Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist For Homeowners and Families

Winter storms can bring dangerous conditions including heavy snow, ice and arctic cold. Preparing your home and family ahead of time can help keep them safe and comfortable.

Know the difference between a Winter Weather Watch and a Winter Storm Warning. Stock up on food, water and blankets to last at least three days.

Make a Plan

Winter storms can bring bitter cold temperatures, snow, ice and other hazardous conditions. If you live in an area prone to winter weather, be prepared ahead of time by having supplies and a communication and disaster plan for your home and car.

Some people are able to survive severe winter storms without any problems, while others find themselves stranded or in danger of losing their homes due to power outages and road closures. The key to staying safe and comfortable during extreme cold or winter storms is advance planning, preparation and a little luck!

The first step is to make a family emergency plan. Include everyone who lives in the household and make sure all members know what to do when a winter weather advisory, warning or watch is issued. Make a list of items to keep in your home emergency kit and keep it updated all year long.

Make a checklist of items you will need for an extended stay at home during winter weather, such as warm clothing, extra blankets and extra heating fuel (like generator or gas) to last several days. Make sure the list includes a battery powered radio and flashlights, as well as a supply of water for drinking and cleaning. If you have pets, be sure to include a pet carrier and enough food and water for them as well.

You should also prepare your home by insulating your walls and attic, caulking and sealing doors and windows and covering exterior water pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Be sure to clear all rain gutters and trim tree branches that could fall on the house during a storm.

Getting ready for winter storms takes time, but the more you do now, the easier it will be to protect yourself and your loved ones later. Remember to tune in to local news and radio stations for updates on the latest snow, ice or freezing rain warnings and alerts.

If you are told to shelter in place during a winter storm, choose a room in your home with few or no windows and close off all doors, fireplace dampers and air vents. Turn off fans, heaters and air conditioning to save energy. Listen for any evacuation orders on the radio and TV and follow the advice.

Make a Disaster Supplies Kit

During a winter storm, it is important to have the supplies you will need if your family must evacuate. Your emergency supplies kit should include enough nonperishable food to last your family three days. If possible, store food in containers that can be opened with a can opener. Also, make sure to keep a supply of water on hand – one gallon per person, per day. The kit should also include a blanket and sleeping bag for each family member, some warm clothing, first aid items, flashlights and batteries, tools, copies of your family’s personal documents (driver’s license, insurance policies, etc.) and special items for children and pets.

Make sure to keep the kit in a place that is easy to access in case of an evacuation. A suitcase, duffle bag or footlocker is a good choice. Label the container with your name, phone number and address. Also, write down what each item is for so it is easier to replace lost items in the future. If you have any medications, make sure to include a two-week supply.

As you put the kit together, be sure to go over the list with your family and discuss each item. This is a great time to talk about how to prepare your home for a disaster and other safety tips.

If you work in an office, it’s a good idea to have a similar kit for your workplace that includes essential items like extra clothing and snacks. It’s also a good idea to talk with your supervisor about being prepared for a severe weather event.

It’s also a good idea to discuss your plan with family members and coworkers. Be sure everyone knows what to do if a severe weather event occurs while you are at work or at home. Make a plan on how you will communicate with each other if you are separated during or after the storm. This will help to reduce stress during a disaster. It’s also a good idea for families to establish a safe meeting place to meet if necessary.

Make a Back-Up Plan

If your family’s plans are disrupted, or you find yourself stranded on the road during a winter storm or severe cold weather event, a prepared back-up plan makes all the difference. With the right supplies and a solid disaster supply kit, you’ll have everything you need to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your car safe and comfortable.

Be sure to include everyone in your household when making a plan and discuss what to do if you’re unable to get home or you have to evacuate. It’s a good idea to have a separate emergency bag for each family member that includes copies of important documents, medical information and vital contacts, flashlights, batteries and chargers, water, food, blankets and sleeping bags. Keep the bag in an easy to reach spot so it’s quick and simple to grab if you need to leave the house in a hurry.

When a winter storm watch or warning is issued, it means that hazardous snowy or icy conditions are expected within the next 12 to 36 hours. Listen to local radio or television for updates and follow local weather advisories.

Blizzards are severe winter weather events that occur when snow, sleet, freezing rain or a wintry mix of precipitation falls at or below freezing temperatures accompanied by high winds. These conditions make travel hazardous and can cause power outages that may last for days.

During a blizzard, stay home and huddle up with your family in a room that has few doors or windows. Turn off the furnace and fireplace, close windows, air vents and exterior doors, and cover any open drains with plastic sheeting or duct tape. Check your winter emergency supplies and restock if necessary.

Make Sure Your Car is Ready

Winter storms can cause a variety of problems, including power outages, loss of communication services and slippery roads. The best way to protect yourself and your family is by being prepared before the storm hits. By creating a communication and disaster plan, storing essential supplies, insulating water lines and having alternative heating sources on hand, you can minimize the damages a winter storm can bring.

Before a winter storm arrives, be sure to service your vehicle and pack a car emergency kit. This includes checking the exhaust pipe to ensure it is not clogged, which could result in carbon monoxide poisoning while driving.

Make sure your gas tank is full, and that you have enough food and water for at least three days in case you are stranded. Also, make sure to keep the batteries in your cell phone and other electronic devices charged, as power outages can prevent you from using them.

If you are planning a trip, account for extra travel time due to winter road conditions and potential delays from snow plows or salt sprayers. When you are on the road, drive slowly and allow plenty of distance between you and the car ahead. Keep an eye on weather and road conditions, and avoid distractions like talking on the phone or eating/drinking while driving.

When a winter storm warning is issued, stay at home and don’t travel unless absolutely necessary. This will allow you to monitor the progress of the storm and take any necessary precautions to prepare your home.

If you must leave your home, be sure to clear a path to your door and garage, as well as other entrances. Be sure to use caution when shoveling and be aware of the potential for ice dams to form in gutters or roofs, which could collapse your house’s structure. Additionally, be mindful of the potential for trees or power lines to fall during a winter storm. Stay updated on the latest weather alerts, and move your vehicles to a safe location to avoid damage from falling branches or power lines.