Preparing for a winter storm or cold snap
What matters most in a winter storm or cold snap, what official guidance in the US 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. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness.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 the US says
- Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech and drowsiness.1
- Signs of frostbite include numbness and white, greyish-yellow, firm or waxy skin.1
- Keep a winter car kit with jump leads, sand, a torch and warm clothes.1
Stay safe
Water and food for a few days
For two adults, SupKit's figures for 3 days are:
| 3 days | |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | 4.8 gallons (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.
- US law names nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (sesame added from 2023).2
- Labels must name each major allergen's source, either in brackets in the ingredient list or in a 'Contains' statement next to it.2
- 'May contain' warnings are voluntary in the US, so not every maker uses them and their absence is not a guarantee.3
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?
Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sources
- Winter Weather, Ready.gov (US DHS / FEMA). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Food Allergies: What You Need to Know, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Have Food Allergies? Read the Label, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Choking Hazards | Infant and Toddler Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit | Infant and Toddler Nutrition, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Checked 28 October 2026.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
