In just the first few weeks of this year, the United States has already run the weather gamut. We've seen crippling ice storms on top of record snowfall from Maine to the Florida Keys; historic low temperatures across the northern Midwest and Northeast; devastating drought conditions on the West Coast - these conditions have given survivalists more than enough reason to restock our storm kits.

Winter storm survival is a skill all its own. Preparing for the worst as unprecedented weather systems head your way means stocking up on more than just the obvious essentials. With winter ice and snow, you’ll need to up your game for storm survival.

Here are 3 Must Haves for your winter survival kit:

1. Flashlights. The days are shorter in the winter, so lost power means a lot more time spent in the dark. Headlamps are 

essential for hands-free illumination, and our LED lights carry a charge for up to 96 hours. In case of an extended blackout, have candles and extra batteries stocked as well.

2. Fire starters. Losing of power in the winter usually also means losing heat; stay warm during a winter weather emergency by building a fire. Fire starters make starting a fire quicker and easier in cold and damp conditions, whether in your fireplace, a grill, or in the yard. Fire building is an essential survival skill for fending off hunger and cold.

3. Food supply. You never know how long it will be before conditions are safe, so be sure to have enough food to last. When an entire region is in the dark, utility companies will be scrambling to get customers plugged in again. Even if your power company is working overtime, it best to prepare for the long haul. If you are a skilled marksman, don’t neglect your crossbow during a survival situation - freshly-hunted sustenance will help keep spirits high until the power is back.

While it would be nice to think that we have already seen the last of the polar vortex weather for this season, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter - so as always, prepare for the worst!