Preparing for a winter storm or cold snap
What matters most in a winter storm or cold snap, what official guidance in Ireland 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, torch, charged power bank. Several light layers keep you warmer than a single heavy one.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. - Torch Essential
A torch 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 cut. - Battery or wind-up radio
To hear updates if mobile 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 Ireland says
- Several light layers keep you warmer than a single heavy one.1
- Aim for about 18–21°C in your main living room and at least 16°C in the rest of the house.1
- Check the forecast so you're ready before very cold weather arrives.1
- If you use medical equipment at home, register as a vulnerable customer with your electricity supplier.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:
- Tinned chilli
- Tinned soup
- Baked beans
- Microwave rice pouch
- Tinned tuna
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Cereal bars
- Tinned 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Tinned chilli | varies by recipe | check the label |
| Tinned 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 |
| Tinned 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 |
| Cereal bars | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Tinned 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.
- Irish (EU) law names 14 allergens: gluten cereals, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphites, lupin and molluscs.3
- On packaged food, allergens must stand out in the ingredient list, for example through font, style or background colour.4
- For unpackaged food, allergen information must be in writing and easy to find before you buy.3
- 'May contain' warnings are optional, used only where cross-contamination can't be ruled out, and can't replace good manufacturing practice.4
Young children
Questions
What do I need for a winter storm or cold snap?
Blankets or sleeping bags, Warm clothing, Torch, 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?
If you have an open fire or gas stove, make sure your carbon monoxide alarm works.
Sources
- Keeping warm in winter, Health Service Executive (HSE). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Storms (Be Emergency Ready), Government of Ireland (Office of Emergency Planning). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Food Allergens - Advice for Consumers, Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Labelling - Allergens, Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Food choking risks for babies and children, Health Service Executive. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Foods to avoid during weaning, Health Service Executive. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
