Holiday Emergency Prep Checklist: What to Have Before a Storm Hits

There’s nothing like the holidays to bring on the warm fuzzies—until a surprise winter storm crashes the party. While you're sipping cocoa and wrapping gifts, the last thing on your mind might be flashlights, fuel, or water rations… until the lights flicker and your phone battery hits 2%.

I’ve had my own snowed-in wake-up calls over the years—once even resorting to melting snow on a gas burner because our pipes froze and our backup water was gone. It wasn’t cute. But since then, I’ve kept a checklist ready before the first flurry hits.

Let’s walk through the essential items and easy-to-miss extras you’ll want to have ready before the sleet starts falling.

Stock Up Smart: Food and Water First

You can’t ride out a storm on vibes and leftover fruitcake. The basics—food and water—are your first and most critical priority.

1. Non-Perishable Food Is a Must

Skip the gourmet and go for shelf-stable.

• Canned goods: soups, beans, veggies, chili—anything that doesn’t need refrigeration
• Snacks and energy-dense items: granola bars, peanut butter, trail mix, crackers
• Comfort food: because yes, cookies do boost morale during power outages

I keep a separate shelf for “storm snacks” and rotate them out each season. They’ve saved dinner (and my mood) more than once.

2. Water: More Than You Think

Aim for one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.

• Don’t forget water for pets!
• Have water purification tablets or a filter on hand, just in case

During a multi-day freeze a few years back, our pipes burst and stores were empty. Now I always keep extra jugs hidden behind the laundry detergent. Out of sight, out of panic.

3. Cooking Without Power

No microwave? No problem.

• Camping stoves or grills can heat food fast—just never use them indoors
• Manual can opener—not negotiable. If you’ve ever stared at a can of soup with no opener, you already know.

Stay Powered, Even When the Grid Doesn’t

When the lights go out, things get stressful fast. A little backup power goes a long way.

1. Light Sources That Last

Relying on your phone’s flashlight drains your battery fast.

• Keep multiple LED flashlights and lanterns in known, accessible places
• Stock up on batteries in all sizes—and check expiration dates
• I also keep a headlamp for hands-free use (perfect for cooking or checking breakers)

2. Power Banks and Solar Chargers

Fully charged power banks = lifelines.

• Aim for one per person if possible
• Solar-powered chargers are great long-term backups
• Keep car chargers available too—your vehicle can double as a power source

3. Emergency Radio

A hand-crank or battery-powered NOAA radio keeps you connected to storm updates when Wi-Fi and cell signals fail. Bonus: some models have USB charging ports built in.

First Aid, Meds, and Health Essentials

Because no one wants to be Googling “how to stop a nosebleed” on 2% battery in the dark.

1. First Aid Kit Refresh

Your kit should include:

• Bandages, antiseptics, gauze, tweezers
• Pain relievers, cold meds, and fever reducers
• Allergy meds and any specialty items for your family’s needs

Check expiration dates every season. Replace anything that’s been raided for soccer injuries or kitchen cuts.

2. Prescriptions and Backups

Keep at least a 7-day supply of essential prescriptions.

• Rotate meds to keep them fresh
• Include a printed list of prescriptions and dosages in case you need to refill

I once had to stretch a vital prescription over five days after the pharmacy lost power. Never again.

3. Hygiene Supplies

Power outages can mean plumbing problems.

• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and dry shampoo go a long way
• Stock extra TP and trash bags—trust me on this one

Keep the Warmth In (and the Cold Out)

No electricity? No central heat. You’ll need other ways to stay warm and safe.

1. Blankets, Layers, and Thermal Gear

It’s time to channel your inner burrito.

• Stockpile fleece, wool, and thermal blankets
• Use layering clothing: base layers, wool socks, hats, and gloves—even indoors
• If you’re like me, you’ll have at least one electric blanket you can’t use. Replace that feeling with a sleeping bag rated for freezing temps.

2. Safe Heat Sources

Have a plan that doesn’t rely on your furnace.

• Indoor-safe propane heaters can warm a room—follow safety guidelines strictly
• If you have a fireplace, keep dry firewood and kindling stocked
• Reflective emergency blankets or insulation film can help trap heat

3. Block Out the Cold

Draft stoppers, heavy curtains, and closing off unused rooms all help keep heat concentrated where you need it most.

Communication Counts

Don’t underestimate how disorienting it feels to lose contact. Here’s how to keep information flowing even when everything else stops.

1. Know Your Contacts

• Create a hard-copy contact list with key family, friends, and emergency numbers
• Share it with household members—especially kids or elderly loved ones

2. Stay Informed

• Keep your weather radio or emergency alerts app handy
• Sign up for local emergency notifications via text or email if available in your area

3. Designate a Check-In Contact

Pick one out-of-town person everyone contacts in an emergency to reduce confusion and miscommunication.

Don’t Forget Furry Family Members

If you’ve got pets, they need a storm kit too—and trust me, they'll let you know if you forget.

1. Pet Essentials

• Extra food, treats, and bowls
• Medications and vaccination records
• Pet-safe pads, litter, or cleanup supplies

2. Comfort Items

• Favorite toys or blankets can ease anxiety
• If evacuation is needed, crates or carriers make travel easier and safer

3. ID and Safety

Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip info are current—you never know when gates or doors might blow open in a storm.

Get Your Vehicle Storm-Ready

Sometimes, your car becomes your backup generator, charging station, or even your temporary shelter.

1. Keep the Tank Full

• In storm season, never let your tank drop below half
• Gas stations can lose power too, so refuel early

2. Winterize Your Ride

• Check antifreeze, oil, tire pressure, and windshield fluid
• Keep a cold-weather emergency kit: scraper, jumper cables, gloves, and traction sand

3. In-Car Survival Kit

• Snacks, water bottles, flashlight, blanket, and first aid kit
• Backup phone charger and a paper map in case GPS fails

Bonus Tips for Holiday-Specific Storm Prep

Because a storm during the holidays adds an extra layer of chaos.

1. Back Up Holiday Meals

If your big dinner relies entirely on electricity:

• Have backup food that doesn’t need cooking
• Consider pre-cooking and freezing meals that can be thawed if needed

2. Secure Outdoor Decorations

That glowing reindeer might look cute—but it becomes a hazard in 40 mph winds.

• Anchor all inflatables and lights
• Unplug decorations during outages or when the storm hits

3. Prep for Guests

Hosting family when the storm arrives? Double everything—batteries, blankets, snacks, and patience. Make sure everyone knows your emergency plan.

The Wise Wrap-Up

1. Start Before the Storm – Prep while supplies are easy to find and panic levels are low.
2. Warmth, Food, Power – Focus on the basics: heat, hydration, and light.
3. Health Must-Haves – Stock first aid and enough prescriptions to last a week.
4. Include the Whole Household – Pets, guests, and vehicles need prep too.
5. Communicate Clearly – Radios, contact lists, and backup chargers keep you connected.

Festive and Frost-Ready

Holiday storms don’t have to mean disaster—or dinner by candlelight (unless it’s intentional). With the right prep, you can stay safe, warm, and maybe even make some cozy memories along the way. So before the forecast shifts, stock up, power up, and weather the season like a pro.