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Inclement weather in general has a way of sneaking up on you, including snow. One minute, it’s cozy, and the next, the roads are a mess, deliveries are late, and electricity is doing that annoying 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.
There’s no need to panic or stock up because the apocalypse is coming, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Think of this list as a collection of practical, no-nonsense essentials to help you get through blizzards with minimal 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 efficient heater comes with a remote control and an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to easily choose the temperature you want.
I find this little bank very useful in my daily life but especially in emergency situations. It charges very quickly, and the 25,000 mAh battery can keep your laptop or multiple phones and tablets charged for a long time. I have several power stations for weather emergencies, but this little guy goes with me everywhere for that “just in case” moment.
-James Bricknell (senior editor)
The Bluetti AC70 is a portable, versatile power station designed for camping, travel, and emergency backup. It features a 768Wh capacity and a 1000W DC inverter. It is known for its fast charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes and going from zero to one hundred in 1.5 hours with AC power input. Fast charging will be especially useful if you wait until the last minute and only have an hour to charge.
A 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 the levels in your home rise too high, as sometimes happens when furnaces lose power. First alert Won best overall On our list for its versatility as a carbon monoxide and smoke detector.
This little flashlight acts as an emergency radio and acts as a small backup battery for your phone. I like it because of the hand crank. You’ll never need a charger or replacement batteries. All you have to do is turn the knob until you have enough power to turn on the lamp or radio. basic.
It’s important to have a small first aid kit in your home, but if you have a large family, you’ll need to stock up. This kit comes with everything you need to handle minor emergencies. Ambulances can take a while to get to you in bad weather, so it’s helpful to have a kit with more than just bandages.
Bio-ethanol gel is especially useful during a power outage because, unlike many other gases or liquids, it can be used safely indoors. Each fuel can produces approximately 3,000 BTUs and makes a nice crackling sound like a wood fire. Having some of these sealed cans in your garage that you can use to heat one room is worth it.
Severe weather tips
About the house:
- Allow faucets to drip slightly during freezing temperatures to reduce the risk of pipes bursting or freezing.
- Cover outdoor faucets to keep out the cold. These foam covers From Home Depot Perfect for outdoor faucets.
- Raise the temperature a few degrees before a storm so your home stays warmer longer in the event of a power outage.
- Know where your water shut-off valves are located 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 close by, even if you think you won’t need them. Maybe you can.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car that contains blankets, water, snacks, and essentials. You’ll be glad to have him if plans go sideways.
- If power is lost, move everyone to one room. It is easier to keep warm together than to keep several rooms warm.
Our experts weigh in
Even our experts have some reminders that make a big difference. Keep a roof rake handy It can save your shingles and gutters when heavy snow accumulates. It is also smart that Take care of your solar panelsEnsure that ice and debris will not affect its efficiency during freezing temperatures. and Don’t forget your security cameras — Cold and snow can affect performance, so setting them up will ensure you’re still able to keep an eye on things. This is one less thing to worry about.