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Snowstorm Plans

By: Isabella Pena


   When a large storm is approaching during any season, but especially during winter, it is essential to prepare any necessary supplies for your household to ensure everyone stays safe. Not many storms often force people to go without power, food, gas, or water, but you are better off being prepared for the worst than being unprepared during it. To be best prepared for inclement weather, it is best to have separate preparations for your car and house. In the unfortunate event of a road closing down due to a storm or a sudden snowstorm passing by while you are driving, here is a list of the necessities to stay safe. Things such as: 

  • chargers, backup batteries, and your phone

  • jumper cables if your car’s battery dies

  • tire chains or snow tires, to keep traction on snow or sleet-covered roads

  • a first aid kit

  • flares or a flare gun in the event of a dire emergency

  • a supply of water and snacks to feed you for a few hours at most in road jams

  • a full tank of gas to keep your car running and heated

  • a flashlight (physical one or a phone light) if the block lasts until dark

  • a blanket or extra layers of clothes so you stay warm

  • A tow rope in case you or someone else’s car breaks down

  • a bag of sand/kitty litter that is at least 300 lbs, to increase your car’s weight and traction

  • a shovel, ice scraper, or snow brush to keep snow or any frozen debris out / off your car


   The list needed for staying at home is largely similar, except for a few differences. Sand, an ice scraper, and other car-specific preparations are no longer needed for your home. Instead, it would be replaced with more remote supplies, and additional activities to last you or your family hours or days in the event of getting snowed in. And luckily for many people, there are many different activities one can do while cooped up. Necessary supplies and additional fun activities can include: 

  • chargers, backup batteries, and charged power banks

  • a backup radio

  • a first aid kit

  • enough blankets, coats, hats, and warm clothes for everyone

  • plenty of clean water and food

  • backup locations (friends' or family’s houses, libraries, warming centers…)

  • reading material (magazines, books, zines, or newspapers)

  • easily accessible media (CDs, handheld consoles, mobile devices, or DVDs)

  • creative supplies (crayons, scissors, glue, pencils, markers, and colored pencils)

  • other miscellaneous games that you or your family may enjoy (cards, board games…)

   If you manage to be extra bored or stay snowed inside your house or car even after preparing, staying warm, and doing any of the suggested pastimes above, you can always sleep or talk to others nearby you after being certain everything is taken care of.


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