Navigate any winter storms with these power outage essentials

• Experts recommend preparing for potential power outages and frigid temperatures.
• Essential items to have on hand include portable power stations, emergency blankets, and shelf-stable food.

Every winter, without fail, my group chats start lighting up with the same panicked questions: “Do I finally need those rechargeable heated socks?” or “My building manager says to prep for icy conditions—what does that even mean?”

Cold snaps, winter storms and unexpected temperature drops can happen anywhere in the U.S., and preparing for them has basically become an annual ritual. As the designated shopping expert in my friend group, I’m always the one helping people figure out what they actually need to stay safe, warm and comfortable when extreme winter weather hits. And whether you’re worried about freezing temps, slick sidewalks or a potential power outage, having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference.

Like any major winter storm, you'll want to treat it like an emergency and prepare for the worst; frigid temperatures, limited travel and even power outages are all par for the course.

Portable chargers and generators, rechargeable lanterns, carbon monoxide detectors, snow gear, space blankets and shelf-stable food are among the most recommended winter power outage essentials you'll want to have at the ready in your home—and below, you can shop them all, plus get expedited shipping to have them delivered ASAP!

Shop 12 winter power outage essentials

Marbero Portable Power Station

Marbero Portable Power Station

When your power goes out, you'll be glad to have this portable power station handy; it's fast-charging, compact and equipped with eight output ports. Shop at Amazon

QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

QIO CHUANG Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

Snuggle up with a space blanket that might not offer quite the same coziness as a plush option, but will surely help to regulate your body temperature, insulate heat and keep you warm. Buy now at Amazon

4-in-1 Natural Gas Leak Detector & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

4-in-1 Natural Gas Leak Detector & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

For households relying on a backup heater or fuel-burning appliances, it's super important to make sure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors—just like these handy devices from Amazon. Shop at Amazon

Lighting EVER 1000LM LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable

Lighting EVER 1000LM LED Camping Lantern Rechargeable

Prepare for a power outage with these rechargeable lanterns that'll help to light up your space, and work great indoors or outdoors. Shop at Amazon

Raynic Emergency Radio, 5000mAh/18500mWh Weather Radio

Raynic Emergency Radio, 5000mAh/18500mWh Weather Radio

Stay in the loop on the latest weather updates and warnings via this emergency radio that can connect directly to your smart phone. Shop at Amazon

Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit

Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit

Looking for extra insulation? These shrink window kits offer an easy and cost-friendly way to insulate your home ahead of a cold front; plus, they're simple to install. Shop at Amazon

All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit

All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit

Severe weather should be treated like any emergency situation, where you'll want to have all the essentials in case of an accident; this handy First Aid Kit will do just the trick. Shop at Amazon

Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater

Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant Heater

Make sure to have a propane heater handy—just like this Amazon best-seller—before a winter storm rolls into your city. Shop at Amazon

AquaPodKit Emergency Bathtub Water Storage

AquaPodKit Emergency Bathtub Water Storage

If you're worried about a lack of water access, this emergency kit holds over 65 gallons and doubles as the perfect water storage solution going into a severe storm. Shop at Amazon

Sterno 100-Hour Emergency Candles

Sterno 100-Hour Emergency Candles

They won't warm up your entire house, but these emergency candles offer a long enough burn time to ensure you can light up your space for extended power outages. Shop at Amazon

HotHands Toe, Hand, & Body Warmer Variety Pack

HotHands Toe, Hand, & Body Warmer Variety Pack

These body warmers are a genius way to regulate your body's temperature in the cold; simply rub the packets in your hands and place them in your gloves, socks or even sleeping bag. Shop at Amazon

LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight

LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight

No power, no problem! These stretchy headlamps slide on smooth and emit bright light, so you'll be able to move about your space easily in the event of a power outage. Shop at Amazon

Why are power outages likely during winter storms?

Ahead of the huge winter storm in January 2026 that was one of the most impactful storm of the winter so far, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter told Paste BN that “The risk of ice, snow and frigid temperatures is a dangerous combination."

With extreme cold warnings and the potential for blizzard conditions, freezing rain and ice buildup—power outages are a real possibility, with weather experts urging people to take caution and prepare for a possible emergency.

What should I have for a winter outage?

In the event of a power outage, there are a couple winter storm essentials you'll want to make sure you have handy—including backup chargers and generators, emergency lighting and lanterns, blankets and other thermal gear, all of which should be on your winter power outage checklist.

Additionally, organizations like the American Red Cross recommend having "one gallon of drinking water per day per person" in the event of a weather emergency, as well as shelf-stable foods.

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