I keep a moderate gas powered generator at the house for times when a portable power source is necessary. It is not a big generator, but has sufficient power for 4-5 lights. I'll get one of the larger Honda units when my business needs a generator.
The ventless gas heaters are excellent for a winter heat source.
Oil lamps work pretty well for temporary light source and provide a little heat. I prefer them to candle, but keep candles around too. (CO producer)
The last weather related power outage I was in lasted about 12 hours for us. We had just moved into a new house. It had a wood fireplace, but we had no wood. Many did not have electricity for a week. After that event, I bought a kerosene heater just in case. During non-emergency times, I use it to heat my garage if I'm working out there in the winter. We also have a gas fireplace now and it puts out a lot of heat if needed. Pay attention to CO emissions. It's important.
Cooking. I would use a gas grill. Charcoal does not work very well in the winter. I keep extra gas around all the time.
Water: If we have some warning, I fill the bath tubs with water for washing or flushing tiolets. I keep a number of the collapsable 5-gallon containers around for potable water as well as store bought bottled water.
We try to keep a modest 30-day (for two) food supply in the house. Mostly canned goods that are used. I mark the top of the cans with the date of purchase for easy checking. Stuff after the expiration date tends to get tossed if we don't use it even though I feel confident that the contents are fine. I blame that on my wifee. She is a bacteria freak.
