Uncommon Things to Put in a Blizzard Emergency Kit

Like it or not, but the winter months are not far off. By now probably everyone has heard of emergency preparedness kits. These kits can come in handy during a blizzard, but there are a few items you should consider that may not be included in the typical kit.

In your blizzard kit, or at least in your home, you should obviously keep nonperishable food that does not need to be cooked or heated. If you can't turn on the stove, the pasta you've been saving is going to be pretty crunchy. And if you can't leave your house, you're stuck with whatever food you've got on hand.

Another item that should be an obvious choice for your blizzard kit is a blanket for each person. If you've got blankets and coats in the house you'll be fine if the power goes out and you have no heat. A house can get pretty cold if the power is out for more than a few hours.

Candles and matches, or flashlights and batteries, should also be included in your kit.

Now on to the less obvious things. If you live in a community complex (home converted into apartments, condos, or apartment complexes) with coin operated laundry, keep a few quarters stashed aside. If the power comes back on, but it's another day or two til the roads are cleared, you're definitely not getting to the bank for some quarters. If you're out of clean underwear, though, you're in a bit of a bind.

Also, be sure you have some things in the house or in your kit that will keep you occupied when the power is out. Books or board games can be used by candlelight. They'll also come in handy if the power is back but the cable is not. Keep a few movies on hand for the same reason. If you have power and are sick of watching the news cover the storm, you'll be able to watch something better. Keep a few computer games on hand for the same reason.

Be sure to keep some boots and snow pants on hand. When you get stir crazy, and trust me you will, just walking around your house or building for two minutes can help a lot. Just be sure it's safe to go out before you do.

Blizzard preparedness kits are usually easy to put together but many people only think of safety when making them. Food, blankets and flashlights will definitely help, but you need to think about how you'll manage to stand staying in the house for a few days. Food may be nourishing but it's not necessarily entertaining.