A Prepper's Guide To Winter Survival

If you're into prepping, you're likely to already have a good idea of the preparations you'll need to ensure you and your family's safety at any time of the year, but many preppers gloss over the added issues that winter can bring, especially in bad weather.

Prepping is all about having a plan, and when the day comes that winter sets in and it's time to sort out your plan in an emergency situation, this guide is here to help.

Why Winter Is A Problem for Preppers

The one basic concept you'll need to remember: You must have a disaster/winter survival pack ready before the storm hits.

Planning For The Storm

Winter storms can come suddenly and without much warning, but they also aren't an unexpected disaster. They are forecast by meteorologists, and whenever you live in an area that can be prone to them it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest information on winter storms.

As well as learning about what's happening in your area right now, you should also get familiar with the possible areas which could be affected over the next few days or weeks. The more you know about how weather patterns work in your area, the better prepared you'll be for when bad weather strikes.

Clear Up Debris and Snow As Soon As Possible

Keeping the front of your home clear and accessible is vital for prepping, because it will allow you to have an escape route if needed. It is especially important if you're in an area prone to snow storms, as the storm could cause the front door of your home to be blocked by snow.

If you can clear up your home as soon as possible with a 2 stage snow blower or even a simple broom, then you'll help ensure that there is always a route out of your home.

Be Prepared With A Backup Plan

To begin with, learn how long it will take for your main plan to take effect and ensure that it's going to work right away. Preppers also commonly advise others to have a backup plan in case the first plan fails, but this is an idea that should be taken even further than that.

During the winter, it's especially important to have a backup plan.

Say you prepare your home for a power outage by unplugging everything and packing water and food – what do you do if the outage lasts too long and your food and water runs out?

If you know the right steps to take and also have an idea of how likely each one is to work out, then at least you'll have a better chance of surviving.

Include The Kids In The Preparation Process

When prepping with kids it's always a good idea to involve them as much as possible. If you can take them out of school for a few days, make sure they know the basic skills required to be able to survive.

Both parents and children should also learn about the basics of weather, what to do in a snowstorm and how to avoid freezing – all information which could save lives.