Preparing for a winter storm or cold snap
What matters most in a winter storm or cold snap, what official guidance in the UK 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. UKHSA advises heating the rooms you use most, like the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C.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 the UK says
- UKHSA advises heating the rooms you use most, like the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C.1
- Several thin layers of clothing can keep you warmer than one thick layer.1
- Ask your water and power suppliers whether you can join the free Priority Services Register.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.
- UK food law names 14 major allergens, including cereals containing gluten, milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soya, sesame, celery, mustard and sulphites.2
- On pre-packed food in the UK, these allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list, for example in bold.2
- 'May contain' warnings aren't a legal requirement, so a missing warning doesn't guarantee a food is free of an allergen.2
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?
UKHSA advises fitting a carbon monoxide alarm that meets EN 50291.
Sources
- Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter, UK Health Security Agency (GOV.UK). Checked 28 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
- Food allergy and intolerance advice for consumers, Food Standards Agency (GOV.UK). Checked 28 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
- Foods to avoid giving babies and young children, NHS. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
