Keep extra blankets on hand and consider investing in a generator that will power essentials, says Irwin Redlener, founder and director of Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness.

WSJ: Be Prepared for Winter Storms and Natural Disasters

In case of the latter, pack an emergency kit for the trunk that, at the least, contains jumper cables, a flashlight, ice scraper, flares or warning triangles, extra gloves and hats, blankets, snacks, a first aid kit and a small snow shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter to help should your car get stuck in the snow.

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It found that not all sick days are spent under piles of blankets, with a thermometer and extra-strength meds.

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