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A while back, I posted an article about 20 survival items to buy before winter arrives. That list was mainly about things you should keep in your vehicle during the winter, but this one is about winter survival items in general.
Every prepper worth their salt should be prepared to ride out an extended power outage. Doing this means stocking up on typical survival items like food, water, flashlights, medical supplies, and so forth. But preparing to do this in the winter requires an additional list. Below is a list of things you should add to your emergency supply for winter.
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Axe
For splitting wood or chopping kindling will be needed. If you rely on your wood stove for heat, make sure you have wood chopped just in case you lose power.
Bags of Sand
Or gravel. They are similar to kitty litter. Throwing sand on icy patches or under a spinning tire will help give the tire the traction it needs. They’re also a good idea for pickup trucks and cars that are rear wheel drive because the extra weight can help give you traction and keep you from fishtailing.
Candles
If the power goes out and you run out of batteries, candles can provide light for hours. Choose long-burning emergency candles, and always keep them in a safe spot away from flammable items.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you’re using propane or a wood stove indoors, you need one of these. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. A detector could save your life. Make sure it’s battery-powered.
Chainsaw
A necessity if you live in an area with trees. Heavy snow and ice often cause limbs to fall or become a serious safety hazard. You will need a chainsaw to cut up any trees that have fallen.
Chapstick
This may seem like an unnecessary item, but the cold wind and dry air will leave you with painfully chapped lips. Choose one that moisturizes and heals.
Ear Muffs or a nice warm beanie
Although the idea that the majority of your body heat escapes through your head is a myth, certainly a lot of body heat escapes that way if you don’t have a hat. Plus, you don’t want to risk getting frostbite on your ears.
Firewood
If you have a fireplace, it’s even better than a propane heater because you can also use it to cook food. Keep an extra cord of firewood if possible. If there are locals who use their fireplaces throughout the winter, ask them how many cords they go through.
Full Face Masks
These are great to have in brutally cold weather. Frostbite is no picnic. It’s also a good idea to keep your mouth covered to avoid breathing in the icy cold air, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Gloves
Preferably winter gloves that will stay dry while you move through snow. Cloth gloves will get wet and your hands will get even colder. Instead, get some polyester gloves that allow you to move your fingers freely.
Hand Warmers
These are wonderful to have in the winter. Just open the package and they start warming up and will stay warm for several hours. You can hold them in your hands, or you can put them in your pockets to help keep your body warm.
Ice Melt
This is even better than kitty litter for porches and sidewalks. Just spread the pellets around and it will start melting ice immediately.
Kerosene Heater
A good backup if you run out of propane or don’t have a wood stove. Kerosene heaters put out a lot of heat and many models are rated safe for indoor use—just crack a window for ventilation.
Kitty Litter
This can be very helpful when there’s ice. Put it under tires for traction if your vehicle slides off the road or gets stuck. You could also keep it on the porch and throw some on the steps before walking down them.
Manual Can Opener
If you’re relying on canned food during a winter power outage, don’t forget this simple tool. Electric can openers won’t do you any good when the power’s out.
Mylar Emergency Blankets
These take up almost no space and can reflect body heat back toward you. They’re cheap, lightweight, and useful for both indoor and outdoor emergencies.
Plastic Sheeting
This is to cover the windows can make a big difference. It will keep your home warmer and lower your heating bill. You can buy window kits or use nails to cover the windows with plastic.
Portable Power Bank
Your phone is still important in an emergency. Keep a power bank charged and ready so you can use your phone to communicate or check the weather even during an outage.
Propane Space Heaters
Another must-have item if you don’t have a wood stove. Although there are other ways to heat your home, I like propane space heaters because they’re safe to use indoors and they can keep the room nice and toasty. The downside is that you’ll have to buy plenty of extra propane.
Roof Rake
This may be needed to pull the snow off your home’s roof as well as any outbuildings. You don’t want a roof collapse. Choose a rake that has an extension handle that will reach the top of your roof.
Snow Chains or Tire Socks
If you’re forced to drive during icy conditions, snow chains or tire socks can dramatically improve traction. They’re especially important if you live in a hilly or rural area.
Snow Gear
Like insulated bib snow pants will help keep you dry when you’re working in the snow. Make sure they’re waterproof because if they’re not, they should only be worn for short bursts or in dry weather.
Snow Shovels
These are a must if you need to clear your driveway or a make pathway to your car. Don’t just use a standard snow shovel. Get one with a steel blade and avoid the flimsy plastic ones, otherwise, you might find yourself purchasing a new shovel every year.
Sunglasses
These are necessary to prevent snow blindness. If you are driving or working in the snow you will need to protect your eyes from the glaring white.
Thermal Underwear
Layering is key in extreme cold. A good set of thermal underwear traps heat close to your body, making a huge difference in how long you can stay warm.
Tow Chain
A very handy tool. If you get stuck, you’ll be able to use any passerby that helps. Many people don’t carry chains and will not be able to help you, even if they have the perfect rig to do so.
Windshield Scrapers
These are important in case you need to leave in a hurry. There might not be time to turn on the heater and wait for the windshield to defrost. The kind with a brush on one side is best as it allows you to remove the snow without getting your hands cold.
Winter Boots
These are important for keeping your feet warm. Don’t risk getting wet or cold when you’re gathering wood for the fire or doing other outdoor tasks.
Wool Blankets
Another must. Wool is better and warmer than cotton or fleece. If there’s a power outage, you’ll need to cover up with warm blankets.
Wool Socks
Keep several extra pairs on hand. Wool stays warm even when wet, unlike cotton, and dry feet are essential if you’re spending time outside.
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