The Winter Storm Edit
Eleven cold-weather essentials we'd keep in the hall closet. Warmth, light, power and the two safety items people forget.
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Winter storms rarely arrive as a surprise. There’s usually a forecast a few days out, and then a rush on the same few items at every store. This Edit is everything we’d want in the closet before that rush.
It covers four jobs: staying warm without power, keeping the lights on, staying informed, and protecting the house itself. Two items on this list aren’t exciting, the carbon monoxide alarm and the pipe insulation. They’re also the two that prevent the worst outcomes.
Safety first: never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gas oven to heat your home. Run generators outside, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. A battery carbon monoxide alarm is pick number one for a reason.
Not sure where to start? Grab picks 1, 2, 4 and 5 first. That covers safety, light, news and warmth for not much money.
Battery powered or with battery backup
Why it's here: The most important item on this page. Winter outages are when carbon monoxide poisonings spike, from generators, grills and heaters used in the wrong place. It works even when the power doesn't.
See options on AmazonBattery powered, collapsible, batteries included
Why it's here: Lights a whole room, and it's far safer than candles in a house full of blankets. The 2 pack means one can live in the bathroom.
Check price on Amazon292Wh, recharges from the wall, car or solar
Why it's here: Charges phones, runs a lamp and powers small devices like a CPAP for hours. Unlike a gas generator, it's safe to use indoors.
Check price on AmazonNOAA weather alerts, crank, solar and battery power
Why it's here: When cell towers get overloaded or lose power, this still picks up official weather alerts. It doubles as a flashlight and phone charger.
Check price on AmazonFolds to pocket size
Why it's here: Reflects body heat back at you. Cheap enough to keep a few in the house, the car and every go-bag.
Check price on AmazonRated to 20°F or lower
Why it's here: If the heat is out overnight, a properly rated bag keeps you warm without burning anything. It also works for camping the rest of the year.
See options on AmazonBulk box, up to 10 hours of heat each
Why it's here: Tuck them in pockets, gloves or a sleeping bag. Kids love them, and they don't need power or flame.
See options on AmazonTop and bottom, moisture wicking
Why it's here: Staying warm starts with what's against your skin. A good base layer keeps you comfortable at home when the thermostat can't.
See options on AmazonShrink film with tape, fits several windows
Why it's here: Drafty windows leak heat fast. This costs little, takes an afternoon, and helps every day of winter, not just during a storm.
See options on AmazonFoam sleeves plus outdoor faucet covers
Why it's here: A burst pipe can do more damage than the storm. Insulating exposed pipes before the freeze is one of the cheapest fixes you can make.
See options on AmazonUSB-C, pocket size
Why it's here: Small enough for a coat pocket and holds about two full phone charges. Keep one topped up for the first hours of an outage.
Check price on AmazonA 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.
Free printableOne 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.