Winter is here, bringing with it cold, snow, and ice. It’s a great idea to get your home prepped for the weather, including servicing your heater, checking your home insulation, and taking care of any needed repairs.
But you should also have a few key supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Valley Insulation explains what you should keep in a winter home emergency kit.
Why Do I Need an Emergency Kit?
In the event of a winter storm, there is always the possibility of losing power and heat. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared. Making an emergency kit filled with necessities in case of a power outage is a great way to do that.
Related Post: Five Ways to Insulate Your Windows in the Winter
Home Emergency Kit Items
So what makes up an adequate emergency kit? Contents can vary depending on how cold the temperature can get where you live, but there are several universal items that are great for everyone to have.
Battery-Powered Radio
Battery-powered (or even hand crank) radios are a great idea during a winter storm because even if you lose power, you can still keep up with local weather alerts and warnings. If the power is out, you may not be able to rely on TV broadcasts or cell phone alerts, so it might be your best way to continue receiving communication.
Batteries
Most things that don’t plug into the wall need batteries Thinking about having a supply of them for flashlights, radios, and appliances. There are also cell phone battery packs that might be helpful for keeping your cell phone charged during a power outage.
Flashlights
Consider having several handheld flashlights on hand so you still have light if the power is out. You will need them to navigate your home in the dark. There are also small lanterns available that would serve as an effective room light so you can still see to do activities like eating, playing games, going to the bathroom, and other ordinary activities.
Candles
Candles are also handy to have as a steady source of light, and they don’t require batteries. Candles may not be bright enough to light an entire room, but they provide a pleasant ambient light effect.
Matches or Lighters
These will be necessary for lighting candles or fires and must be included in your kit so they are readily available.
Bottled Water
Bottled water, or gallons of water, should be kept on hand in the event of a winter storm. You will need clean drinking water, and there is always the possibility of pipes freezing and the tap not working. Bottled water can be used for drinking, cooking, and even bathing if needed.
Canned Food
Having a small supply of canned food will be important if you can’t leave the house for a few days. Canned food has a long shelf life and can be quickly heated over a fire or stove.
First Aid Kit
It is vital to have all the first aid basics together in an easily accessible spot. A good first-aid kit should include Band-Aids, antibacterial ointment or spray, gauze, sterilizing wipes, and any medications that might be needed. If the power goes out, you don’t want to fumble through the dark trying to find these things.
Blankets
Extra blankets are always helpful, especially in the event that you lose heat. It is easy to layer several blankets together and create a warm area for your family. You can also add Mylar blankets (also known as space blankets or emergency blankets) which can pack up reasonably small, so you can add one for each member of the household.
Heat Source
A backup heat source is always great to have in the event that a winter storm knocks out power. A woodburning fireplace or stove, a camping stove, a portable heater, or another heating method can be handy, but make sure you keep fuel close by. It is also very important to know how to operate and properly vent your heat source so that you are not at risk of unwanted fire or carbon monoxide buildup.
Related Post: Strategies for Preventing Heat Loss in Your Home This Winter
Call Valley Insulation in Cincinnati, OH
Valley Insulation has been in business for over 40 years, serving the Greater Cincinnati area in all its insulation needs, including insulation removal and replacement. Contact Valley Insulation or call (513) 353-4100 to get a free quote.
