For many, winter means days spent hitting the ski slopes or diving into other outdoor snow sports. But with this adventure-filled season also comes the risk of losing power during a storm. Outages can run the gamut from a few hours in the dark to days stuck inside due to a particularly intense snow or ice storm. Having something like a portable power station will go a long way to ensure you and your family are prepared for any winter weather power outage. So when an outage happens, keep the following in mind.

BUILD A BASIC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT

No matter how great or small your risk of an emergency weather event may be, you should always have a basic emergency supply kit ready to go. This includes a first aid kit, a weatherproof radio, flashlights, batteries and critical medications. Additional supplies might include important documents such as copies of insurance policies, bank account records, and identification.

STOCK UP ON NON-PERISHABLE FOOD AND WATER

Non-perishable food items are the best items to store in case of a winter weather emergency. Keep three days worth of canned food, dry fruit and nut mixes, and other items that require little preparation in your pantry and aim to have one gallon of water per person per day on hand as well. Proactively shop for these items far ahead of any potential storm. As soon as the weather channel starts advising folks to stock up, grocery store shelves are often depleted faster than you’d think.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY COMFORTABLE

When the grid goes down and it’s cold out, staying warm can be a major concern. If you have a wood burning fireplace, store up extra wood in case your heat is knocked out and have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year. Put extra blankets, sleeping bags, and down coats in a place that is easily accessible and make sure your whole family knows where to find them.

BE READY WITH SAFE, EASY-TO-USE BACKUP POWER

In the case of any emergency outage, backup power sources will help keep your family connected, comfortable, and safe. However, during the winter, gas-powered generators, heaters, and lanterns can also increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. To safely keep devices charged, lights on, and appliances running through a storm, be ready with the right gas-free power stations and kits to meet your power needs. Pair them with a portable solar panel for a complete solar generating solution.