More than 170 million people across the U.S. are expected to be impacted by a major winter storm that is forecasted to begin Friday night and stretch through the weekend and into early next week.
National Weather Service meteorologist Zack Taylor told ABC News on Friday the significant winter weather may bring a variety of hazardous conditions, from ice accumulation and freezing rain in the South to over a foot of snow or more in the Plains and Northeast, as well as extremely cold temperatures and low wind chills.
Here are the food and household items experts recommend people gather ahead of the winter storm.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, and the Department of Homeland Security, stocking up on food is essential before an event like a winter storm.
In particular, people should consider the following food items:
- Food high in calories and nutrition
- No-cook foods that don't need refrigeration, water, or special preparation such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables
- Protein or fruit bars
- Peanut butter
- Comfort foods that can boost morale and offer a sense of security
- Canned and dried goods like dried fruit, dry cereal or granola
- Foods for people on special diets
- Foods for people who may be ill
- Safe foods for people with allergies
- Specific foods for nursing mothers
- Specific foods for babies and children such as liquid formula
- Specific foods for older adults or adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes
- Foods for pets like dogs and cats
- Water, canned juices, soups, nonperishable pasteurized milk
- At least a week's worth of medications, vitamins, minerals and any other necessary supplements
FEMA recommends preparing about two weeks' worth of nonperishable foods to have on hand in case of an emergency.
The agency also recommends keeping at least a two-week supply of clean, bottled water or about one gallon of water for each person in a household per day. People typically drink about a half gallon of water a day but children, nursing mothers and anyone who is ill might need more water.
In the event of a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most refrigerated foods can last if a power outage persists for two hours or less. Refrigerated food can typically stay cool for about four hours, according to the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross.
Any refrigerated food that has been in temperatures 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two or more hours, has an unusual color, odor or texture, should be promptly thrown out.
In addition to food and water, experts recommend stocking household supplies and keeping them stored in an easily accessible location.
Essentials include:
- A multi-purpose tool
- Sanitary and personal hygiene items
- Warm clothing, including hats, mittens and boots
- Warm blankets
- Manual can opener
- Disposable dishware and cutlery
- A cooler with ice
- A quick-read digital thermometer
- First-aid supplies
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Batteries for devices such as cell phones, a CPAP machine, or an electric wheelchair
- Working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors
- Snow shovel
- Ice melt
Be prepared for an emergency and keep essential supplies in a ready-to-go kit in the home, in the car and at work.
FEMA recommends:
- A 3-day supply of nonperishable food
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day)
- Manual can opener, kitchen accessories, cooking utensils
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television, plus extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Sanitation and hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and toilet paper
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Whistle
- Extra clothing and blankets
- Photocopies of IDs, credit cards, other records like medical documents
- Cash and coins
- Prescription medications
- Eye glasses, contact lens solution
- Hearing aid batteries
- Baby and children's items such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers
- Tools
- Pet supplies
- Printed map of the local area
Other items the Red Cross suggests to include are a blanket and warm clothing and boots.
