Your storm cupboard, without breaking the bank

On Alston Moor, snow or a storm can close the roads and cut the power for days at a time. A storm cupboard means your household can manage until things get back to normal. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, and you don’t have to buy it all at once.

Build it up bit by bit

Add one or two extra things to each shop: a tin of beans, a packet of oats, a bottle of water.
Choose own-brand tins and packets. They’re just as good and much cheaper.
Buy things your household already eats, so nothing is wasted.
Put new things at the back and use the oldest first.
“Best before” means food is still safe after that date, though it may not be at its best. “Use by” is the date that matters for safety.

Water costs almost nothing

Water is the most important thing in your cupboard, and you can fill it from the tap for free.

Aim for 10 litres per person per day, for at least 3 days, with extra for babies and pets.
Keep clean bottles filled, and swap the water every few months.
When a storm is forecast, fill the kettle, some jugs and the bath.

Food that needs no cooking

If the power goes off, you may not be able to cook. Keep food you can eat straight from the tin or packet:

tinned fish, meat, beans and fruit
crackers, oatcakes, cereal and long-life milk
peanut butter, nuts and dried fruit
a tin opener that is not electric

A flask of hot water made before the power goes means a hot drink, instant porridge or a pot noodle later.

Keeping warm, safe and in touch

A torch (battery or wind-up) is much safer than candles.
A battery or wind-up radio, for news during a power cut.
A charged phone power bank.
Warm layers, hats and blankets or sleeping bags.
Some cash. Card machines don’t work in a power cut.
Order repeat prescriptions in good time before bad weather.
Never use a barbecue, camping stove or generator indoors. They give off carbon monoxide, which can kill.

If you or someone at home needs extra help

If someone in your home is older, disabled, unwell or uses medical equipment, ask United Utilities and Electricity North West to add you to their free Priority Services Registers. You can also add someone to our Vulnerable neighbours list, so they get a welfare check in an emergency: https://amerg.org/neighbours.php

If money is tight, free food help is available from Alston Moor Food Bank.

Our full storm cupboard list

Our printable checklist covers everything to keep at home, plus a kit for the car: https://amerg.org/prepare.php#storm-cupboard

Look out for your neighbours

When the weather turns, please knock on the door of anyone nearby who lives alone, is older or may struggle. A quick check can make a real difference.

Could you help this winter?

AMERG is run by local volunteers, and we’d love more of them. You don’t need any special skills. Just tell us what you can offer and when: https://amerg.org/volunteer.php?tab=offer