Create Your Home Winter Emergency Kit
Minute Read
Power, heat and telephone service are the common losses that many homeowners experience during the cold winter months. Don’t panic—we have a list of tips and essential items to help you assemble your kit before the storms hit your area. Be sure to download a printable version of this kit to take with you to the store so you can check off all items you need to purchase.
General Items
Should you experience power or heat loss, gathering these five supplies will help you stay warm, as well as light and heat your space. If you already own items like heat sources or generators, be sure to check them ahead of the winter season to ensure they work well and do not need replacing.
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Alternative heat source
- Backup generator
- Warm blankets
- Cell phone, chargers and backup battery
Health-Related Items
You may not know how long you will be without your utilities, so having essential medications and toiletries is necessary. Additionally, if injuries should occur, a basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic and compresses is recommended. The American Red Cross gives detailed instructions on how to assemble your first aid kit.
- Medications
- First aid kit
- Toiletries
Food Items
Do your family members have four legs, is anyone on a special diet (medical or otherwise), or do you have young children? You want to stock up to ensure all family members have the necessary items they need to hold out during a winter storm. Also, remember, you may not have use of a refrigerator if your electricity is out, so keep that in mind as you assemble food, beverages and other supplies.
- Water and non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
- Baby supplies and food
- Pet supplies and food
Download a PDF of our home winter emergency kit checklist.
While winter storms may seem scary, but being prepared with an emergency kit at home is your first line of defense against outages and other issues that may result from bad weather. As you assemble your kit, don’t forget to pay for your purchases using your Visa Signature Rewards® card that lets you choose between 1.5% cashback on all purchases or 1.5 points on all purchases.
