Before a winter storm arrives, make a household communication and evacuation plan, check heating and alarms, protect plumbing, and set aside food, water, medicines and backup charging. During an outage, use only safe heat, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and run any generator outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. If the home becomes too cold or essential medical equipment cannot be powered, move to a heated location.
Prepare before the storm
Plan how your household will communicate and leave
Write down a household disaster plan, including how family members will contact one another if phones or internet service fail. Keep a paper list of support contacts and monitor weather forecasts, utility updates and local emergency alerts. Decide in advance where you could go if the house becomes unsafe, how you would get there, and how pets and anyone with medical needs would travel. The American Red Cross winter-storm guidance recommends planning for household needs and evacuation; confirm locally whether shelters or warming locations are open.
Make the home more weather-ready
Before temperatures drop, weatherproof doors and windows, seal drafts, and insulate water pipes on exterior walls. Address roof leaks and trim or otherwise deal with branches that threaten the home. If you may use a fireplace or wood-burning appliance, have its chimney or flue inspected annually. Arrange for a qualified technician to check the furnace and its vent. These steps can reduce exposure to cold and help limit avoidable damage; they do not make an unsafe heating appliance safe to use.
Check alarms and prepare for fire and carbon monoxide
Install and test smoke alarms and battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. CDC advises testing alarms monthly and changing batteries twice a year. Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher accessible if the household uses combustion heating equipment. CO is odorless and can cause sudden illness or death, so alarms are essential protection when fuel-burning appliances are in use. Follow the alarm manufacturer’s placement and maintenance instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 - 4400 peak watts and 3400 running watts, perfect for RV camping and home backup
- 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 - Includes 2*120V AC ports, 1*12V DC port, 1*RV port
- 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲: Runs for up to 14 hours at 25% load with ECO mode, 2 gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge, allows you to check fuel levels at a glance, keeping you prepared
- 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞: Under 72 dBA from 23FT away, this generator provides steady power for your home during a power outage or RV nights
- 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Only 56lbs, easy to move around
Set aside supplies, medicines and pet necessities
Build supplies around the people and animals in your household, the likely outage length, and the space available to store them. The Red Cross recommends at least two weeks of nonperishable food and water; households should adapt that amount to their circumstances and medical needs. Include:
- Drinking water and food that can be eaten without cooking.
- Prescription and essential over-the-counter medicines, first-aid supplies, and any supplies needed for medical devices.
- Pet food and water that will not freeze, along with leashes, carriers and any animal medications.
- Flashlights or lanterns, spare batteries, warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags.
- Phone charging gear, such as a charged power bank, and a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio.
- A refrigerator and freezer thermometer, plus a cooler and ice or cold packs if available.
For refrigerated medicines or power-dependent medical devices, contact the care provider before the storm. Ask how to store medicines safely, what backup power or non-electric alternatives are appropriate, and what signs mean it is time to relocate. A power bank or generator is not automatically compatible with medical equipment; confirm the device’s power requirements and a safe backup plan with the provider.
Rank #2
- Ultra-Lightweight: At only 7.5 lbs, the Explorer 300 delivers a robust 292Wh capacity while remaining 17% lighter than the industry average. The sleek, integrated handle makes it effortless to carry on long hikes or pack with your camping gear, providing reliable off-grid power without adding bulk to your load.
- Versatile Power for 6 Devices: Equipped with 2 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C PD port, 2 USB-A ports, and a 120W car port. With a 300W rated output (600W peak surge), it easily handles laptops, drones, and cameras, while also serving as a dependable cpap battery for camping or a robust solar powered generator when paired with panels.
- Built to Last: Upgraded with premium LiFePO4 chemistry, this portable generator delivers over 4,000 charge cycles before reaching 70% capacity. This ensures more than 11 years of reliable service life, making it a sustainable and durable energy partner for a decade of exploration.
- Fast Solar Charging: Perfect for off-grid use, this solar powered generator pairs seamlessly with Jackery panels. Reach 80% capacity in approximately 2.8 hours with a 100W solar panel, or maintain your gear with a portable 40W panel (80% in 7.5 hours), making it an essential part of your hunting essentials.
- WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station, 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide (𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝.)
Prepare a vehicle only if travel may be necessary
If you may need to evacuate or travel for supplies, keep a winter kit in the vehicle. CDC recommends warm clothing, blankets, a flashlight, radio, water, snacks, first aid supplies and medicines, along with other items suited to the vehicle and trip. Check road and weather conditions before leaving; avoid travel when authorities advise against it.
