by Pat Merewether

Created on: November 16, 2009   Last Updated: August 04, 2010

One minute you're sitting in your cozy home watching TV and munching popcorn, the next POOF! A winter storm rolls through taking your heat, lights and peace of mind with it.  Having a winter emergency kit ready ahead of time your hour (or hours) of darkness will make this experience easier to endure.

It's a good idea to include the whole family when preparing an emergency kit. This way everyone will know where to find it, what's in it and how to use what's in it. This is especially important if a winter emergency happens while your kids are home alone.

Start with a large plastic storage bin with a tight-fitting lid. The lid will keep everything safe and dry and also keep out any critters, like mice, who may find their way into your home. Purchase a bin in an easy-to-recognize color and place it in an easy-to-find place. A shelf in the garage (unless it gets below freezein innside). A basement is a good choice, or in your laundry room. You might wish to have a separate bin for emergency pet supplies.

The people kit should include:

Several flash lights (the hand crank kind is best). Pack a small flash light for each child, as this will make them feel a bit safer.

An emergency radio (hand crank or have extra batteries)

At least a gallon of drinking water for each person. Store emergency jugs of water in your freezer. This will help fill empty spaces and lower your energy bill. Thaw the jugs of water and use to flush the toilet. Some experts are saying that we shouldn't drink water frozen in plastic bottles - but hydration is very important and I'd take the risk in an emergency. These frozen jugs of water will also delay thawing of the items in the freezer until the power returns.

A bottle of hand sanitizer.

Non-perishable food such as envelopes of tuna, tins of sardines, an unopened box of crackers, peanut butter, tins of baked beans, granola bars, jerky, trail mix, canned fruit, non-condensed soup, etc. are all excellent ideas for emergency food. Include a few cartons of rice milk (or soy milk or cow's milk) that does not have to be refrigerated until it is opened. Single serving sizes of these and breakfast cereal are helpful. Add some special treats like candy bars (but don't tell the kids or they'll mysteriously disappear).

Disposable bowls and spoons.

Paper towels.

Wipes

A non-electric can opener (or purchase canned goods with pull tab openings)

A small camp stove (or a fondue pot that uses tins of Canned Heat.)

Canned heat (sterno)

A bag

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