What to stock up on as over 40 states brace for winter storm impact

Americans are being urged to prepare as a massive winter storm is expected to stretch more than 2,000 miles across the United States this weekend, potentially affecting more than 235 million people in more than 40 states.

The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain starting Friday and continuing through Monday, raising concerns about widespread power outages, dangerous travel conditions and prolonged disruptions, according to National Weather Service Director Ken Graham.

“Get ready now,” Graham told FOX Weather Thursday. “If you think about a power outage, you think about the cold, you have to be prepared to have what you need for a week.”

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The National Weather Service recommends stocking up on essential supplies ahead of a winter storm, including:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Extra food and water, including non-perishable items such as granola bars, nuts and dried fruit
• NOAA battery powered weather radio or portable radio
• Additional prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Baby supplies such as diapers and formula
• Heating fuel
• An emergency heat source, such as a ventilated space heater
• Fire extinguisher and working smoke alarms
• Extra food for pets

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A man places a box of canned foods in a shopping cart at a grocery store. (iStock/iStock)

Officials also remind the public to never operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces and to make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

“When the power goes out, a lot of people have generators. I implore everyone, please use them properly,” Graham said. “We are losing a lot of people due to improper use of generators… Keep them away from the house. They are good to use, but use them correctly because it can be dangerous if you don’t.”

The National Weather Service also recommends people keep a winter survival kit in the car.

This kit should include a phone and charger, blankets, flashlights, a first aid kit, non-perishable foods, extra clothing, kitty litter or sand for traction, a shovel, ice scraper and brush, waterproof matches, a basic tool kit and paper maps.

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A cardboard box filled with non-perishable canned goods. (iStock/iStock)

Farmers and pet owners are also encouraged to move animals inland or to protected areas, store extra feed and ensure access to water.

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“More than half the country’s population will experience winter weather,” Graham said. “The sheer scale of this — extending from New Mexico all the way to New England — is going to have a huge impact on a huge number of people.”

For more information on how to prepare for a winter storm, visit the National Weather Service website.