A winter storm emergency kit should cover two places: your home, where a power outage can last days, and your car, where you could be stranded in the cold. The core items are the same in both: water, high-calorie food, warmth, light, a way to charge your phone and basic first aid. Build both kits now, before the first major storm, because shelves empty fast once a forecast turns serious.
The checklists below follow guidance from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the federal Ready.gov program, organized so you can shop for or gather each item in one pass.
Home winter storm checklist
Plan for at least several days without power, heat or the ability to drive to a store.
- Water and food: drinking water plus non-perishable food that needs no cooking, such as nuts, dried fruit, granola bars and canned goods with a manual can opener.
- Light and information: flashlights with extra batteries and a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio.
- Health: a first-aid kit, extra prescription medicine and baby supplies like diapers and formula if needed.
- Heat: extra heating fuel and a safe backup heat source, such as a fireplace, wood stove or properly ventilated space heater, plus blankets and layers.
- Fire and air safety: a fire extinguisher, working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide detector, all tested monthly.
- Pets: extra pet food and a warm place indoors for animals.
Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage, and keep the outside vents for your furnace and dryer clear of snow. Carbon monoxide deaths rise during winter outages; our guide to carbon monoxide warning signs explains what to watch for.
Car winter survival kit
If you are stuck on a highway or in a ditch, this kit keeps you warm and visible until help arrives.
| Category | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Communication | Phone, charger and a portable battery pack |
| Warmth | Blankets or sleeping bags, extra dry clothes, hats and gloves |
| Food and water | High-calorie snacks and water, plus a small can and waterproof matches to melt snow |
| Light and first aid | Flashlight with spare batteries, first-aid kit and a knife |
| Getting unstuck | Shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, ice scraper and brush |
| Car repair | Jumper cables, tow rope and a basic tool kit |
| Navigation | Paper road maps and a compass in case your phone dies |
| Sanitation | A large empty can, tissues and paper towels |
Before the season, have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, tires, wipers, lights and heater. Keep your gas tank close to full, which helps prevent fuel-line freeze-ups and gives you heat if you are stranded.
Watch, warning or advisory: what the alerts mean
- Winter Storm Watch: conditions are favorable for a significant storm, usually a day or two ahead. Finish your preparations.
- Winter Storm Warning: a dangerous storm is happening or about to happen. Stay off the roads if you can.
- Winter Weather Advisory: snow, sleet or ice that will cause problems, but is less severe. Drive slowly and allow extra time.
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone, and call 511 in most states for road conditions before you drive. For a look at what forecasters expect this season, see our explainer on the winter 2026–27 snow outlook.
If you get stranded in your car
- Stay with the vehicle unless help is clearly within reach. A car is easier for rescuers to find than a person on foot.
- Tie a bright cloth to the antenna or door and turn on the dome light at night so you can be seen.
- Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Move your arms and legs to stay warm, and drink water to avoid dehydration.
Frequently asked questions
When should I build a winter emergency kit?
Before the first freeze, ideally in October or November. Check it again each winter and replace expired food, water and batteries.
How much water should I store?
Ready.gov’s general guideline is one gallon per person per day for several days. Add extra for pets.
Is it safe to use a gas oven to heat my home?
No. Gas ovens and stoves are not designed to heat a home and can produce dangerous carbon monoxide. Use approved heaters only.
What is the single most important item in a car kit?
Warmth. Blankets and extra dry clothing can keep you safe for hours even if the engine will not run.
Sources: National Weather Service winter preparedness and Ready.gov winter weather guidance.
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