• Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
• Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
• Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Perishable Food & Power Outages

• Have a portable,battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
• Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
• Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
• Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and  in your glove compartment.

• Keep plenty of gas in your car.
• Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.
• Set aside water. This is vital if you depend on a water pump that might be disabled during a storm. Sanitize and fill spare containers with water for drinking. Fill your bathtub with water for use in the toilet. 
• Get extra ice, it will help maintain cold temperatures in your freezer and refrigerator. 

• Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
• Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods. Check medications that require refrigeration and know if they will be affected by prolonged power interruption. You may want to keep a small cooler handy.
• Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
• Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Pre-moistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
• Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
• Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
• Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
• Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or woodstove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
• Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
• Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
• Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).