A Winter Storm is Coming: Prepare Yourself with Ten Things You’ll Need if the Electricity Goes Out

The National Weather Service is predicting an arctic cold front will move through the area late Wednesday night and Thursday. A pair of disturbances will move northeast across the area beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing through the day Friday. As temperatures drop below freezing, a wintry mix of precipitation is expected across the entire region.

A winter storm warning is in effect from Thursday evening through Friday afternoon. Significant accumulations of ice, sleet and snow with likely result in treacherous driving conditions Thursday night and Friday. In addition, some isolated power outages cannot be ruled out where freezing rain is most prevalent.

If you lose power, there are some things that will make your life much easier - do yourself a favor and go out asap and purchase these items! You'll be glad you did.

1. Board Games and Books - If you don't have some already, get some. When the TV goes out and you have to keep yourself entertained you'll be thankful for these items. Make sure you get real books - not digital.

2. Flashlight, Candles and Matches or a Lighter - Want to fumble around in the dark? Didn't think so!

3. A Non-electric Heat Source - If you don't have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, invest in a heat source that doesn't require electricity such as a propane or kerosene heater. BE CAREFUL though!

4. A Manual Can Opener - It's great having canned food but can you open it?

5. A Grill and Full Propane Tank - This is a pretty easy way to cook some foods without electricity. Check out the camping aisle for more cooking without electricity products.

6. Battery-Operated Radio - Keep in touch with your favorite radio station with a battery-operated radio or with your smart-phone using Radiopup.

7. BATTERIES - Lots of them in different sizes.

8. Battery-Operated or Solar Phone Charger - What good is a cell phone if you can't use it? Keep in touch with the outside world!

9. Food Plan - Make sure you have enough non-perishable food and drink for at least a week.

10. A Generator - If you can afford it, spend the money and buy a generator today. It will save you in the long run if food spoils.