Winter Emergency Survival Kit: What to Include

Winter Emergency Survival Kit: What to Include

Putting together an emergency winter kit can be crucial if you live in an area prone to heavy snowstorms or blizzards, or if your region is forecast for a long period of winter weather. If the power goes out, or you are unable to leave your home for a period of time, this type of kit could be the difference between catastrophe or calm. But what should you include?

What to Include in a Winter Survival Kit for Your Car

According to the National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, some common items to include in a winter survival kit for your car include the following. To start, make sure you have the basics, like a cell phone charger, a flashlight (with extra batteries), a first aid kit, a snow shovel, an ice scraper (with a brush), blankets, and a sleeping bag. Additionally, bring non-perishable food (like dried nuts, raisins, granola bars, and semi-sweet chocolate broken in pieces for sharing), bottled water, booster cables, extra clothing (such as hats, mittens, parkas, and boots), and a flare or other bright object to flag down help if needed.

Did you know you should also bring kitty litter along for the ride? That’s right—kitty litter (or sand) can be helpful for traction in case you get stuck in a ditch or deep snow.

What to Include in a Winter Survival Kit at Home

A general emergency survival kit isn’t just useful for winter. In the event of extreme weather or a catastrophic event, Ready.gov advises you have the following items in your home in case of a disaster. These include the basics, such as water (one gallon per person for multiple days is recommended, both for drinking and sanitation) and food (enough non-perishable food to last multiple days).

Like the winter supply kit for your car, a typical emergency supply kit for your home also includes a flashlight, first aid kit, and extra batteries. Consider adding a whistle to call for help, a dust mask, a can opener, a wrench or pliers (in case you need to turn off utilities), garbage bags, plastic ties, towels, plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case you need to shelter in place), a NOAA weather radio, and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio.

If your household includes pets, babies, or seniors, you may need to adjust or add to this kit as necessary, including items such as diapers, formula, pet food, board games, puzzles, and medication.

Survival Kit Tips

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place. Boxed food should be stored in metal or plastic containers that can be tightly closed. Discard and replace expired items. Take stock of your emergency kit each year, and update it as necessary based on your family’s changing needs.

Additionally, keep your kit stored in a safe location that is easily accessible if you must make a quick exit. Make sure all family members know where it is located.

For more information on building a survival kit for winter, and other tips for keeping warm and safe in the cold, check out Ready.gov’s “Winter Ready” resource page.

SERVPRO’s Winter Storm Damage Services

SERVPRO^® is experienced in cleanup after winter storms. From The Great Texas Freeze of February 2021 to the Winter Storm and Arctic Blast of December 2022, no job is too big or too small for SERVPRO, including blizzards, bomb cyclones, freeze events, and ice storms.

When you reach out to your local SERVPRO in the aftermath of winter storm damage, you’ll receive assistance navigating the insurance claims process. SERVPRO aims to help you process paperwork and coordinate with insurance for a smooth, quick, and easy experience.

Your local SERVPRO franchise is also equipped to mobilize local command centers and has access to strategically placed storm teams across North America. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Teams^® are available 24/7 for any type of extreme weather or natural disaster. Additionally, your local franchise offers an Emergency Ready Plan, so you know what to do if disaster occurs. Consider working with SERVPRO to build your emergency ready profile in case disaster strikes.

Does SERVPRO Rebuild After Snow Damage?

Yes, SERVPRO is equipped to provide full-service reconstruction services in homes and businesses. If extreme weather, like a blizzard or ice storm, damages your property, reach out. Handling the job from pre-construction to post-construction, technicians are committed to quality and can handle both small rebuilds and major reconstruction of entire rooms, floors, or buildings. A significant benefit of working with SERVPRO is that you’ll have a single point of contact throughout the job, including technicians familiar with the project from beginning to end. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.

SERVPRO is Ready for Winter Weather Anytime

Winter temperatures can change rapidly, putting you in danger with little to no warning. With 2230 SERVPRO locations in the United States and Canada, there is a franchise nearby, ready to service your winter cleanup needs. SERVPRO professionals are committed to returning your property to pre-loss condition and are always Here to Help^®. Find your local SERVPRO today and reach out anytime.

For more information about SERVPRO, visit our FAQ and Glossary.