Stock your home with storm essentials

(WPRI) - With winter weather in full force this weekend, make sure your home is packed with storm essentials.

During extreme winter conditions, staying home is often the safest plan.

According to the NOAA, only 20% of storm-related deaths occur at home. Compare that to the 70% of deaths happening out on the road, and having a stocked home is the best way to wait out the storm.

Batteries and water may seem like obvious supplies you should already have, but double check just to make sure. A lot of times, people discover they are missing a key item when it is far too late.

With power outages a possibility, gather flashlights and check their batteries ahead of time.

If the heat shuts off, make sure to block doors with a towel to keep cold air out. Wear layers while inside, to keep warm without overheating.

Do a survey of other items in your home that you may overlook otherwise. For example, if you are running low on prescription medication, keep in mind that pharmacies might also be without power for a couple of days.

A general rule of thumb is to have enough supplies for at least a week.

Also, families might want to consider pulling out board games and a deck of cards. With the prospect of being snowed-in without power, something to keep kids busy is a must.