Winter is on its way to Port Jefferson Station, and now is the time to get ready. The National Weather Service and the New York State Office of Emergency Management is promoting winter safety to all New Yorkers during Winter Weather Awareness Week October 25 through October 31.
What happened
Each fall the National Weather Service works with New York State emergency managers on Winter Weather Awareness Week, a period devoted to helping New Yorkers prepare before snow and cold arrive. In 2026 it runs October 25 through October 31. The idea is to protect yourself and your household by gathering emergency supplies and making a plan before the first storm hits. Heavy snow can immobilize a region, strand commuters, close roads, and disrupt services, so a little preparation now goes a long way when the weather turns. Living on Long Island means lake effect and coastal storms can move in quickly, and being ready ahead of time keeps your household safe and calm. It also means you are less likely to be caught out on Route 112 or the surrounding roads when visibility drops and conditions get slick.
What it means for Port Jefferson Station shoppers
A winter storm can knock out power, close roads, and make it harder to reach the grocery store for a day or two. Your neighborhood convenience store is often the closest place to pick up the basics, and preparing ahead means you will not be scrambling when the weather turns. When the wind picks up and the snow starts falling, the last thing you want is to discover you are out of water, batteries, or non perishable food. A small stockpile at home means you can stay off the roads and stay warm while the storm passes. The National Weather Service says you should keep at least a three day supply of non perishable food which requires no cooking or refrigeration, and to store one gallon of water per person, per day. Your disaster supplies for the home should also include a first aid kit along with essential prescription medication, a battery operated radio, a NOAA weather radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and several blankets.
What to do now: a winter-readiness checklist
Here is a simple plan you can start today, one step at a time, so you are ready before the first flakes fly. You do not need a big vehicle or a huge pantry; a few smart picks on your next trip to the store will do it.
- 1. Stock up on non perishable food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, enough for at least three days. Think canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, and cereal.
- 2. Store one gallon of water per person, per day, and keep it somewhere easy to reach.
- 3. Pick up flashlights and extra batteries so you have light if the power goes out.
- 4. Get a battery operated radio or a NOAA weather radio to stay informed during a storm.
- 5. Keep a first aid kit and essential prescription medication on hand.
- 6. Throw several blankets in your kit in case the heat stops working.
- 7. Make a non electric can opener part of your supplies so you can open canned food without power.
- 8. Pack a small car kit with a blanket, bottled water, snacks, a flashlight, and an ice scraper.
- 9. Check on older neighbors and neighbors with young children before and after a storm.
- Final step: Keep your phone charged and know where your flashlights are before a storm is forecast.
Stock up close to home
Long Island Convenience Store is your neighborhood stop on Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station, and we carry the items on this list: bottled water, non perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and more. When you are making your winter plan, swing by and pick up what you need. Because we are open around the clock, you can grab supplies even after other stores have closed for the night. There is no need to drive far or wait in a big store aisle when the essentials are right down the block. A few minutes on your way home is all it takes to be ready for the season. See our hours and location on the visit page, and browse what we carry on the what we carry page.
Sources
- Winter Weather Awareness Week: Oct 25-Oct 31, 2026, National Weather Service (Buffalo, NY), October 18, 2026
- Winter Storms & Extreme Cold, Erie County Department of Health