In our high-tech modern world, it is easy to feel invincible. We have all the creature comforts we could ever want and more. With Wi-Fi, infinite networks, television streaming, video games, YouTube, and you name it, we have access to endless entertainment. That is, until the power goes out. If you lost power in the winter of 2021 during Texas’s unprecedented snowstorm, which some have dubbed the “Snowpocalypse,” you will not soon forget just how unprepared many were. The good news is we will be far more prepared next time. However, do not wait until another storm — start prepping now for an emergency so you will not be caught off guard again.
Food and Water
These are some of the few things we truly cannot live without for very long. Stock up on jugs of water as well as filtration packets for fresh drinking water. Stock up on nonperishable foods as you may lose power to your refrigerator, freezer, and stove. Easily heatable foods such as canned soup are helpful if you have a camp stove like the one listed below.
Portable C Power Bank for Your Cell Phone
Many people had to go out to their car to charge their cell phones during “Snowpocalypse.” Although the bonus was getting to warm up while charging, it was still a hassle. Furthermore, it was difficult or maybe impossible for those parked in garages.
Battery-Operated Heated Blanket
These would be a hot commodity, so be sure to pick one up next time you go shopping. Next time there is a storm, you will be perfectly warm and cozy with one of these. Just make sure to buy extras for the kids, the dogs, the hamster — you get the drift!
Battery-Powered Lights
Flashlights are great and should always be on hand, along with a drawer-full of backup batteries, of course. However, there are plenty of other options for setting up battery-powered lights in the most important rooms of your house (kitchen, bathroom, living room) during a blackout. Emergency rechargeable lightbulbs you can easily hang anywhere are our number one choice.
Camp Stove
Sterno are wonderful to have on hand to make it easy to heat water for hot cocoa or to warm up canned soup. Another option if you are facing a potentially longer outage, keep propane on hand but remember to use it safely outdoors with plenty of airflow.
Hand Warmers
Although gloves are good to have around, those little disposable hand warmers are the stuff of magic. No batteries are required. Activated by contact with air, these little packets quickly heat up and are great to stuff in your gloves or pockets for a rush of warmth.
Toilet Paper
Just because it seems to be one of the first things to be out of stock in a crisis!
