This pantry checklist will get you ready to weather any storm

When the National Weather Service forecasts heavy rains, strong winds and low temperatures, being ready is not just being smart — it’s survival. In situations like this, it’s your cue to turn your alert mode on and check what’s most important: your pantry stocks.

While it’s always nice to stay warm under your sheets and indulge in comfort foods during this cold and wet season, prepping up for food stocks and an emergency kit is your first step to worry-free stormy days.

For starters, Angela Lemond, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shared, “For folks in high-risk areas, stock up to feed double the people in your family for double the time you estimate any outages.”

In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests storing a minimum of three-days supply of non-perishable foods or more. “It’s always good to be prepared,” added Lemond.

@cbsaustinWhat groceries should you buy before the winter storm?♬ original sound – CBS Austin

What food to stock up for a winter storm

Storm or not, food is essential and it’s always better to look at it than to look for it. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials to pick when grocery shopping — including non-food must-have items.

Bottled water: Staying hydrated is vital to maintain your energy but keep it at just one gallon per person or pet per day.

Canned soups or noodles: Low-sodium, easy-to-cook and warm — this is where those instant noodles would come handy.

Pancake mixes: Your breakfast hero that would just require water even when power outage hits.

Rice and oats: Rice is life for Filipinos and carbs are good for body warmth while oatmeal is a good choice for breakfast or meryenda.

Snacks: Granola, protein bars, yogurt and another Filipino staple, pandesal, are must-haves to keep your snack gaming strong.

Nuts: Keeping a stash of almond or peanut butter.

Crackers and tortillas: Fiber overload plus energy-boosting components excellent for healthy snack concoctions (while watching your favorite rom-com or teleseryes of course).

Protein powerhouse: Stock up on canned tuna, salmon, chicken or even sardines for added energy for the muscles.

Beans and legumes: Good source of protein and fiber such as monggo that you can easily whip up to a stew — perfect match for your rice

Sports drinks: Perfect to keep your electrolytes in check, just choose the ones with less sugar.

Fruits and veggies: For dessert, dried apricots, raisins or fresh fruits and veggies that can withstand any power outages that might occur (tomatoes, citrus fruits, apples and bananas).

Extra food for your babies and pets: Load up on a little extra of everything — baby formulas and foods, and cat and dog foods.

Other essentials checklist

Just because you’ve crossed out foods on the grocery list, it doesn’t mean all’s done. Remember, it’s not just about food. Be sure to have:

• Medicines and baby essentials (extra diapers and wet wipes)
• Flashlights, matches, candles 
• Batteries — in case of power outages
• Paper goods — tissues and paper towels

If you’ve ticked off everything on this list, you can finally enjoy your sip of hot coffee (with pandesal on the side) while wrapped in your blankets sans any woes.