Winter storm season is descending upon us—are you ready? If you haven’t stocked your home with an emergency supply kit, now is the time to prepare! But there’s no need to buy every storm supply in massive quantities; you can shop smart and still be ready for rough weather. Here are the top ten supplies you'll want to have in abundance for anything winter may throw your way.

1. Bottled water

Bottled water is one of the first things to fly off grocery store shelves in any kind of weather emergency, so stock up now! The good news: The FDA considers unopened bottled water to have an indefinite shelf life. Although most bottled waters have expiration dates; those dates usually reflect taste and/or odor preferences.

2. Batteries

You may have plenty of flashlights handy, but they won’t do you much good if you don’t have any batteries! Batteries also disappear quickly from stores when the weather sours, so pick up several extra packs now and keep them with your emergency supply kit.

3. Light sources

There’s nothing worse than losing power in a blizzard or a windstorm and remembering, just a little too late, that your last flashlight disappeared during a summer camping trip. Make sure you have plenty of flashlights, candles and lanterns, and store them throughout your home in easily accessible locations.

4. Paper supplies

The good thing about paper supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels and napkins? They don’t expire! There’s no shame in hoarding these goods for an emergency weather event—everyone needs ‘em and they sell out quickly when a storm is on the horizon!

5. Matches

If you’re low on matches during a snowstorm, you’ll be counting every last one you use (and we know you have better things to be worried about!). Buy several boxes of waterproof matches; you never know how many you might run through in an emergency.

6. Blankets

A warm home is something we often take for granted—until a giant windstorm knocks out the power! Winter nights without electricity can get extremely chilly, so make sure your home is well-stocked with blankets, quilts and comforters to wrap up in when temperatures drop.

7. First aid supplies

Buy bandages in abundance—running out in the middle of a flood could be inconvenient and dangerous. Gauze, pain relievers and ointment all have long shelf lives and will come in handy during an emergency.

8. Non-perishable food

Canned and dried foods last for several years when unopened, so go ahead and stock your pantry for a rainy (or snowy!) day. Choose legumes, rice and wheat products for extra longevity.

9. Pet food

Make sure you have several days’ worth of food on hand for each pet. Pet food usually keeps for roughly a year after the manufacturer’s date, so you can stock your emergency supply kit with the food now and break it out over the summer for Fido to finish before the next storm season.

10.  Duct tape

From securing a broken window to entertaining antsy kids when the electricity fails, duct tape is a lifesaver. Yep, duct tape can be pretty handy in any kind of storm. Keep a roll (or five!) in your emergency supply kit!

At Paul Davis, we’re here to help you overcome the devastating setbacks inflicted by weather disasters.