Shelf-Stable Proteins

High Satiety, No Fridge Required

Protein keeps everyone full longer, which means fewer snack meltdowns and less rummaging when options are limited.

Easy staples

• Canned tuna or salmon

• Canned chicken

• Beans and lentils

• Peanut butter or almond butter

• Protein bars or ready-to-drink shakes

• Jerky

Quick meal ideas

• Tuna + crackers

• Peanut butter toast

• Bean-based chili

• Protein bars for kids (or adults who are “too cold to cook”)

These don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold if needed—huge win.

Grill Friendly Foods

When Gas or Charcoal Saves the Day

If you have a grill, you’re already ahead of the game.

Easy grill options

• Hot dogs or sausages

• Pre-marinated chicken

• Burgers

• Foil-pack vegetables

• Quesadillas or grilled sandwiches

Don’t forget the essentials

• Propane tank (filled)

• Extra propane

• Charcoal

• Firewood

• Grill lighter or matches

Grilling outside also helps reduce carbon monoxide risk from indoor cooking.

Coffee without Electricity

Non-Negotiable

Cold weather + no coffee = bad vibes.

Power-free coffee setup

• French press or pour-over cone with filters

• Ground coffee

• Kettle you can heat on gas or the grill

This is less about caffeine and more about morale, and morale matters.

Water and Simple prep

Water access can be unpredictable during winter storms.

Before the storm

• Fill water bottles and pitchers

• Freeze ice (helps keep food cold if power goes out)

• Stock bottled water for drinking and coffee

Even short outages feel longer when you’re scrambling for water.

Reset the House Before the Storm

Do these ahead of time so you’re not stressed later.

• Finish all laundry

• Wash blankets and throws

• Run the dishwasher or wash dishes

• Clean sinks and counters

• Take out the trash

Why this matters
Clean clothes, clean dishes, and warm blankets provide instant comfort when conditions get rough.

Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes cause way more damage than a few days of inconvenience.

Before temperatures drop

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Locate your water shut-off valves (know how to use them)

• Leave sink cabinets open (kitchen and bathrooms)

• Let faucets drip during extreme cold

• Fill bathtubs or large containers with water

Extra water tips

• Freeze water bottles to help keep the freezer cold

• Keep bottled water for drinking and coffee

• Avoid running dishwashers or washing machines during extreme cold if pressure drops

Power Outage Ready

Do this before snow or ice starts.

• Charge phones and wireless chargers

• Charge power banks

• Gather flashlights (ideally one per room)

• Extra batteries

• Candles, lighters, and matches

Having everything in one place reduces panic searching in the dark.

Car Prep

Even If You Don’t Plan to Drive

Emergencies don’t always ask permission.

• Gas up the car

• Keep a blanket in the car

• Phone charger

• Ice scraper

A full tank and warm backup supplies can make all the difference.

Winter storms don’t have to feel scary or chaotic. A little thoughtful prep—especially around food, warmth, and power—turns it into a slow, cozy pause instead of a crisis.

Think comfort. Think safety. Think future-you saying thank you.