Be Prepared for Any Winter Storm With These Must-Have Products—Approved by Our Experts

When severe weather hits, it's vital to be prepared with the right essentials.
Winter Blizzard Preparation—Retailers Are Stocked With Snow Blowers, Generators, and More Storm Essentials With Same-Day Delivery or Pickup
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila

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Save on Winter Storm Essentials

In addition to this list, we’ve rounded up the best snow blower deals along with the best winter essential deals for winter storm preparation. Save up to 50% off snow blowers, flashlights, generators, and more.

As some regions of the country have already seen, major winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, and brutal cold that can slow down or stop day-to-day activities. Significant snowfall requires major cleanup; dangerous ice can bring down power lines; and wind chills can reach life-threatening levels, with frostbite possible within minutes of exposure. With hazardous conditions and power outages possible during severe winter weather, it’s crucial to be prepared with the right emergency products.

The Best Winter Storm Preparation Products

The following products will help you keep your home and family safe during this historic winter storm. Our test team has reviewed and approved each of these products.

Propane Heater

Mr. Heater Propane Heater

See more: Best Non-Electric Heaters, Tested & Reviewed

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If you lose power and you don’t have a generator, you’ll need an alternate way to stay warm. Our top pick is the Mr. Heater Propane Heater, which won’t generate toxic fumes when used indoors. Read our in-depth review of the Mr. Heater. Even better, this heater qualifies for same-day delivery in some areas.

Generator

Westinghouse Dual-Fuel Generator

See more:Best Portable Generators, Tested & Reviewed

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If the electricity goes out, you’ll need a generator powerful enough to run essential appliances and a space heater, such as the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator, which runs on either gasoline or propane.

Ice Melt

Natural Rapport Ice Melt

See more: Best Ice Melt, Tested & Reviewed

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Slick steps and sidewalks are a recipe for disastrous falls, so stock up now on an eco-friendly, pet-safe ice melt product like Natural Rapport Ice Melt.

Flashlights

Streamlight 880-40 ProTac Flashlight

See more: Best Flashlights, Tested & Reviewed

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Having one or more strong flashlights is essential–we like the Streamlight 880-40 ProTac for its long-lasting rechargeable battery and bright illumination.

Portable Power Station

To stay in touch with the outside world during an outage, keep a power station like the EcoFlow Delta 3 on hand for charging cellphones, tablets, lights, and other essential devices.

NOAA Radio

The Best Emergency Radio Option: Midland WR120B/WR120EZ Emergency Weather Alert Radio
Photo: amazon.com

Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Radio

See more: Best Emergency Radios, Tested & Reviewed

An NOAA radio, like this Midland model, helps keep you updated and informed when the power goes out or if cell service is spotty.

Pipe Insulation

Check to see if there are any exposed pipes in colder parts of the house—like a crawl space or attic—and wrap with foam pipe insulation.

With the proper preparations and products, you can confidently face a winter storm or anything else Mother Nature sends your way. 

 
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Glenda Taylor Avatar

Glenda Taylor

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries. 


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