The last thing you want during a massive weather pattern like this is to be unprepared, and the best way to be prepared is to stock up on snacks, food, and essential emergency items. As I always say; it’s better to be overprepared than to be underprepared. So, I recommend bulking up on as many of these items as possible. And don’t worry! I made sure to remember the vegetarians and vegans out there, too.
You’ve Got to Have Everyone’s Go-To
Pasta is the one food I can’t do without. It also happens to be a great option for being stuck in a snowstorm. No need to worry about refrigeration and if you have a gas range, you’ll be able to cook this up even without power. Grab yourself this box and you won’t have to worry about running out!
Keep the Kiddos Happy
Kids are always looking for the sweets, even in a snowstorm. If you want to keep them happy, and keep yourself sane, grab these delicious Little Bites that are sure to keep them happy and satisfied until you can safely make it out to the grocery store for their favorite ice cream.
For the Vegans Out There
And the vegetarians, too! These “That’s It” bars are delicious, nutritious, and great for just about any diet. These last for quite some time, so they’re great to have on hand for any time, but especially for times like these when you might not have refrigeration for tasty fruits and veggies.
Protein-Packed Snacks
Meat is a tricky thing to maneuver without power. You’ve got to worry about how to keep it cool and how to cook it. And you’ve got to have some sort of protein. Luckily, jerky exists and it keeps you stocked in protein-packed meat without the need to worry about how to keep it fresh.
Just in Case the Power Goes Out
If the power goes out and you have no access to a stove, you can use this cordless teakettle. This amazing gadget heats up your water in a snap and allows you to do all sorts from making hot chocolate to boiling up that pasta to feed the whole family.
You Can Never Have Too Many Batteries
Batteries are an absolute must if you’re facing potential power outages. The last thing you want when you’re scrambling for your emergency flashlight is to realize the batteries are dead. And then to realize that you’re out of batteries entirely. Keep these on hand so you never have to worry again.
Quench Your Thirst
Gatorade is a great way to keep the kids happy if you’re worried about hydration. And it doesn’t have to be refrigerated either, which is a big plus. You can get yourself a big pack and the kids can drink off that for weeks! And they can take the leftovers for school lunches.
Water is Essential
You’ve got to have water and it’s super important to have some backup in case you lose power during the storm. These cans of Liquid Death are not only the coolest thing, but also a great way to ensure you stay hydrated no matter what happens with the power situation.
You’ve Got to Have Some Protein
Tuna is a great addition to your pantry because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it can be combined with all sorts of things, and it adds protein to your meals. Grab this box of pouches so you stay stocked up and avoid the need for last-minute grocery runs during the gross weather.
Don’t Forget a Little Salty
It’s always a good idea to have a salty snack on hand. Sure, you can’t add this many recipes, but you can use these delicious cashews as a great way to keep hungry folks satisfied and snacking while you try to figure out how to cook dinner without power.
Just in Case
You never know when a headache or some other ache or pain might strike, so be sure to stock up on ibuprofen. Avoid frustration because of a headache on top of frustration because of the nasty weather and the horrible conditions of the roads. Make your life a little easier.
An American Staple
Spaghetti O’s are the quintessential American meal. You can microwave them, heat them on the stove top, or just pop them open and eat them straight out of the can with a spoon. I’m pretty sure if the apocalypse happened, we would all survive just on cans of Spaghetti O’s alone.
You Can’t Forget the Veggies
If you’re going to make some pasta for everyone, you’re going to need some pasta sauce. And it doesn’t hurt that this also gives you a good dose of vegetables, which is especially important for cold weather months. We need more of those wonderful vitamins and minerals that only veggies can give!
The Snack That Smiles Back
You’ve got to get some Goldfish! Sure, these make a great snack for the kiddos, but there’s no age-limit on Goldfish. This variety pack ensures everyone’s tastes are covered and there’s plenty to share so adults and kids can both enjoy them throughout the upcoming stormy evenings.
Don’t Get Caught Without Potato Chips
Potato chips are the ultimate snack. I don’t consider them “junk food,” but your kids might, which means they’ll be far more tempted to eat them instead of complaining about the lack of WiFi or TV. Be sure to stock up on some Lay’s so you’re covered for the storm.
Store up Some Power
If your power’s out, that means no phones, no video game consoles, no DVD players. Nothing. So, do yourself a favor and grab this power bank so you can keep in touch with the outside world, or just so you can keep yourself and your kids entertained with your various devices.
Keep the Mess Contained
Pringles are a healthier alternative to potato chips if you’re a little hesitant about bringing those home, and not only are they healthier, they come in their own little containers so you can keep the mess down. No one wants to clean up messes while they’re dealing with everything else weather-related.
You’ve Got Breakfast Covered
And snacks, too! I, for one, am in love with Lucky Charms bars, and my husband loves Golden Grahams so this mixed box is particularly perfect for our family. These also make a great option for a treat for the kids. You can even pretend they’re candy bars if you want!
Who Doesn’t Love Fruit Snacks?
I was a professional nanny for years, and one of the biggest takeaways I learned from my time nannying? All kids love fruit snacks and not all fruit snacks are created equal. These are some of my absolute favorite fruit snacks and pretty much every kid I’ve met agrees.
Keep it Safe
You always want to be prepared in case of an emergency, even though you never want an emergency to happen. Keep yourself taken care of by keeping this First Aid kit with you, or near you, throughout this nasty weather. Just in case! It’s great for minor cuts and scrapes.
Stay Warm No Matter What
In case of a dire emergency, these emergency blankets are a great option. I keep two in my car just in case I break down in a snowy location. They’re also great to keep in your home in case your heat goes out during the snowy season. You never know when they’re going to come in handy!
Shed a Little Light
I love these lights! They’re the coolest things ever because they’re shaped like lightbulbs, and they are lightbulbs, but not the normal kind you screw in. These amazing light bulbs run off of solar power (yay for eco-friendly!) so you can keep the lights on, even if the power’s out.
Get Light Anywhere
One of the smartest things I’ve ever done is get this headlamp. It’s an amazing way to keep your hands free for doing whatever you need to without having to worry about juggling a flashlight, too. It’s also great for camping, so it can do double duty, which is always a win!
The Ultimate Lantern
Sometimes the best plan is to use a lantern. You can set this in one central location and its brilliant and bright light shines enough to brighten up normal-sized rooms. It’s a great option if you’re trying to play a fun, family game during a power outage but don’t want to designate someone as the flashlight holder.
Don’t Worry About Power
You don’t have to worry about running out of power if you get this flashlight that doubles as a charger. This is a hand-crank gadget that allows you to power your phone and your light with your own strength. It’s a great way to stay warm, too. Just keep it cranking!
A Classic Snack
Peanut butter crackers are a phenomenal option for snacks. They’re super filling and they’re also super tasty, plus, most kids like these which means you don’t have to worry about them complaining about one more thing. And they’re from everyone’s favorite cracker makers – Ritz!
You’ve Got to Stay Hydrated
You can’t be without water! Especially not during a storm like this. You’ve got to get this pack of water bottles to store for events or weather issues. It’s best to be as prepared as possible, so I recommend grabbing an extra one if you can. You never know when they’ll come in handy!
Not Just for College Students
Ramen noodles are for everyone, not just broke college students. They make a quick, filling, and, if I do say so myself, delicious, meal. Plus, if you have picky eaters you can just make it without the flavor packet and they’re suddenly normal noodles. Just super long.