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A winter storm rarely hurts people with snow alone. The danger comes from what follows: power goes out, the furnace stops, pipes freeze, roads close and someone runs a generator in the garage. This guide covers what to do before, during and after a winter storm, and the 10 supplies that matter most. We kept the list short on purpose so we could explain what each one is for and how to size it.
Part of our Disaster Prep hub, a season-by-season guide to getting ready for whatever your region gets.
Key numbers to know
- 4 hours: how long a closed refrigerator keeps food safe without power. A full freezer holds about 48 hours, or about 24 if half full (FoodSafety.gov).
- 1 gallon per person per day: the water Ready.gov recommends storing, for drinking and sanitation, for several days.
- 20 feet: the minimum distance the CDC says to keep a generator from windows, doors and vents.
- 400+: Americans who die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires (CDC).
- About 5.5 hours: the average time a U.S. electricity customer was without power in 2022, according to the EIA. Without major events like storms, the average has stayed around 2 hours, so big weather drives most outage time.
Watch, warning or blizzard? What the alerts mean
| Alert | What it means (National Weather Service) | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Storm Watch | Conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm: heavy snow, sleet, ice or a combination. | Finish your shopping, fuel up the car and generator, charge everything. |
| Winter Storm Warning | A significant winter weather event is happening or expected. Travel may become difficult or impossible. | Stay home if you can. Set up your outage plan now. |
| Blizzard Warning | Frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow, often cutting visibility below 1/4 mile for 3 hours or more. | Don’t travel. Expect whiteouts and power outages. |
Local NWS offices set their own thresholds for some alerts, so the exact snow amounts vary by region.
Your winter storm timeline
Before winter (now)
- Have your furnace serviced and test your carbon monoxide alarms.
- Find your main water shutoff and learn how to close it.
- Build your kit using the list below, and store water.
- If you’ll use a generator, decide how it will power the house (see the transfer switch tip below) before you need it.
When a watch is issued
- Charge phones, power banks and your power station. Fill the car’s gas tank.
- Stock up on medications, baby supplies and pet food for at least a week.
- Turn the fridge and freezer to their coldest settings, and fill empty freezer space with jugs of water.
During the storm
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed.
- Heat one room and close off the rest. Hang blankets over doorways.
- Let faucets on outside walls drip and open sink cabinet doors to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Keep furnace and water heater vents clear of drifting snow (see the trade tip below).
After the power returns
- Check fridge and freezer temperatures. FoodSafety.gov says to discard refrigerated perishables like meat, eggs and leftovers after 4 hours without power, and never taste food to check it.
- Restock what you used, so you’re ready for the next storm.
From the trades: your furnace needs electricity too. Most gas furnaces can’t run without power, because the blower, igniter and controls are electric. A generator or large power station can run one, but only through a proper connection such as a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed a house through a dryer outlet. It can electrocute utility workers and damage your home. Also, many high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters vent through white plastic pipes on the side of the house. If snow buries those pipes, the appliance can shut down or push exhaust back inside, so keep them clear.
How to size backup power (simple math)
Power stations are rated in watt-hours (Wh), which is how much energy they store. To estimate runtime, use this formula:
Watt-hours × 0.85 ÷ device watts = hours of runtime
The 0.85 accounts for energy lost converting battery power to household power. For example, a 1,000 Wh power station running a 60 W device gives about 1,000 × 0.85 ÷ 60 = about 14 hours.
| Device | Typical running watts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charging | 10–20 W | Easy for any power bank |
| LED lamp or lantern | 5–15 W | Far safer than candles |
| Wi-Fi router and modem | 10–25 W | Keeps you connected for news and alerts |
| CPAP (no heated humidifier) | 30–60 W | Check your machine’s label; humidifiers use much more |
| Refrigerator | 100–250 W average | Startup surge is several times higher |
| Gas furnace blower | 300–800 W | Needs a proper transfer connection |
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | Drains most power stations within hours |
These are typical ranges, not exact figures. Check the label on your own devices, and add up everything you’ll run at the same time.
Want it done for you? Try our power station and generator sizing calculator. For specific models, see our best portable power stations and best dual fuel generators guides.
The 10 things worth stocking
1. A portable power station
Why: Silent, safe indoors and ready instantly. A 1,000 Wh or larger unit can keep phones, lights, Wi-Fi and a CPAP running through a typical outage.
Look for: 1,000+ Wh capacity, LiFePO4 battery (lasts more charge cycles), a pure sine wave inverter, and the option to recharge from solar panels.
See power stations on Amazon →
2. A dual fuel generator (for long outages)
Why: For outages lasting days, or to run a furnace or well pump. Dual fuel models run on gasoline or propane, and propane stores for years without going stale.
Look for: an inverter model if you’ll power electronics, a CO shutoff sensor, and enough running watts for your essentials. Run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, never in a garage.
