Ice storms. Polar Vortex. Snow Days. -40C weather. This seems to be the winter of extreme weather. Having just gone through the Toronto ice storm (we lost power – including heat – for 32 hours…lucky compared to those who were without power for days!)…I am sharing the 10 Emergency Items we found essential for survival in a winter storm.
10 Emergency Items
Mobile phone was essential for keeping in contact with friends and family as the power took out our landline. We kept my phone on and turned my husband’s off (to save battery life – knowing having one with full charge was our only back-up). In our battery storage box (yes, we have a battery box!) I found a new-in-package Duracell Rechargable Instant USB charger (gah – I so wished I had this charged – it instantly recharges any phone or device using a mini-usb cable). Let me tell you, the moment our power went back on I charged up this baby and have kept it on the ready (I even took it on a holiday car trip in case we needed to power up a device en route). Never will I be without a phone charge back up again!
A battery operated radio was essential for getting news reports (also provided musical entertainment when, at 5pm, it got as dark as night). Extra blankets were also essential as without power, our furnace provided no heat.
We happen to have 6 working flashlights and extra batteries (you might laugh at my battery box but it comes in handy in power outages…and when you get a new toy without batteries in the box). We take for granted our electricity and lights. A night with flashlights really taught us how much we use lights – and that we should conserve when we can.
Though candles and matches were a godsend to keep the living room lit while we hudled together in the evening – I was sure candles and matches were placed out of reach of our curious pre-schooler. We also blew out the candles before we went to bed as we know – house fires can start with a simple spark.
At least we could keep our milk cold by taking it out of the fridge and putting it out in the snow. However, I was glad to have non-perishable food items like granola bars and juice boxes on hand for quick snacks, easy breakfast, and simply food.
And when the power came back on…I had an ‘a-ha moment’ of appreciation of power. From heat to light to food preparation…electricity is amazing. As are friends and family who pitch together and help each other out in times of trouble. In extreme weather…it’s good to be prepared for any emergency.
We have all of those items. It has been a terrible winter and being prepared is very good.
I was happily surprised to find so many working flashlights chez moi. They are those things you never think of but so glad you have when you need them. The kids even enjoyed playing “flashlight” as a game once the night came.
We have everything here, that’s on your list. Here in Victoria, we are waiting for the big eathquake, that they say will happen sometime.
Great list!
Thanks
Water, food, flashlight is very important.
Absolutely…and you take for granted that you will always have water, food and light…and when you don’t it’s such a shock.
Anne – sounds like you are prepared for that big quake (hope it doesn’t happen but glad you are ready!)
Another cool thing to have is a charger for the car. I use it for my bipap when we have blackouts.
This is a great idea to get together and keep in the house or car!
I’m lucky when our electricity went off recently I already had plenty of pre-boiled water in a thermos – so I was fine for coffee, just couldn’t get my car out of the garage – never even contemplated that ’til I was sat in the car! Oh well walking’s healthier right!
It is always good to be prepared you never know.
Great list. I have some of those granola bars in my car’s glove compartment just in case too!
This is a great list! Ive been meaning to make a “go” bag just havent gotten around to it yet
It can be a sanity saver!
a hand crank radio and light are also good ideas
i love this list is great information to have
Great list, we have a few those item ready and always a extra blanket and gloves in the car for the winter
emergency items are important
good tips
I take your list a step further because I’ve got a crank and solar radio/flashlight and I’ve kept my land line so if there’s a power failure my corded phone will still work where the cell phones and cordless phones won’t.
I added to your list with a crank radio with a solar panel and a plug in phone because if there’s no power or worse we need to be able to reach the outside world