Top 11+ items to stock up on now before a winter storm hits

Winter weather is on the way, with much of the country under advisories this weekend. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are expected from Texas to New England, and residents are anticipating power outages and travel disruptions. Whenever the TV weatherman starts filling evening newscasts with endless reports of an ominous snow storm, everyone does one thing: rushes to the store to buy all the bread, water, and milk they can find. While it's good to stock up on those food basics, being storm prepared involves a bit more than that — and it's better to get yourself ready long before the first weather reports come in. Here's what you should have in your house and your car to weather the storm with ease — even if you're holed up indoors for a few days.

A flashlight

When winter storms are at their worst, they sometimes knock out your electricity. You will want to preserve your cell phone battery, so invest in a flashlight (or several!) to hold onto at all times. A few candles won't hurt either (and give a nice ambiance post-sunset), but flashlights or portable lanterns are definitely safer.

Batteries

Your battery-operated safety devices (like your flashlight and radio) are no good if they don't have their source of electricity.

A first-aid kit

Just in case you get stuck in your house — and can't make it to a hospital in case of an accident — make sure you have one of these safety kits that contains all of the essentials.

Extra blankets for warmth

Also, file warm jackets, hats, gloves, and really anything that will keep you toasty warm in the event that the power (and your heat!) go out under this category.

A full week of medications

Copies of personal documents

This includes medication and pertinent medical information, proof of address, the lease or deed for your home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, credit cards, and social security cards.

A backup power generator

While pricey, generators are your best bet when you lose power, since they can keep your water hot, your fridge cold, and your heat on even if a winter storm knocks out your electricity.

A three-day supply of non-perishable food

Think: canned food, peanut butter, all the usual suspects. But Sharon Franke, Director of the Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, also recommends uncut fruit and shelf-stable milk from Horizon Dairy, because they don't require refrigeration.

A three-day supply of water

Bostrom warns that sometimes your water supply can be compromised or contaminated during a heavy storm or bad weather — so keep extra water on hand as a back-up. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon per person.

A non-electric can opener

Because what good is your can of corn if you can't open it?

Pet food and supplies

Animals have to eat, too! Make sure you have at least a three-day supply of food for your pet and anything else they might need while you're stuck at home, like a collar, leash, ID, carrier, or bowl.

A cooler filled with ice

If you don't have a backup generator, you should keep a cooler filled with ice on-hand so you can put refrigerated food in it to keep it cold if the power goes out and won't be back on again for more than four hours, according to the United State Department of Agriculture.