Inclement weather, in general, has a way of sneaking up on you, including snow. One minute, it’s cozy vibes, and the next, the roads are a mess, deliveries are delayed and the power is doing that annoying on-and-off dance. Even if you’re not going anywhere, a real snowstorm can turn everyday life into a series of small inconveniences that add up fast.
You don’t need to panic or stock up like the apocalypse is coming, but a bit of preparation can make a huge difference. Think of this list as a collection of practical, no-nonsense essentials to help you get through snowstorms with less hassle.
Oil-filled radiators are good during a power outage because they retain heat for a long time, keeping you warm long after the power goes out. This effective heater comes with a remote control and an adjustable thermostat, letting you easily choose your desired temperature.
I find this little bank so helpful in my day-to-day but especially so in an emergency. It charges extremely quickly, and the 25,000 mAh battery can keep a laptop or multiple phones and tablets charged for a good long while. I have several power stations for emergency weather, but this little guy goes with me everywhere for that “just in case” moment.
– James Bricknell (Senior Editor)
The Bluetti AC70 is a versatile and portable power station designed for camping, travel and emergency backup. It features a 768Wh capacity and a 1000W continuous AC inverter. It is known for fast charging, hitting 80% in 45 minutes and goes from zero to one hundred in 1.5 hours with AC input. The fast charge will be especially helpful if you waited until the last minute and you’ve only got an hour to power up.
This carbon monoxide sensor is a great addition to your home when the power goes out. It has a battery backup and can alert you if levels in your house rise too high, as it sometimes can when you lose power to furnaces. The First Alert won best overall in our list for its versatility as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
This little flashlight doubles as a radio in an emergency and works as a small battery backup for your phone. I love it because of the hand crank. You never need a charger or replacement batteries. All you have to do is turn the handle until you have enough power to run the flashlight or radio. Simple.
Having a small first-aid kit in your house is important, but if you have a big family, you’ll need to stock up. This kit comes with everything you need to tend to minor emergencies. Ambulances can take a while to reach you in bad weather, so it’s worth having a kit that’s more than just bandages.
Bioethanol gel is especially helpful when the power goes out because, unlike a lot of other gases or fluids, it can be used safely indoors. Each can of fuel produces around 3,000 BTUs and emits a lovely crackling noise like a log fire. Having some of these sealed cans in your garage that you can use to warm a single room is well worth it.
Severe weather tips
Around the home:
- Let faucets drip slightly during freezing temps to reduce the risk of burst or frozen pipes.
- Cover outdoor spigots to keep the cold out. These foam covers from Home Depot are perfect for your outdoor spigots.
- Turn the heat up by a few degrees before a storm so your home stays warmer longer if power drops.
- Know where your water shut-off valves are in case something freezes or leaks.
Power and comfort:
- Charge everything — phones, tablets, power banks — ahead of time so you’re not stuck with dead batteries.
- Keep blankets and sleeping bags nearby, even if you think you won’t need them. You might.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks and basics. You’ll be glad it’s there if plans go sideways.
- If you do lose power, move everyone into one room. It’s easier to keep warm together than to keep multiple rooms warm.
Our experts weigh in
Even our experts have a few go-to reminders that make a big difference. Keeping a roof rake handy can save your shingles and gutters when heavy snow piles up. It’s also smart to take care of your solar panels, making sure ice and debris won’t affect their efficiency during freezing temperatures. And don’t forget your security cameras — cold and snow can affect performance, so prepping them ensures you can still keep an eye on things. That’s one less thing to worry about.
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