How to prepare a winter weather safety kit for the season

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Use this time to make sure you're prepared if a winter storm hits your neighborhood. First, let's talk about the essentials around the house.

Food and Water: Make sure you have lots of water and non-perishable food. You should have enough on hand to last at least 3 days. Make sure you have things that don't need refrigeration in case you lose power. Remember, if your fridge gets above 40, it's time to move on from what is in it!

Power is Key: How are you going to keep the lights on? Make sure you have lots of batteries on hand. And a good flashlight! LED flashlights use less power than traditional ones and can drain batteries more slowly. A battery-powered radio is also an easy, low-power option to keep in the know. Finally, a charging bank that's been charged and ready to keep your cell phone charged.

Extra Warmth: Lots of blankets and extra clothes. If you lose power and can't keep the heat going, it's good to pile on layers.

Let There Be Light: Another source of light is candles and matches to light them. That's as big a fire as you want to have indoors. Do NOT bring the generator in. If the power goes out and you don't have a working smoke detector or CO detector, you don't want open flames inside. NEVER use your gas oven for warmth; you don't want a buildup of bad stuff in the air. And anywhere there's an open flame, please make sure to have a fire extinguisher.

The ABC11 Weather Team has all you need to know to keep you, your family, and pets safe during the colder months.

Let's move on to the car. Though you should stay off the roads, here are a few essentials to have in the trunk ready to go.

Extra Water and Snacks: If you get stuck in a snowbank somewhere and don't know when help will reach you, it's great to stave off hunger and thirst.

More Light: Flares to mark the road or signal for help are great to have tucked away. And they last forever. Make sure to also bring a flashlight, especially if you're traveling after dark.

Extra Blankets: They're good to tuck under if you're stuck somewhere without a working heater.

First Aid Kit: It's always good to keep one in the car, anyway. You never know when you, or a fellow traveler, may need something inside.

Jumper Cables: I can't tell you how many times I've used mine. Usually it's on someone else's car. You never know when you might be an answer to someone else's prayer.

Most of these items can be used again when it's time to make your hurricane preparedness kit!