by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: November 17, 2009

When preparing a winter safety kit, the goal is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Remember in an emergency situation we may be without power, water, conventional heating methods and communication.

Most experts suggest that we have enough supplies in both our personal winter safety kits and family safety kits to last for 72 hours. So if it is done right the family could make it for at least 144 hours with no problem. Think about the basics first. We need food, water, and shelter.

*nonperishable foods that can be eaten without heating if need be
*a can opener
*bottled water (dehydration is a big concern)
*clean and dry clothing (clean and dry clothing have more loft and keeps us warmer)
*2nd pair of shoes for every family member
*sleeping bags
*battery operated flashlights
*extra batteries
*secondary heat source and fuel necessary to run it
*fire extinguishers
*medications (ask the pharmacists to pack 72 hours worth of personal medication separately each time prescriptions are filled and rotate these.)
*toilet paper
*heavy duty garbage bags
*battery operated radio
*personal hygiene items
*general first aid kit
* always keep vehicles with at least half of the tank full


There are the very basics. Now if a family really wants to be prepared they will have a drill. (Yes, we do this. I learned it from my parents.) One weekend the family wakes up and the power and water have been turned off and we are in- house for the weekend.

There is some great logic for this approach. The items in the winter safety kit are rotated, because they are used. You learn how to line a toilet with heavy duty plastic bags and dispose of the waste. You learn in a non-emergency situation what you really need in a kit to make life more comfortable when the stress gets higher.

These are some things we added:
*wet wipes
*deck of cards
*more pens and paper
*soft tissue
*books for everyone
*headlamp flashlights
*some small games
*individual comfort items (These were things that we discovered we wanted to feel better. We have a camera packed, some pictures, each family member added some personal comfort items, no questions asked.)

Obviously every family will require a little different winter safety kit. They may not have extreme weather. They may hate to read. Think food, water, shelter and enough "things" that you still love each other after the experience. It is important in an emergency situation that the family has a positive outlook and sticks together.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.