7 Things You Need for a Winter Emergency Home Kit

It’s always a good idea to build a survival kit. But it’s especially so during winter. Rough storms can hit at any time, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow that leave you without power or snowed in for extended periods. Kits are the best way to deal with the unexpected. Don’t get caught off guard when a storm strikes. Learn how to make an emergency kit for your home with a few essentials.

1. First Aid Kit

From basic car emergency kits to winter emergency kits for homes, first aid is always a necessity. Rapid & emergency first aid kits allow you to provide care for minor injuries to prevent them from worsening. They’re especially helpful for times when roads are slick, or you cannot immediately reach professional assistance. You can buy a ready-to-use kit or make your own using supplies like:

• Bandages
• Tweezers
• Iodine/antiseptic wipes
• Gauze
• Shears
• Tape/adhesive
• Pain relievers
• Latex gloves

2. Light Source

Power outages are a common occurrence during seasonal storms. Make sure you can light your way by having at least a couple of flashlights on hand in your emergency kit. They’ll provide the light you need to check your circuit breaker or easily navigate your home at night. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries. You’ll need them in case of an extended power outage.

3. Non-Perishable Food + Water

All winter emergency kits for homes need non-perishable food for every family member. Whether you’re snowed in and unable to leave or you’re without power, your refrigerated food is only a viable option for a limited time. Having a stock of military MREs, canned foods, and other shelf-stable foods ensures you’ll have enough sustenance to ride out the storm. Be sure to have about 3 to 5 days worth of food per person (and pet!). You’ll also need a large supply of water since pipes can freeze.

4. Thermal Clothes

Learning how to make an emergency kit for your home? Cold weather gear should be at the top of your list. This gear is great for providing added warmth if/when you cannot traditionally heat your home.

Thermal clothes are a must if you’re experiencing frigid or sub-zero temperatures. Made from moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics like fleece and nylon, they trap your body heat and prevent it from escaping so you can stay warm. Keep a pair of bottoms and a top in the winter emergency kit for your home to remain warm and comfortable in the cold.

5. Extra Blanket

Maintaining warmth is critical when you’re dealing with a blizzard or rough winter conditions. That’s why you’ll want a military blanket in your emergency home kit. Many of these blankets are constructed of wool – a material that’s highly regarded for its warmth and strength. These features are a must for when/if the power goes out and you’re unable to heat your home.

6. Sleeping Bag

Rest is essential in the face of emergencies. But unfortunately, cold weather can make sleep difficult. Not just for outdoor adventures, military sleeping bags are great for providing the much-needed warmth you need to rest and keep a clear mind. Some of these sleeping bags even provide insulation in temperatures ranging from mild to extremely cold, delivering unparalleled protection in your winter emergency kit for home!

7. Communication Tools

You can’t underestimate the importance of communication when learning how to make an emergency kit for your home. It’s your connection not only to family and friends but also to vital news, weather, and power updates. Power banks and cables are valuable for keeping your phones and other devices powered. But it’s also a good idea to have a battery-powered radio or NOAA radio for your home winter emergency kit. Emergency radios provide a reliable source of information and communication when the power grid is down. This is because they’re powered by alternative sources like hand-crank mechanisms and rechargeable batteries.

Learn How to Make an Emergency Kit for Your Home

Winter emergency kits for homes are your solution for getting through unexpected storms and power outages with ease. Be ready for anything with extreme cold weather clothing and gear from Army Surplus World. We even offer fast shipping so you can get what you need ASAP.