Huge storm causes 1 million power outages: Here's how to stay safe

Severe winter conditions are blasting the country with snow and sleet. Power outages rippled across the U.S. recently, leaving millions of Americans without power or water. Many seek preparation plans to protect themselves from natural disasters in times like these.

Buying a portable generator is an excellent way to prepare for power outages. These helpful devices will keep things running when needed, but you must take a few precautions. Tap or click here to choose the best generator for your situation.

No matter the time of year, you should always have a backup plan if you lose power for a couple of hours or days. Consider this your storm survival guide.

Step 1: Get the supplies you need

When you’re crafting your backup plan, you need high-quality tools at your disposal. The number one gadget you need is a flashlight to help you see.

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You should also invest in a battery-powered portable radio. Here’s our recommendation:

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Of course, now that we’re in the 21st century, we’re not limited to the bare essentials. For instance, if you know bad weather is possible, make sure your phones, tablets, laptops, rechargeable flashlights and portable battery chargers are charged.

Beyond hand-held chargers, consider investing in a larger power station from brands like Anker and Jackery, which can charge phones multiple times. Add an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, to your modem, router, and home office. A UPS battery doesn’t last long, but they’re great at keeping you online when it counts.

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If you have a bit more to spend, try this powerhouse.

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Best car accessories you need for this winter

No matter the season, cold weather is never kind to your car. When ice, slush and snow storms come around, your vehicle suffers. These accessories make it easier to maintain your ride and keep it clean.

Mats are great for the floor, but nobody remembers checking on their seats. These winter covers provide a nice waterproof layer, so you don’t soak the seats and ruin them. They fit most car, truck and SUV seats. With a stretchy elastic edge, these are simple to affix to any car seat in under a minute.

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Gear up, buckle in

🚗 Ready to upgrade your car? Let’s get rolling.

  • This retractable fast car charger (39% off) keeps your cables neat.
  • Hold your iPhone or Android steady with a magnetic car mount (35% off).
  • These phone and key bags ($10) block signals, so your info stays safe.
  • Need a tissue? Just clip this leather holder ($10) onto your sun visor.
  • Make your ride comfy with a two-pack of wool seat belt covers ($15).

🌦️ Clear vision = safer drives: These windshield wipers (15% off) can handle rain or snow and work through all seasons.

Because half an inch is way different than 5 inches: New to the Weather Channel app, “probabilistic snowfall,” aka how much snow is expected to fall. It’s only included for the $30-a-year pro membership. Nah, get the same thing here for free on the government weather site.

HP wants you to subscribe (and pay) to print

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Just how much? You won’t believe the costs. Plus, Brian Telford got stuck in the snow and sent his drone up with an SOS note to nearby Trenton Taylor’s house. Spoiler alert: Trenton rescued him! We talked to both of them today about their incredible story and new friendship.

🐎 Kawasaki’s making a robot horse: Yes, seriously. It’s called “Corleo,” and one day you might actually be able to ride it through snow, over rocky cliffs and more. Thanks to goat-like feet and AI. Yeehaw meets Skynet, what could go wrong? Watch the action here.

100%

That’s the critics’ score for Netflix’s new comedy series North of North. It follows a young Inuk mom who moves back to her small hometown after leaving her husband. It’s like Gilmore Girls meets snow meets 9,000 percent more gossip. The trailer looks pretty good.

All bright and shiny

☀️ Hello, sunshine! Let’s brighten your day with a few little upgrades.

  • I don’t like dark hallways and stairwells. These night-lights look nice and cost less than $10 for eight. Click the extra coupon!
  • Guys and gals, bags under your eyes make you look older. Swipe on some gentle under-eye cream (44% off).
  • Now, use some redness-banishing eye drops (8% off) so you’ll look like you got a great night’s sleep!
  • Do you floss every day? Uh-huh, sure. A water flosser (40% off) is easier and keeps your teeth sparkling.
  • White taper candles with no smell ($15 for 20) are my go-to for dinnertime.

Just in case you need it: A bestselling ice and snow scraper to toss in the car. Stay safe!

🛍️ “As ever” more like “as never”: Meghan Markle’s online shop sold out … for all the wrong reasons. Her “As ever” products supposedly flew off the shelves in 30 minutes. But the company running her sales, Snow Commerce, has a bad rep for selling things that don’t exist or aren’t in stock. Did Meghan even check all the one-star reviews? Maybe she was too busy putting Trader Joe’s snacks for guests in a plastic bag, pretending she made them. Ouch.

33 mushers

Are taking on this year’s Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska because the usual route didn’t get enough snow. There are normally 50 to 75 mushers. The new course is farther north and now stretches a record 1,128 miles, forcing racers through endless wilderness and brutal blizzards (paywall link). You know, life is like a dogsled team. If you’re not the lead dog, the view is always the same.

Bow wow: A former police officer is using a heat-seeking drone to track down missing dogs. So far, he’s reunited 42 dogs with their families. Here’s an adorable clip of a pup lost in the snow. His little tail wags like crazy when he sees his owner. I’m so excited that I’m getting a new puppy. Meet Bella.

Cover up: Keep your doorbell camera safe from rain, snow and the sun’s relentless rays. A silicone cover won’t interfere with night vision and slips on easily. Options here for Google Nest and Ring.

Tips to keep your phone safe in the cold

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Did you know that ice and snow can wreak havoc on your phone? Here’s what you need to do to keep it safe.

Get snow and weather alerts and notifications

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Snow storms are coming. Are you prepared? Listen to this one-minute podcast to get weather warnings on your phone.