One sure thing about New Jersey winters? Lots and lots of snow. Get ahead of the game and gather everything you need for your family in case the weather takes a turn for the worse and there are power outages.

  • Water—at least a three-day supply, or a gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-make food 
  • Flashlight  
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio  
  • Extra batteries—especially hard-to-find-in-a-storm sizes, like Ds  
  • First aid kit  
  • Medications (a seven-day supply) and any medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, syringes, glasses or contact lenses)  
  • Personal hygiene items: face wipes, toilet paper, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.  
  • Cellphone and charger 
  • Copies of personal documents (birth certificates, insurance policies, passports, deed/lease for home, proof of address, medication list and important medical information)   
  • Family and emergency contact info  
  • Extra cash  
  • Baby and pet supplies (make sure to have plenty of diapers and wipes!)  
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home  
  • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery  
  • Warm clothes—coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots, extra blankets  
  • Alternative heat sources, like portable heaters or wood for the fireplace in case your primary heat source is compromised    
  • Gas for your generator, if you need it

—Source: American Red Cross

More Like This: 
What to Do With the Kids When the Power Is Out
Kids Stuck Inside? Here's How to Keep Them Entertained
Ultimate Snow Day