It's already too late for some of you who were caught off guard for the first winter storm of the year; but its not too late to prepare for the weather that will be here from November through April. As we approach winter and the onset of snow and ice; there are many things that you should have stocked in your home for the next storm and the next power outage. This article will help you prepare for the next winter storm.

Unless you live in the warmest states in the country, you are susceptible to winter storms and power outages. Now is the time to prepare. Here are some suggestions of things that will be very helpful to you the next time the lights go out.

If at all possible, get yourself a generator for your home. It will help power your most essential electrical needs for your home. You'll be able to keep your cell phone charged, some of your lights on, and plenty of power for a radio to keep you aware of conditions in your area. Of course with a more powerful generator you'll also be able to power some more of the luxuries of life.
If you get a generator, make sure you have plenty of gasoline on hand. Prepare for your power to be out for up to a week if you live in the northeast or other parts of the country that are prone to getting major winter storms.

If you're like me and you can't afford a generator you'll have to rough it and prepare to rough it. You should have all the following if at all possible:

1. Candles and flashlights, hurricane lamps- You'll need light. These items will help accomplish your need for light and they will even supply a little bit of heat to a small room.
2. Matches- Keep several boxes on hand. You'll need them to light your candles and hurricane lights and a few other necessities.
3. If you have a wood stove or fireplace keep it ready to be used. Be sure you have plenty of seasoned wood on hand.
4. Coleman Stove- Some people don't worry about cooking during a power outage, but you may want to. Besides cooking, a Coleman type stove will add some heat to your room and can be used to heat water for washing.
5. Gas grills are nice to have; but leave them outside or in a well vented garage. You can also use these for cooking and heating water.
6. Five gallon buckets of water. You'll need it for washing, cooking, and flushing toilets. Fill several five gallon buckets before the storm. If you have two bathtubs or more, fill them with cold water before the storm. You'll be amazed at how many things you need water for. Another good source of water is your swimming pool if you have one. You can also melt snow to obtain water.
7. Blankets and quilts. You'll need some way to keep warm.
8. Kerosene Heater and plenty of kerosene. Many kerosene heaters will burn a full 12 hours or more on one tank of gas. They put out great heat. Be sure you install a new wick before each season to avoid any ignition problems. We keep two kerosene heaters handy. In a pinch you can sometimes cook on top of a kerosene heater.
9. Cell phones, battery powered radios
10. Keep plenty of batteries on hand to power your flashlights and radio.
11. Keep plenty of canned food on hand in the winter. Don't forget to include some canned meats. It is also a good idea to have a few cases of bottled water available. Sandwiches make for an easy meal, get a couple of loaves of bread before the storm.

Tips-
1. Avoid opening your refrigerator frequently, you don't want your food to spoil. If it is really cold outside, you can store some of your food outside. (protect it from animals)

2. If using a kerosene heater in a small room, leave a door to the rest of the house or a window cracked open.

3. Do not use a kerosene heater in the house if it is smoking.

4. Blow out the candles before you go to bed. Keep a flashlight near the bed. Never leave a candle burning in a child's room.

5. Be sure to contact your utility company when your power goes out. Don't assume someone else called.
 

Heat and winterization

You may also want to read:

Weatherizing Your Windows for Winter, How to Install Shrink Wrap

Weatherizing Your House for Winter, Products You Can Use to Insulate Your Home

Weatherizing: How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Mechanics: Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for Winter Storage

Mechanics: Jump Starting Your Car, How to Jump Start a Car

Heating: How Do Today's Coal Furnaces Compare to their Ancestors, Are They a Viable Option

Emergency Supplies Needed for a Winter Storm.