We moved from Louisiana to Wyoming. We had never experienced anything like winter in Wyoming. Hurricane-speed winds are common here. That combined with freezing temperatures requires preparation. Here are some things I’ve found useful or keep on hand for emergencies.
Car Essentials
Windshield Repair Kit: Most of Wyoming’s roads are gravel. People zoom around on gravel roads. Transitioning from gravel roads to paved roads sends lots of rocks flying at windshields. I’ve used repair kits on my windshield regularly.
Heavy-Duty Ice Scraper & Snow Brush: An extended, durable scraper for clearing thick frost and snow quickly.
Jump Starter or Jumper Cables: Vital due to the strain cold weather puts on car batteries.
Traction Aids: Carry sand or kitty litter for extra grip on icy roads.
Emergency Car Kit: Include blankets, a flashlight, flares, and snacks for safety during breakdowns.
Cold Weather Clothing
Insulated Gloves & Wool Socks: Retain warmth even when wet.
Layered Outerwear: A waterproof winter coat with layered insulation for extreme weather.
Ear Muffs & Insulated Hats: Keep ears protected and body heat retained.
Waterproof, Insulated Boots with Snow Grippers: Essential for traction on snow and ice.
Winter Home Preparation
Backup Heating & Power: Portable or whole-house generators and indoor portable heaters provide emergency warmth.
Insulation & Draft Control: Door draft stoppers and window insulation kits help retain heat.
Emergency Food & Water Supplies: Store non-perishables and water in case of power outages.
Humidifier: Combat dry winter air, reducing respiratory issues and skin dryness.
Snow & Ice Management
Snow Shovel & Ice Melt: Keep sidewalks and driveways clear and safe.
Roof Rake: Prevents heavy snow buildup that can damage the roof.
Outdoor & Safety Gear
Flashlight/Headlamp: Important for short winter days, especially if hiking or if power is out.
Bear Spray: For areas where wildlife is present year-round.
Food Delivery Subscriptions
Wyoming’s winter weather is no joke—heavy snow, icy roads, and fierce winds can make even basic tasks like grocery shopping challenging. In rural Wyoming, grocery stores are often far from residential areas. Many residents need to drive an hour or more just to reach the nearest store. Add in unpredictable winter road conditions, and it’s clear that grocery trips can be a major undertaking. Food delivery subscriptions like Amazon Fresh and Thrive Market can make a huge difference by providing a reliable, affordable solution for keeping your pantry stocked safely during the colder months.
Approximately 8% of Wyoming’s population uses SNAP benefits in 2024 (making the state one of the lower-ranked for SNAP participation in the U.S.). Amazon offers a discounted subscription for EBT users. SNAP EBT funds can be used to buy eligible food items on Amazon and Amazon Fresh. If you sign up for a free trial with this link, I may get a small commission from Amazon. Every Thrive Market membership purchased sponsors a one-year membership for a teacher, student, veteran, nurse, first responder, or family in financial need. These are two great options for food delivery, especially for low income families.
Specialty Foods and Wine Delivery
Having affordable organic wine delivered to my door is a huge advantage that comes with my Thrive Market subscription. My family has food allergies. The search filters on Thrive Market are exceptionally reliable. If you’d like to see pricing and get 40% off your order, I have info posted at ashleycuevas.com/thrive. They give credits towards groceries for referring friends.
Wyoming Prairie 