10 unexpected items that can help you during a blizzard

Stay safe during blizzards.Brian Snyder/Reuters

• Aside from obvious emergency kit necessities like food, water, and first aid supplies, everyday items can also be helpful in a blizzard.
• According to the Red Cross, home fires spike during the coldest months of the year due to various heating methods, so fire extinguishers are a must.
• If a car gets stuck in the snow, you can use sand, rocks, cat litter, car floor mats, and pine needles from surrounding trees to increase traction.
• Newspapers and maps can be used as insulation if you're stranded in your car.

Parts of the Northeast could see the "biggest snowstorm in years" this week, according to AccuWeather. While the storm is expected to move quickly, it could dump 2 feet of snow on some places.

Insider spoke to the American Red Cross about how to stay safe during winter storms using objects you probably already have on hand.

Aside from obvious emergency kit necessities like food, water, and first aid supplies, some everyday items can be surprisingly helpful during heavy snowfall.

Here are 10 unexpected items that can be useful in winter weather.