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10 Forgotten Home Gadgets That Helped People Survive Blizzards on a Budget

Discover 10 forgotten home gadgets that once served as lifesavers during blizzards, offering ingenious, budget-friendly solutions to keep people warm, safe, and connected when winter storms hit.

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 4 min read
10 Forgotten Home Gadgets That Helped People Survive Blizzards on a Budget
Christian SPULLER from Unsplash

When blizzards hit, individuals turned to smart and cheap gizmos to survive the extreme weather without spending a fortune. Between kerosene heaters and hand-crank flashlights, these old tools provided needed warmth, illumination, and communication when the power was out and the snow was extreme. Reviving these pioneering, inexpensive survival gizmos is an eye-opener at how thriftiness kept families intact in the midst of nature’s worst.

1. Kerosene Heaters

Image from Northern Tool Image from Northern Tool

When electric heaters were not yet common, kerosene heaters were the only means of keeping houses warm during blizzard-induced power failures. They operate on kerosene, a fairly cheap and readily available fuel source, and thus are a favorite among emergency heaters. Individuals would use portable heaters in small rooms to build a warm haven from subzero temperatures.

2. Wood Stoves

Image from Forge & Flame Image from Forge & Flame

A standard in country homes, wood stoves are very efficient for enduring blizzards without electricity. They are not only warm but can also be used to prepare meals, providing warmth and nourishment when stuck indoors. With the advent of new heating systems, their popularity waned, but they are still an affordable survival tool for rural locations.

3. Hand-Crank Flashlights

Image from The Para Shop Manila Image from The Para Shop Manila

When snowstorms take out the power, a good light source is essential. Hand-crank flashlights, which do not need batteries, were once a standard gadget in every storm preparedness kit. With a simple turn of a crank, users could create enough power to light up dark areas, making them a cheap substitute for regular flashlights.  

4. Camp Stoves

Image from The New York Times Image from The New York Times

Camp stoves are a convenient and lightweight blizzard cooking solution. They operate on alcohol or propane fuel. Ideal for cooking hot meals when your primary cooking equipment is not available, camp stoves are used by individuals in kitchens, garages, or any areas with suitable ventilation, providing a constant cooking method during prolonged stormy durations.

5. Portable Battery-Powered Radios

Image from Ubuy Philippines Image from Ubuy Philippines

Before smartphones, battery-powered portable radios were a must for receiving information on weather conditions in blizzards. These radios could receive emergency broadcasts, informing residents of road closures, power losses, and safety advice. Small, cheap, and simple to operate, they were often part of a winter house staple.

6. Heat Packs (Hand and Body Warmers)

Ubuy Philippines Ubuy Philippines

Disposable heat packets, typically used for skiing or other outdoor adventures, would prove useful during intense winter weather. With just the squeeze of a can or shaking motion, these small, low-cost packages would generate hours of heat for your hands, feet, or body. They saved the day when the power was out and when people couldn’t count on traditional methods of heat.

7. Reflective Emergency Blankets

Image from Total Prepare Image from Total Prepare

Popular for their small size and lightweight, reflective emergency blankets saved body heat during blackouts or when stuck outside. Reflecting as much as 90% of body heat, these silver blankets were a cheap means of staying warm without bulky clothing. A staple in every emergency kit, they were simple to store and deploy when the temperature dropped.

8. Non-Electric Water Filters

Image from ZeroB Image from ZeroB

Where blizzards might isolate access to running water, non-electric water purification filters were essential for survival. These filters relied on gravity or a hand-pump system to purify water from lakes, rivers, or snow, providing access to safe drinking water. For their simplicity and affordability, they were an attractive solution for homes in times of extreme weather.

9. Solar-Powered Chargers

Image from Ubuy Philippines Image from Ubuy Philippines

Maintaining phones in a charge state during extended blackouts during blizzards may become a safety concern. Solar-powered chargers created an environmentally responsible, cost-efficient means of keeping critical electronics operational. With a small solar panel and a battery, solar-powered chargers could trickle charges to devices, making them effective communications equipment during an emergency.

10. Snow Shovels with Long Handles

Image from Lowe’s Image from Lowe’s

Though not a technological device, the long-handled snow shovel was a lifesaver during blizzards. Its longer reach enabled individuals to clear driveways and walkways with less strain, minimizing the chances of injury or fatigue. Aside from keeping individuals safe and on the move, it also kept the snow from building up too high against houses, which could make cold weather worse.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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