What to Buy for a Winter Storm: A Prioritized Shopping List
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When a winter storm is in the forecast, stores fill up fast and the essentials go first. This list is prioritized so you buy what matters most before you think about extras. It’s based on guidance from Ready.gov and NHTSA.
For the full preparation plan, see how to be prepared for a snow storm.
Table of Contents
Priority 1: Buy These First
- Water: Ready.gov recommends one gallon per person per day for several days.
- Non-perishable food for several days, including foods that don’t need cooking.
- Medications: refill prescriptions before the storm.
- Flashlights and extra batteries.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA weather bands.
- Phone power banks.
Priority 2: Heat and Safety
- Blankets and sleeping bags for each person.
- Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup. Ready.gov recommends installing and testing smoke and CO detectors.
- Extra warm layers: hats, gloves, socks.
- Generator fuel and supplies only if you have a generator and can run it safely outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages, per Ready.gov.
Priority 3: Snow and Ice Tools
- Snow shovel (ergonomic or a smaller car shovel).
- Ice melt for walkways.
- Ice scraper and snow brush.
Priority 4: Car Supplies
NHTSA’s winter driving tips recommend keeping these in your vehicle:
- A snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Jumper cables, a flashlight and warning devices
- A first aid kit and blankets
- A phone charger, water, food and medicine
Also top up winter washer fluid and fill your gas tank.
Priority 5: Nice-to-Haves
- Hand warmers
- Board games and books
- A cooler for food if the power goes out
- Pet supplies
Shopping Picks
Sale
FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio A1 7400mWh Solar Hand Crank (Orange) | AM/FM/WB power bank 4 power options SOS alarm LED flashlight & 4 LED reading light for outdoor emergency & power outage use.
- [7400mWh (2000mAh) POWER BANK WILL KEEP DEVICES POWERED] The FosPower FOSPWB-2376 emergency radio incorporates a 7400mWh (2000mAh) power bank capable of providing emergency power to any small tablet or phone.
- [3 POWER SOURCES POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT] Use the emergency weather radio's 3 power sources when you need a boost of power or need to recharge the radio. The radio's crank lever and solar panel are both capable of regenerating enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go when you need it most. AAA Batteries ensure you have power when not able to regenerate power.
- [2 LIGHT SOURCES ALWAYS POWERED] The emergency crank radio can also provide light. The 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight provides enough output to keep you and your loved ones out of the dark in an emergency situation.
- [NOAA EMERGENCY WEATHER BROADCAST ACCESS] The radio will dependably receive up to the second emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM stations.
- [LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY] Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please visit FosPower's website for more information.
Sale
QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets 4 Packs Survival Kit 84''x55'' | Space Blanket for Outdoor Activities First Aid Car Kit for Camping Hiking Survival, Bug Out Bag, Marathons Essentials
- Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets - Emergency Blanket,Space Blanket,Thermal Blanket,Mylar Blanket,Survival Blanket.Our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are perfect for civilian bug out bags, go-bags, and home/auto emergency kits.
- Space Blanket Survival kit Camping Blanket (Pack of 4)- Each survival blanket is individually folded, wrapped, and sealed for easy storage and retrieval. They are reusable, waterproof and windproof and can also be used for both ground cover and shade. Durable and advanced aluminized dual-sided Mylar blankets are perfect for conserving body heat in emergency survival situations.
- EMERGENCY USE - Perfect for emergency situations where warmth or protection from all-weather conditions is required. Helps prevent hypothermia and shock by retaining/reflecting up to 90% of a user's body heat. our blankets can help block rain, snow, and moisture to keep you dry in damp, wet, cold, rainy environments
- Manufactured from the best Weatherproof Material : Waterproof and weatherproof foil and Mylar emergency thermal blanket for retaining or deflecting heat. Mylar insert provides insulation and the foil cover can reflect heat back to the body or deflect heat from the sun
- Provides compact emergency protection in all weather conditions: Perfect for camping trips and sporting events. uses are nearly limitless: use as tent footprint, backpack cover, rain poncho, emergency signal, solar oven, shade cover, fishing lure, bird repellent, emergency shelter, sleeping bag liner, ground cover, bivouac sack, wind blocker, arm sling, tourniquet, bivvy, trail marker, water collector, snow melt container and so on.
SnowPro Snow Shovel for Car, Fast Folding and Telescoping Design for Emergency Snow Removal - Compact Snow Shovel Kit - Collapsible and Portable Utility Shovel for Camping Hiking
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND BUILT TO LAST - The SnowPro snow shovel is crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy and stainless steel fasteners with anti-corrosion anodizing surface treatment, which allows our emergency shovel last for years. The thickened aluminum shaft with unique teardrop-shaped cross section ensures the exceptional sturdiness & strength of our portable avalanche shovel.
- DEFINITION OF VERSATILITY - Our heavy-duty constructed utility shovel is great for shoveling not only snow but also dirt, mud, sand, etc. This emergency shovel will always help you out of trouble when you are driving, backpacking, camping or snowmobiling. The SnowPro backcountry shovel is your best mate of outdoor activities.
- COMPACT AND CONVENIENT - The fast telescoping and folding design makes the most compact emergency shovel. It takes no space of the trunk or garage and can be easily attached to your backpack, ATV, SUV, snowmobile, etc. The large ergonomic D handle with GRID feature provides firm and comfortable grip.
- DIMENSIONS OF THE SHOVEL - Extended dimensions: 8.75” Width x 34” Length x 5.5” Height, folded dimensions: 8.75” Width x 22” Length x 2” Height. Weight 1.6Lbs. Thanks to the compact size and lightweight, our collapsible shovel can be a great choice for the kids’ outdoor activities.
- SNOWPRO WARRANTY - Brewin SnowPro backs its snow removal tools with a 1-year warranty for worry-free purchase. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions when you are assembling or using our shovels.
For a full kit for your car, see the best car emergency kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I buy first before a winter storm?
Water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a radio and power banks.
How much food should I buy for a winter storm?
Ready.gov recommends at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food.
Do I need a generator for a winter storm?
Not necessarily. If you use one, run it outdoors, well away from the house, and have CO detectors inside.
What should I buy for my car before a snow storm?
A shovel, scraper, traction material, blankets, a jump starter or cables, water and snacks.
The Bottom Line
For a winter storm, buy water, food, medications, light and a radio first, then heat and safety supplies, snow tools and car supplies. Shopping early, before the forecast turns into a warning, keeps you ahead of the rush.
