As prepping becomes more and more popular around the globe, it becomes more important that people know the proper items that are needed in the event of surviving without all the luxuries we have become accustomed to in the 21^st Century.

Winter Prepping Needs

While many of the items on our list are common prepper items, they become even more important in the harsh conditions of winter. Combat One has come up with a list of essential winter prepping items that you need to keep in your home.

1.     Warm Coats and Other Winter Items

If heat or electricity go out in your home, you will want to have plenty of winter clothing. Be sure that you have a heavy winter coat, ear muffs or a warm hat, gloves, and heavy socks. Consider having winter boots, too. If you need to go outside for any reason, winter boots will keep your feet dry and as warm as possible.

You will want to wear multiple layers to prevent the loss of body heat, so keep sweaters, warm pants, and lots of clothing with your winter prepping supplies.

2.     Wool Blankets

Wool is warmer than cotton and fleece, so large wool blankets are a great asset in the event of a power outage in your home this winter. Keep wool blankets in your winter prepping kit.

3.     Heat Source

There are many different options that you can buy as a heat source. Generators can provide enough power to space heaters or a small electric burner to cook food. A gas stove can help heat part of your home during a power outage. If you have a gas stove, you need to have enough extra gas to keep the stove going for a few days. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood that you can use to keep your home warm and cook food.

4.     Food and Water

While this is a no-brainer, you may need to stock up with more items than you would initially think. Water is especially crucial, as humans can’t survive very long without water. Stock up on bottles of water or have a water gathering and filtration system in place. Have enough water for everyone in your family for at least a week. Consider stocking up on other beverages, too. Tea, coffee, and juice are all great ways to stay hydrated.

When you start stocking up on food, you should look for items that are easy to consume and store. Canned food is a great option, as it keeps for a long time, doesn’t require cooking, and the can functions as a bowl. Be sure to have a variety of foods available so you get all the nutritional requirements your body needs. Get beans, vegetables, soups, and even fruits. Make sure you also have a can opener.

Protein bars, gels, and chews are good to keep on hand during a winter survival situation, because they provide the body with much-needed protein but don’t take up much room. Protein bars are often very filling as well.

Don’t forget to keep food and water around for your pets as well.

5.     Hand Warmers

Hands and feet are often the first parts of the body to get frostbite, and it is important that you keep your hands and feet warm. One way to do this is to purchase hand and feet warmers. Hand warmers can stay warm for hours, which can prevent frostbite.

6.     Snow Shovels

If there is snowfall in your area, a snow shovel can help you dig your car out of the snow, allowing you to leave your home. As long as the streets have been treated, you can then get out and get supplies for you and your family.

7.     Windshield Scrapers

Windshield scrapers can make leaving your home in your car much easier. You can’t drive with ice and snow on your windshield, so an ice scraper will allow you to make your vehicle usable without wasting gasoline.

8.     Health and Hygiene Products

Each person has specific health and hygiene needs that they won’t want to live without. If you have a baby in your household, stock up on diapers and baby wipes. Women should stock up on personal hygiene products. If you or a member of your family need prescription medications, you should have extras stashed in your home in case you can’t get out to pick up more. Consider also keeping a first-aid kit that is stocked with over-the-counter medications, bandages, and other items that can help in the case of injury.

Since showering in cold water can be extremely dangerous in the winter, you will need to have a backup plan for hygiene. To keep your whole family fresh and clean during a winter survival situation, stock up on Combat One Tactical Bath Wipes. These wipes require no water, hydrate skin, and keep you smelling fresh. They should be kept in your winter prepping kit.

9.     Ice Melt

Ice melt is handy if you need to leave your home as it quickly starts melting the snow and ice on your porch or sidewalk. If you think you will need something to help your vehicle get traction on the ice, consider keeping sand or kitty litter on hand.

10.  Restroom Solution

Come up with a solution for bathroom habits early. If you want to keep extra water on hand to flush toilets or use waste buckets, have those items ready before you are in a situation where they are needed.

While you may not have all the luxuries that you are used to, these items will help you keep yourself and your family alive during severe winter weather that knocks out power in your area. If you want a more comfortable or fun winter survival kit, you can always add other items to the list, such as candles, a hand-crank phone charger, books and games, and much more.

Don’t Forget Your Car

In the winter, snow can quickly make driving dangerous or impossible. If you happen to get into an accident or stuck along the roadway this winter, you will want to have a few items to help you.

• Windshield scraper
• Thermal blanket
• Compact snow shovel
• Non-toxic ice melter
• Jumper cables
• Hand-crank torch
• Extra fuel container
• First-aid kit
• Tow straps
• Kitty litter or sand
• Snow chains
• Flares

These items can help you get your car unstuck from the snow, treat minor injuries, and stay warm in the cold weather. While these items are extremely helpful, you won’t be able to stay in your car in the cold for very long, so be sure always to have your cell phone charged up in case of emergency.

Combat One wants all preppers to be prepared to survive through a tough winter. All of the items on this winter prepping list could keep you and your family safe and well during extreme winter situations. Taking the winter challenges seriously and being prepared could save lives. Shop online for Combat One.