Winter storm and power cut kit

A winter power cut turns heating into the main problem. The biggest risk isn’t the cold itself but carbon monoxide from stoves, heaters and generators used indoors. A battery CO alarm is the first thing to buy.

Before it happens

• Fit a battery-powered CO alarm.
• Gather blankets and sleeping bags in one room you’ll keep warm.
• Never run a generator or barbecue indoors.
• Keep a full tank of fuel in the car and a jump starter.

When it happens

• Stay off the roads if you can.
• If you’re stuck in a car, stay in it. Run the engine about 10 minutes an hour for heat, with a window slightly open and the exhaust pipe clear of snow.
• Keep one room warm and close off the rest of the house.
• Know the signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech) and frostbite (numb, white or greyish skin), and get medical help for either.

Afterwards

• Run generators outdoors only, at least 6 m (20 ft) from windows and doors.
• Check on neighbours, especially older people living alone.

The kit

Start with the L1 kit (72 hours). For this hazard, these items matter most:

• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Emergency blanket / bivvy
• Sleeping bag
• Hat and gloves
• Portable jump starter with USB output
• Vacuum flask
• Portable power station
• Inverter generator (houses with outdoor space)
• Hurricane (kerosene) lantern
• Alternative heater (no mains power needed)
• Merino base layers
• Hatchet
• Cold, cough and sore-throat remedies
• Heater fuel (kerosene / propane)

Sources: Ready.gov (FEMA). Last reviewed: October 2026.