# Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist For Homeowners and Families

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/winter-storm-preparedness-checklist-for-homeowners-and-families/
- Published: 2026-07-06T15:43:05-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

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.

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