Though I won’t say I am -always- moderate, I strive for moderacy and that is the goal with this guide. Not over prepping, not under prepping, just doing what is needed so we are ready and set for winter weather.

1. Make sure you have the correct gear.
   • We do this at the start of every winter season and make sure that the kids and us are properly outfitted with:
     • snow boots
     • rain boots (which can briefly and with wool socks double as back up snow boots in a pinch)
     • coat
     • hat
     • waterproof snow gloves
     • regular cotton gloves
     • base layers
     • warm socks (cotton or wool is best)
     • scarf or neckwarmer
     • Balaclava if your climate gets very cold. Here we have a couple for my husband to wear while shoveling, but they’re not really necessary for the whole family who likely won’t spend an extended time outdoors if it’s colder than 20F
2. Know your limits when it comes to the cold
   • If it’s below 20F, I have them come in and warm up every 20 minutes. If it’s 10 or under I keep a very close eye and they can only play out very briefly. If it’s colder than 0F, I don’t let the kids play outside at all. If you live in a very cold climate you may have different standards, but that’s what works for us here in New Jersey.

1. Prepare for a power outage
   • It doesn’t always happen in a snowstorm, but it’s good to have a plan for what you’ll do if the power goes out and the roads are not safe to drive on. This could look like a generator, multiple fireplaces, a wood burning stove, or a back up heating system. In years where we had none of these options available we made plans to stay with my parents who did have a generator when potential winter weather power outages were predicted.
   • If you use a gas generator, it’s a good idea to keep AV (airplane) fuel on hand instead of gasoline that you have to use and cycle through more frequently. AV gas lasts much longer and you don’t have to worry about it messing up your generator if it sits too long.
   • If you’re going to have a power outage, you may have trouble with using your laundry machines, dishwasher, and hot water. I recommend making sure your laundry is done and everyone in the family is showered or bathed right before the storm that way you don’t have to worry about it if you’re left without hot water for a shower.
   • Cooking may be more difficult during a power outage, so it’s a good idea to make some meals or keep some simple easy to prep and eat food on hand. I also keep disposable plates, cups, and cutlery on hand so that you aren’t stuck washing dishes in the cold with no hot water. If your grill is your back up for cooking, consider the weather and whether you’ll want to be standing out there in it 😉
   • Keep emergency phone numbers written down on a piece of paper so you’ll have access to it even if the power goes out or if your phone dies and you are using someone else’s. It’s not a bad idea to keep your phone charged and have a back up power bank.
   • Candles, lanterns, etc are a good idea. Growing up, we’d find all the flashlights ahead of time and put them on the kitchen counter or spread across various rooms so we’d have easy access to them.
2. Food and Drink
   • Now we know how unpleasant it is when everyone cleans out the grocery store before a storm, it’s a better idea to stay prepared and just grab a few extras as needed. FEMA’s official recommendation is that each household should keep a 2 week supply on hand, but if you have enough space, it’s not a bad idea to keep 6 months to a year’s worth of back up and cycle through so you aren’t wasting the food. That being said, the time right before a storm isn’t the time to build your longer term supply. Get the basics, and leave the rest for other storm-preppers.
   • Though you’ll have your standard back up supply, it’s a good idea to stock up on things like milk, bread, fresh produce, and any other items you expect to get regularly. When a storm’s coming you can think, “What’s the longest I may not be able to shop for?” and add a day just to be safe.

1. Outdoor Preparations
   • Make plans for items you’ll need for your outdoor area. A shovel, salt, etc. It’s good to sprinkle salt before a storm if you know it’s going to be icy. If you plan to have someone else plow or shovel for you, touch base with them before the storm to make sure they’ll be able to help out.
   • It’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is prepared too. All weather or snow tires, chains if you live in a bad climate or on a steep slope, a snow scraper and tire shovel to keep in the trunk. Keep an extra wool blanket, matches or lighter, and jacket in the car too in case of emergencies.

I hope that you found this helpful, and I’d love to hear you share your own winter storm prepping tips in the comments. I will update this post as needed, and hopefully add a link to an Amazon board with all my favorite storm supplies.

Hope you have a fun time in the snow my friends!

Michelle