Storing Water

When an emergency occurs, clean drinking water is vital for survival. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each person should have a minimum of a week’s worth of water available in the event of an emergency. If you live in a rural community, it’s a good idea to have more than that. Individual water bottles are the most convenient, but large containers can also be stored in a cool dry place.

Lightings

If you're left without power, you'll need back up methods for lighting. Use candles during the day or at night, as long as you are in the same room. Never fall asleep with candles burning. Purchase a battery-powered lantern, as this is a safe option for lighting up a room.

Safety Items, Tools and More

In the event you need to dig our from a snow storm, keep a sturdy shovel and some rock salt to fight the snow and ice. Also, consider cutting away fallen trees only if you know how to do this safely. 

Other items you should have on hand in the event of a winter weather emergency include flashlights and a battery-powered radio for entertainment and weather updates. Be sure to stock up on plenty of extra batteries as well.

Be Aware of Driving Conditions

Driving in treacherous weather can be very dangerous. If you have to be on the road, be sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt and all children are properly strapped into a car seat. Keep an emergency kit inside your car in case you get stranded. Necessities include snacks, water, maps, emergency flares, extra blankets and a whistle to make it easy to locate you.

When creating an emergency kit for winter weather, include enough supplies to get you through several days. If you live in the city, you may not be snowed in as long as you might in a rural area. Nevertheless, it’s wise to be prepared to weather the storm for a few days.