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If you only buy a few things this season, buy from this list. It covers the five things every household needs to ride out a few days on its own: safe water, light, power, news and food, plus first aid and a carbon monoxide alarm to keep everyone safe.
On a budget? Start with the CO alarm, the water containers, the lanterns, batteries and the radio. That covers the most important needs for well under the cost of the power station alone.
How much is enough? Ready.gov recommends at least 3 days of water and food for everyone in your home, and up to two weeks if you can. Water is one gallon per person, per day.
Want the full picture? Our free winter storm checklist covers your home, car and supplies on one printable page.
Runs on AA batteries, works with the power out
Why it's here: Pick number one for a reason. Outages are when carbon monoxide poisonings spike, from generators, grills and heaters used in the wrong place. Put one on every level of your home.
Check price on Amazon30 gallons total, spigots and water preserver included
Why it's here: About a week of drinking water for a family of four, in containers that stack in a closet corner.
Check price on AmazonHolds up to 100 gallons, hand pump included
Why it's here: The fastest way to store a lot of water when a storm is in the forecast. Fill your tub, and it folds away afterward.
Check price on AmazonMakes clear water safe to drink, see package directions
Why it's here: Small, cheap backup if your stored water runs out or a boil-water notice hits your area.
Check price on AmazonFully cooked, ready to eat, 12g protein per can
Why it's here: The easiest emergency protein there is. No cooking needed, and you'll use it in normal meals so nothing goes to waste.
Check price on Amazon10 pouches, up to 25-year shelf life
Why it's here: Set-and-forget storage food for the back of the pantry, so you're covered even if the everyday cans run low.
Check price on Amazon350 lumens each, runs on AA batteries
Why it's here: One lantern for every room. Far safer than candles, and they fold flat for storage.
Check price on Amazon12-year storage guarantee
Why it's here: Your lanterns, flashlights, radio and CO alarm all run on these. Buy one big pack and you're set for years.
Check price on AmazonNOAA weather alerts, crank, solar and battery power
Why it's here: Official alerts keep coming even when cell service doesn't. Doubles as a flashlight and phone charger.
Check price on AmazonPocket size, USB-C
Why it's here: Keeps a phone alive for a couple of extra days. Cheap enough to get one for every adult in the house.
Check price on Amazon292Wh, safe to use indoors
Why it's here: The upgrade pick. Runs lamps, charges phones and laptops, and powers small devices like a CPAP through a typical outage.
Check price on AmazonIncludes a small bonus kit for the car or a go-bag
Why it's here: Emergencies come with cuts, burns and sprains, and help may be slow to arrive. A stocked kit covers the basics.
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A calm, hour-by-hour plan for when the power goes out in a winter storm. How to stay warm, keep food safe and avoid the mistakes that cause real harm.
One printable page to get your home, car and supplies ready before winter weather hits.
A one-page printable that covers your home, car and supplies. Stick it on the fridge and check things off.