Use heat safely during an outage
Conserve heat in the home
Close doors to unused rooms, limit unnecessary opening of exterior doors and windows, block drafts under doors, and cover windows at night. Use heating equipment only for its intended purpose, following its instructions for ventilation and clearance from combustible materials. Never use a gas range or oven to heat the home, and never use a grill or camping stove indoors.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Gasoline: 5300 Running Watts & 6500 Peak Watts; Propane: 4800 Running Watts & 5800 Peak Watts; 4.7 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge; Up to 14.5 Hours of Run Time with 120/240V Volt Selector Switch
- Features One 5–20R 120V 20V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30A Receptacle, and One Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 30A Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with Oil, an Oil Funnel, Propane Hose, Tool Kit, Wheel Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 274 CC Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
Run a generator outdoors and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Place a generator outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, and position it so rain or snow cannot reach it. Never operate it inside a home, basement, garage or other enclosed space—even with doors or windows open. Use individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to connect appliances, and do not use wet equipment. Keep battery-operated CO alarms working. Follow the generator’s instructions for operation, fueling and maintenance; do not connect a generator to household wiring unless the setup has been installed for that purpose by a qualified professional.
Choose lighting that avoids open flames
Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles when possible. Keep lights and spare batteries where household members can find them in the dark. Never touch a downed power line, and stay away from water that may contain one.
Rank #4
- 🔌 Safe for Sensitive Electronics | <3% THD Clean Power Inverter Generator - This portable inverter generator with advanced inverter tech delivers stable, clean power (THD <3%), safe for your phones, laptops, or small tools. It’s the perfect for home office backups during blackouts or generator for camping - keep your devices charged without worry
- ⚡ Powerful & Fuel-Efficient | Runtime: 8 hrs at 25% load, 2 hrs at full load – This AIVOLT quiet gas inverter generator, powered by a 60cc 4-stroke OHV engine with copper windings, delivers 1600 starting watts and 1260 running watts. The eco-mode switch intelligently adjusts fuel consumption, enabling up to 8 hrs of continuous operation at 25% load for significant fuel savings, while full 1260W operation runs approximately 2 hrs (refuel as needed). Perfect for camping, RV trips, tailgating, job sites, and home backup.
- 🔇 Ultra-Quiet (57 dBA) & Lightweight - This portable quiet generator (57 dBA at 23ft) is quieter than a normal conversation— no more noisy distractions during camping or backyard gatherings, truly a silent gas generator. At just 28lbs, it’s 20% lighter than similar models, a handy small inverter generator easy to carry to campsites or job sites as your go-to quiet generator for camping
- 🔌🔗 Multifunctional Panel & Parallel Capability - This portable inverter generator comes with 2x120V outlets and 2 USB ports (Type-A/C), perfect for charging phones while running a camping fridge. 3 indicator lights and an hour meter let you monitor power status in real time. Need more power? Connect two AIVOLT VS1600101 quiet inverter generators via a parallel kit (not included) to double your output seamlessly
- 🛡️ CO Protect & Comprehensive Safety - This gas powered generator features built-in CO Alert tech that auto-shuts down when unsafe CO levels are detected, protecting your family. Low oil auto-shutdown and overload protection also safeguard both the generator and your electronics - make it a safe for home or RV use, no safety worries
Protect food and water during the outage
Keep appliance thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. CDC’s target temperatures are 40°F or below in the refrigerator and 0°F or below in the freezer. Keep both appliance doors closed so cold air remains inside.
- A closed refrigerator may keep food safe for up to 4 hours.
- A closed full freezer may keep food safe for up to 48 hours; a half-full freezer may do so for up to 24 hours.
- If power has been out for 4 hours, move refrigerated perishables to a cooler with ice or cold packs if available. Discard perishable refrigerator food that has been without power or another cold source for 4 hours.
- Frozen food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be safely refrozen or cooked.
Do not taste food to decide whether it is safe. Time and temperature, not smell or appearance, should guide the decision.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest Value
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
Outage checklist: what to do first
- Check official alerts and utility updates, and contact household members or support contacts using your plan.
- Use flashlights or battery lanterns; avoid candles if possible.
- Conserve indoor heat by closing unused rooms, blocking drafts and covering windows at night.
- Use only safe heating equipment as designed. Never heat with a gas stove or oven, grill or camping stove indoors.
- If using a generator, keep it outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, protect it from precipitation, use outdoor-rated cords and keep CO alarms working.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut and track the outage duration for food-safety decisions.
- Never approach downed power lines or water that may contain them.
- Relocate to a heated place if the home becomes too cold or essential medical equipment cannot be powered. Check locally for an open warming location or shelter.
Know when to leave
Do not wait for a medical emergency or a complete loss of heat to decide. Relocate to a heated place if indoor conditions become too cold to remain safely, if your planned heating method is unavailable or unsafe, or if a medical device or refrigerated medicine cannot be kept within its required conditions. Use the evacuation plan to account for transportation, medications, pets and medical equipment. Availability and operating hours of shelters or warming centers vary by location, so verify current information with local authorities or emergency services.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
