Preparing for a winter storm or cold snap
What matters most in a winter storm or cold snap, what official guidance in Canada says, and long-life food that suits it.
In a winter storm or cold snap, the things that matter most are blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothing, flashlight, charged power bank. Think about a backup heat source, such as a wood stove or space heater.1
What matters most
- Blankets or sleeping bags
To keep everyone warm if the heating is off. - Warm clothing
Layers, hats and gloves that are easy to find. - Flashlight Essential
A flashlight for each part of the home you'd need to move around in the dark. - Charged power bank
To keep a phone charged during a power outage. - Battery or wind-up radio
To hear updates if cell networks are down. - Food for everyone Essential
Non-perishable food that will last your household for your chosen number of days. - Drinking water Essential
3 litres per person per day for drinking is the commonly recommended amount.
What official guidance in Canada says
- Think about a backup heat source, such as a wood stove or space heater.1
- When a storm is coming, check that older relatives and neighbours have enough supplies.1
- Put off travel until the winter storm has passed.1
- Keep a car emergency kit with winter supplies in it.1
Stay safe
Water and food for a few days
For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:
| 3 days | |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | 18 L |
| Food energy | 13,500 calories |
Long-life food that suits a winter storm or cold snap
Each of these keeps without a fridge:
- Canned chili
- Canned soup
- Baked beans
- Microwave rice pouch
- Canned tuna
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Granola bars
- Canned fruit
Allergies, dietary needs and children
Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.
| Food | Typical allergens | Typically suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Canned chili | varies by recipe | check the label |
| Canned soup | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Baked beans | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Microwave rice pouch 250g | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Canned tuna | fish | check the label |
| Crackers | cereals containing gluten | vegan |
| Peanut butter | peanuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Dried fruit and nuts | tree nuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Granola bars | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Canned fruit | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan, gluten free |
Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.
- Canada names 11 priority allergens: eggs, milk, mustard, peanuts, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, sesame, soy, sulphites, tree nuts, and wheat and triticale.3
- Packaged foods must declare priority allergens and gluten sources by plain source names in the ingredient list, a 'Contains' statement, or both.4
- Companies may add a 'May contain' warning for possible cross-contamination; it is not a substitute for good manufacturing practices.4
Young children
Questions
What do I need for a winter storm or cold snap?
Blankets or sleeping bags, Warm clothing, Flashlight, Charged power bank, Battery or wind-up radio, Food for everyone, Drinking water.
How do I stay safe in a winter storm or cold snap?
Check outdoor exhaust vents often and clear snow and ice off them to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
Sources
- Winter storms – Get prepared, Government of Canada (Public Safety Canada). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Extreme Cold – Get prepared, Government of Canada (Public Safety Canada). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Food allergies, Health Canada. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Before you shop: food allergies and allergen labelling, Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months, Health Canada. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Infant botulism, Health Canada. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