See dual fuel generators on Amazon →
3. Carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup
Why: Outages are when CO poisonings spike, from generators, camp stoves and charcoal used indoors. The CDC recommends battery-operated or battery-backup CO detectors near every sleeping area.
Look for: UL 2034 listing, a digital display, and a sealed 10-year battery or plug-in with battery backup.
4. A NOAA weather radio with hand crank
Why: When cell towers and internet go down, a weather radio still gets official alerts. Ready.gov lists a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert in its basic kit.
Look for: NOAA weather band with alert, hand crank and solar charging, a built-in flashlight and a USB port for topping up a phone.
See weather radios on Amazon →
5. Rechargeable LED lanterns and headlamps
Why: Candles start house fires during outages. One lantern per room you’ll use, plus a headlamp per person, keeps hands free.
Look for: USB-C charging, 300+ lumens for lanterns, and a long low-power mode.
See lanterns on Amazon →See headlamps on Amazon →
6. Water storage containers
Why: Frozen or broken pipes and well pumps without power can cut off water. At 1 gallon per person per day, a family of four needs 12 gallons for three days.
Look for: BPA-free, food-grade containers with a spigot. Stackable 3.5 to 7-gallon jugs are easier to carry than drums. Add a pack of bottled water for grab-and-go use.
See water containers on Amazon →
7. Cold-weather sleeping bags and wool blankets
Why: The safest way to stay warm without power is to insulate people, not heat the whole house. Never use an oven, gas stove, grill or camp stove for heat.
Look for: sleeping bags rated to 20°F or lower, and wool or fleece blankets for every bed. Our cold-weather layering guide explains how to dress warm indoors too.
8. Fridge and freezer thermometers plus a cooler
Why: A thermometer tells you whether food is still safe instead of guessing. FoodSafety.gov’s guidance hinges on 40°F in the fridge.
Look for: inexpensive appliance thermometers for both compartments, and a well-insulated cooler to move food into if the outage drags on.
See appliance thermometers on Amazon →
9. A good snow shovel and pet-safe ice melt
Why: You need a clear path out of the house and to your vents, and you need it before help can reach you. An ergonomic shovel reduces back strain.
Look for: a bent-handle or pusher-style shovel, and ice melt labeled safe for pets and concrete. Snowfall heavy where you live? A snow blower is worth considering.
See snow shovels on Amazon →See ice melt on Amazon →
10. A car winter emergency kit and jump starter
Why: Cold weather weakens car batteries, and drivers stranded in storms can be stuck for hours.
Look for: a lithium jump starter (no second car needed), plus a kit with a blanket, ice scraper, small shovel, traction mats, flashlight, water and snacks.
See jump starters on Amazon →See car kits on Amazon →
The rest of your basic kit
Ready.gov’s basic kit also includes several days of non-perishable food, a manual can opener, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle, medications, and phone chargers with a backup battery. Most households already own some of these, so gather them into one bin you can find in the dark.
Winter storm risks by region
| Region | Main winter threats | Prep priority |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Plains and Upper Midwest | Blizzards, extreme cold, long travel closures | Heat backup, car kit, frozen pipe prevention |
| Northeast and Great Lakes | Nor’easters, lake-effect snow, heavy wet snow on power lines | Multi-day power backup, snow removal |
| South and Southeast | Ice storms; homes and roads built for heat, not cold | Pipe protection, power backup, staying off icy roads |
| Rockies and Front Range | Fast-changing upslope storms, wind, high-elevation cold | Car kit, vent clearing, layered clothing |
| Pacific Northwest | Ice and windstorms that topple trees onto lines | Power backup, lighting, water storage |
FAQ
How long does food last in the fridge when the power goes out?
About 4 hours if the door stays closed. A full freezer holds a safe temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if it’s half full (FoodSafety.gov).
Can I run a generator in my garage with the door open?
No. The CDC says never to use a generator inside a home or garage, even with doors and windows open. Run it outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
Is a power station or a generator better for winter outages?
A power station is safer and simpler for short outages and essentials like phones, lights, Wi-Fi and medical devices. A generator is better for outages that last days or for running a furnace, as long as it’s connected properly. Many households have one of each.
How much water should I store?
Ready.gov recommends 1 gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. Store extra for pets.
Related guides
- Best Family Cars for Snow: AWD SUVs and Minivans Compared
- Disaster Prep hub: what to prepare for each season
- The Best Portable Power Stations for Home Backup
- The Best Dual Fuel Generators
- How to Layer for Cold Weather
- Kids’ Winter Essentials
- Ice Storms and Frozen Pipes: How to Protect Your Home
- Winter Car Emergency Kit: What to Pack and How to Drive in Snow
Sources
National Weather Service: Winter Watches, Warnings and Advisories; Ready.gov: Build a Kit; CDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics; FoodSafety.gov: Food Safety During a Power Outage; U.S. Energy Information Administration: power interruptions in 2022. Device wattages are typical ranges for planning only. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.
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