Winter Storm Prep: Stay Warm, Stay Powered, Stay Safe

WIRED’s prep guide outlines a practical, gear‑focused plan for a major winter storm: stock potable water or purifiers, wear wool base layers and warm mitts, and have lights, power banks, and a jump starter ready. Gather nonperishable food, a camping stove, and a cooler to manage perishables during outages; keep a snow shovel and ice melt, and consider a space heater if power is available (but never use indoor kerosene or gas heaters due to carbon monoxide risk). Download emergency apps and a battery radio, and charge devices in advance. If you must drive, top off fuel and avoid risky activity; most people should plan to shelter in place for days as outages and snow/ice disrupt travel and infrastructure.