It’s here – the depths of the winter cold. This is the time of year when the weather gets serious, and winter storms threaten to interrupt our lives with power outages, icy roads, and bone-chilling cold. The best way to weather a winter storm is to make sure you’re prepared before one hits. Make sure you have these things on hand before the first snowflake falls and you and your family can enjoy some rest during your “forced vacation” rather than the terror of battling a winter storm unprepared.

1. Batteries 

Those of us who are “of a certain age” remember what it was like back when we didn’t have the luxury of charging things with a wall outlet and a seemingly endless supply of electricity. What did we rely on back in the Dark Ages? Batteries! Make sure you’ve got a supply of batteries on hand to power flashlights, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, radios, and other equipment you may end up needing during a winter storm. Also, invest in a phone power bank so you can keep your phone working in case you need to call for help.

2. Toilet paper 

Nobody wants to go back to the early days of Covid when we were bartering with our friends for a roll of toilet paper. Stock up before the storm hits, and please, only buy what you need so there will be plenty for everyone.

3. Pet food 

Your cabinets may be packed for you, but have you considered how much pet food your furry family members will need if you’re stuck at home in the snow for a week? Go ahead and stock up ahead of time. Pet food tends to have a long shelf life so it’s easy to stock up when it’s on sale so you have plenty when the need arises.

4. Medicine 

You can’t just run to the store in a winter storm to pick up cough medicine, prescriptions, bandages, and fever reducer. And if the weather is bad enough, even ambulances may have a tough time getting to you. Make sure you have all the necessary medical supplies on hand to deal with typical injuries and illnesses.

5. Heating fuel 

If the power goes out, you’ll need an alternative source of heat to stay warm. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace, a gas-powered generator to power your central heat, or use a kerosene space heater, all of those things are useless without the fuel needed to power them. Also, don’t forget to check the tank on your gas grill – which can be a perfectly functional cook stove when you want a hot meal in a cold, powerless house.

6. Foods you don’t need to cook 

Even if you do have a gas grill, when the weather is freezing, you probably won’t want to stand out in the cold cooking three meals a day on the grill. Stock up on foods that can be eaten cold, like granola bars, canned tuna, peanut butter, bread, and nuts.

7. A tank of gas 

Winter storms can interrupt the delivery of fuel to gas stations. While you’re out picking up winter storm supplies, top off your tank, too.

Is your insurance ready to take on winter storm threats? 

Your homeowners insurance and car insurance should be ready in case a winter storm hits and you need to file a claim. Give Edwards Insurance Agency in Taylors, S.C a call today, and we can help you make sure you’ve covered properly “just in case.”