Royal Creations Blog

Kansas City Winter Weather: Things to Have in Your Home to Prepare for the Worst Winter Storms 

We love the outdoors, but we know winter storms are nothing to ignore.  It is important to have a winter weather survival kit in your home in case there is a prolonged severe storm.  We have recently seen from the hurricanes how severe weather can impact a community and we want to help make sure your family stays safe this winter season. 

The main challenges during a winter storm are keeping your home warm, communications, food, and water.  FEMA used to tell people to keep enough of everything to last 72 hours after the storm, but some people in the latest disasters have not had much help for five to seven days.  Their current recommendation has been updated for two weeks worth of supplies.  Be sure to top off the gas tank in your car, too so you don’t get stranded out in the cold. 

Keeping Warm

Keeping warm is the most important goal during and after a winter storm.  If the power stays on, that is not usually a problem.  If the power goes out, you will have to find an alternate way to stay warm.  Warm clothes that allow you to dress in layers and warm blankets can help when the house starts to cool. 

Fireplaces, wood stoves, and kerosene heaters can be helpful if you have enough fuel.  Do not burn charcoal indoors as it will produce a lot of carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.  Gas powered generators can be helpful to run your refrigerator/freezer, a furnace fan, sump pump, and a phone charger.  Generators must stay outside in a dry area away from air intake vents.  Do not put it in the garage as that may spread deadly fumes into your house. 

Communications 

Few people still have landlines, so communication may be a challenge.  Keeping your phone charged helps the phone last longer.  Power banks are not very expensive and will recharge your phone several times, and they even make solar-powered ones now.  Phones will last longer if you reserve them for important phone calls.  Battery-operated radios or crank-powered radios can help you find out important information, like boil water orders, road closures, or where to get supplies. 

Food and Water 

You should have enough food for each person for them to eat for two weeks if possible.  You also may not have a way to cook your food or even heat it up.  Pick food that you can eat cold, such as canned beans, veggies, or soups.  Granola bars, calorie-dense cereal, dried fruit, nuts, and other foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration are useful, too.  Make sure you have a hand-powered can opener along with your supplies, or make sure the cans have pull tops.  Camping stoves can be used to heat food but must be used outdoors due to the fumes. 

You should store enough water for each person to have a gallon of water to drink each day.  If you have a bathtub, you can fill it with water to use for flushing the toilet.  If you run out of water and get desperate, you can even boil snow for ten minutes before using it for drinking to survive. 

Emergency Kit Items 

Put emergency kit items in a backpack, tub, or other container where everyone can find them.  Note that camping supplies are often put away in the winter but may contain many of the things you need. 

• Flashlights 
• Extra batteries for everything 
• Battery-operated or crank AM/FM radio and/or NOAA weather radio   
• Water 
• Food 
• Extra changes of clothing for everyone 
• Power bank 
• Cash (ATMs may not work or be empty) 
• First aid kit 
• Prescription medicines 
• Tool kit 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Trash bags 
• Shovel 
• Salt 
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to patch windows or roof 
• Diapers and baby supplies 
• Board games, physical books, or cards to pass the time 

Winter Car Necessities 

An emergency kit in your car can mean the difference between life and death.  Try to avoid traveling during a storm.  Get home before it starts.  However, you may have to travel in an emergency, so you need a car emergency kit, too.  First, duplicate the home emergency kit and add these items: 

• Knife 
• Tissues 
• Toilet paper 
• Paper towels 
• Cat litter or sand 
• Complete change of clothing 
• Large can for emergency toilet 
• Small can to melt water 
• Matches 
• Car tool kit 
• Shovel 
• Windshield scraper and brush 
• Jumper cables 
• Water container 
• Tow rope 
• Flares  

Don’t Forget The Pets 

Your pets will need supplies, too.  You will need food for each animal and some water for them.  Pets eat more when it is cold, so consider that when making sure you have enough food for them.  During storms, the pets should be inside with you, not out in the cold.  You can use pee pads on the tile or concrete if the weather is not safe for the pet to venture out in.  For cats, store extra litter and trash bags to store the used litter in.  If your pets take prescription medications or eat prescription diets, make sure you have enough for the storm and while waiting for the snowplow to get through. 

Having a home and car emergency kit is just smart.  It could mean the difference between life and death if the storm is severe.  Stay prepared and stay safe.