What Do You Need to Survive a Blizzard?

Food

• A well-stocked pantry complete with canned meats and foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration provide your family with nutritious foods -- even if you lose electricity. High-energy trail mix, granola bars and dried fruits and nuts provide quick snacks while providing the energy needed during a blizzard. Canned fruits and veggies -- along with a manual can opener -- add variety to dried food and can be eaten right from the can.

Water

• A supply of fresh drinking water is vital in the event of loss of electricity or frozen pipes. Storing enough bottled water for all family members for three to five days prepares you for a winter blizzards. Allow 1 gallon of drinking water per household member per day. Drinking water isn't your only need. Containers filled with water for washing or flushing the toilet are also necessary during a blizzard.

Pet Supplies

• Storing extra dry or canned pet food, drinking water, cat litter and other pet supplies keeps your pets safe and comfortable during a winter storm. Include any medications or supplies your pet may need during a blizzard.Typically, a three to five day supply meets your pet's needs in a blizzard.

Medications and First Aid Supplies

• Keeping your prescription medications up-to-date during the winter prevents running out of vital meds in the midst of a blizzard. Include over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, cold medications and basic first aid supplies -- such as bandages, first aid creams, and ace bandages.

Alternate Heating

• Fill your oil tank or store wood for wood stoves in a dry area, before the blizzard arrives as delivery trucks may not be able to reach your home. If you rely on electricity for heating keeping a supplemental heating supply on hand may save the day during a blizzard. Propane heaters don't require electricity and are safe to use in the home, as long as you follow all safety precautions. Many newer versions of are designed for inside use without the need to vent them to the outside.

Emergency Supplies

• Candles, emergency lights, flashlights and extra batteries provide lighting while battery-powered radios and cell phones help you keep in touch with the outside world. Keeping shovels and snow scoops, rock salt and sand handy make getting out easier once the storm subsides.

Baby Supplies

• Extra formula and baby food to last for several days is vital to surviving a blizzard -- but that's not all baby needs. Keep extra blankets and warm clothing on hand to bundle baby should you lose your primary heat source. Include a generous supply of diapers and clean, warm clothing. Don't forget warm booties, blanket sleepers and cold medicines, pain relievers, teething gels and fever reducers.